We’re delighted to announce the launch of Open Minds, a new paid counselling service, starting 1 April 2026, designed to provide high quality mental health support that’s accessible and within reach for everyone.

Whether you’re struggling to cope with anxiety or stress, bereavement, relationship challenges or are finding it difficult to navigate other life issues, Open Minds offers a safe space to talk, be heard and find ways to move forward.

About Open Minds

Open Minds is run by Solent Mind. We are part of the Mind Federation and have been supporting individuals and communities across the region for many years. Our purpose is simple: to make high-quality counselling accessible to everyone, with no waiting times.

By offering this service, we’re taking another step towards breaking down barriers to mental health support, combining professional care with compassion and experience as Hampshire’s largest mental health charity.

Areas of support

Open Minds covers a broad range of concerns, including, but not limited to:

• Anxiety and stress
• Low mood or depression
• Bereavement and loss
• Relationship issues
• Exploring identity

Our counsellors

Whatever you’re facing, our qualified counsellors and experienced trainees are here to listen and support you, and we will match you with the person best suited to your needs. We believe strongly in providing a supportive framework for our team so that our service is the best it can be. All counsellors and trainees will receive ongoing support and clinical supervision. The length of support we provide is led by you, and we will work flexibly based on your individual needs, helping you move toward your personal goals.

Flexible counselling options

Open Minds provides counselling to suit you. You can choose the format that works best for your lifestyle, whether this is:

• Online counselling (9am-9pm Monday-Friday): Secure video sessions from the comfort of your home, ideal if travel is difficult or you require more flexibility with your appointment time. 
• In-person counselling (3pm-9pm Monday-Friday): Face-to-face sessions with walk-and-talk options at our Winchester Wellbeing Centre and Central Southampton locations. 
• Telephone counselling (9am-9pm Monday-Friday): Speak with a counsellor over the phone if you prefer not to meet in person or don’t have reliable internet access. 

Appointments are available from 1 April 2026, every weekday, until 9pm, giving you the flexibility to fit counselling around your personal commitments.

Why choose Open Minds?

Open Minds combines professional expertise with a charity ethos that puts people first. With Open Minds, you will receive:

• Experienced trainees and qualified counsellors, providing a safe and professional environment
• A confidential and judgement-free space to discuss your feelings openly
• No waiting lists - sessions are available to work around you and your needs

Fee information

Open Minds is priced at £45 per 50-minute session.

An introductory offer of £40 per session is available for new bookings made between 1 April 2026 and 30 June 2026, after a free initial consultation. You can book these here.

If you’re not sure whether counselling is right for you, you can book a free 20-minute session to speak to us about your needs. We can then assess how Open Minds can help before you commit to regular sessions.

How to book a session

Ready to talk? Book your session today to start in April.

1. Online: Fill out our quick registration form here
2. By phone or email: Call us on 0303 003 0193 or email openminds@solentmind.org.uk to arrange your first session

Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Not ready just yet, but want to know more? You can register your interest by clicking the button below and emailing the Open Minds team.