Online Therapy for British Expats: What to Know Before You Start
Moving abroad is often described as an adventure, and it can be. New places, new routines, sometimes a better job or more sunshine. But it can also be quietly hard. Friends and family are suddenly a time zone away, everyday things take more effort, and the support you relied on at home isn't there in the same way.
If you're a British expat thinking about therapy, you might be wondering whether you can still get help in English, how it works from abroad, and what you should check before you begin. This guide covers the practical questions, so you can start with confidence.
Why life abroad can feel harder than expected
Expat life tends to bring several changes at once: a new country, a new language or culture, a new job, and often a new social circle built from scratch. Even when the move was your choice and things are going well, it's common to feel:
lonely or isolated
unsure where "home" really is
guilty about being far from family
under pressure at work, with less support around you
low or anxious, without being able to say exactly why
None of this means the move was a mistake. It means you're adjusting, and that adjustment can be easier with someone to talk it through with.
Can you still use the NHS?
In most cases, no. If you've moved abroad to live, you're usually no longer entitled to free NHS care in the UK, and that includes NHS Talking Therapies. Local mental health services may be available where you live, but waiting lists, cost and language can all be barriers.
That's why many British expats choose private online therapy with a UK-based therapist. You get support in English, from someone who understands British culture, and you can take sessions from home wherever you are.
How online therapy with me works
Online therapy across borders is straightforward once a few things are in place. Here's how it works when we work together:
Qualifications. I'm a Professionally Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (PNCPS Acc.), and I've completed all parts of the standard EMDR Europe Accredited Training.
Insurance. I'm fully insured to work online with clients living outside the UK, except in the USA and Canada.
Local rules. A small number of countries restrict therapy from a practitioner based in another country, so I'll ask you to check this before we start. I'm happy to talk it through with you.
Time zones. Sessions run during the UK day and early evening, and we'll agree a regular time that works for you week after week.
Fees and payment. Counselling is £65 and EMDR is £75 for a 50-minute session, paid in pounds sterling by Wise or SEPA/IBAN transfer.
If you move. Expat life can change quickly. In most cases we can carry on if you relocate again or return to the UK. Just let me know before you move so I can check.
If you have any other questions, we can go through them together in a free consultation before you decide anything.
Making online sessions work well
A little preparation makes a big difference to how online therapy feels:
Find a private space. Somewhere you won't be overheard, even if that means a parked car or a quiet room with the door closed.
Use headphones. They help with privacy and make the conversation feel more personal.
Check your connection and platform. Some countries restrict certain video or calling apps, so test that the platform works where you are before your first session.
Give yourself a buffer. A few minutes before and after each session, rather than going straight in from a meeting, helps you arrive and then settle afterwards.
What online therapy can't do
As I'm based in the UK, I can't provide emergency help in your country. It's sensible to know your local emergency number and how to reach a doctor where you live, and we'll agree a simple plan together at the start. It's part of working safely, wherever you are.
Is online therapy as effective as meeting in person?
For many people, yes. Research suggests online therapy can work as well as face-to-face therapy for many common difficulties, such as anxiety and low mood. Many clients also find it easier to open up from their own space. What matters most is the relationship we build, and that can develop just as well on a screen.
Structured approaches can work online too. EMDR therapy, for example, can be adapted for video sessions using on-screen eye movements or audio tones.
Getting support from home, wherever home is
I'm a PNCPS accredited counsellor and EMDR therapist based in the UK, and I offer online counselling for expats and English-speaking clients living abroad (except in the USA and Canada). Many expat clients work with me over months, and having one steady, consistent space can make a real difference when everything around you is changing.
If you'd like to talk about whether therapy could help, you can book a free 20-minute consultation. We'll talk about what's going on for you, how sessions would work with your time zone, and whether we're a good fit.
