Aldgate, London -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/19/2010 -- Founded in 2000, the London Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (LACAP) was established by twelve like-minded therapists whose aim was to provide private, easily accessible and affordable counselling and psychotherapy for everyone, regardless of an individual's financial situation. In a sector where prices for therapy were (and still are) high, and therefore exclusive, LACAP's goal was to give an option to those on a lower income to have access to the same quality of counselling as individuals earning more, without being forced to endure the lengthy waiting lists of the NHS.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the London Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy bases its fees on a sliding scale, according to income. Therefore, by utilising a percentage of fees from higher paying clients to fund therapy sessions provided to those earning less than £20,000 per annum, LACAP is able to ensure not only a fair payment structure, but also an equal standard of therapeutic treatment for everyone. What also makes LACAP different from other funded services is that there is no limit on how long therapeutic treatment lasts and next-day appointments can be booked via the website http://www.london-counselling-psychotherapy.co.uk/ where the therapists' on-line diaries are available to view.

In 2010 LACAP has grown its group practice considerably and now provides clinical space for over thirty-five senior associate psychotherapists and twenty student associates at its central London premises. A combined total of more than 680 clinical hours are currently accorded to a client base in excess of 400 patients. With twelve consultation rooms and a spacious reception and waiting area, LACAP provides a comfortable, welcoming environment for those seeking private, confidential counselling.

Because of increasing demand for their services, LACAP has recently announced that it will be going ahead with plans to expand their current space to include an extra seven consultation rooms with a view to completion by early 2011. This expansion is also planned to contain a room set aside specifically for web-based therapy sessions where therapists can conduct counselling via the internet for clients who find it difficult to attend sessions in person.

Clinical manager and co-founder of LACAP, Donald Kirkpatrick said “This is a very exciting time for LACAP as we will be able to extend our services in a virtual capacity.

It will increase accessibility to treatment for the physically disabled as well as residents outside of London and the UK. Advances in communication have opened up a completely new way in which psychotherapy can be obtained and we are looking forward to embarking on this new project. It fits perfectly with our established belief that counselling should be available to all.”