If you’ve recently been referred to CAMHS in Surrey or had a referral rejected you’ll know how stressful it can feel. Your child needs support now, and the idea of waiting months (sometimes well over a year) for an appointment is incredibly hard to sit with.
You’re not alone. Across Surrey, parents are increasingly turning to private therapy as an alternative, whether that’s to bridge the gap while waiting for NHS services, or to bypass the waiting list altogether.
So what are your options? And what does private support actually look like in practice?
NHS CAMHS plays a vital role, but demand has significantly outpaced capacity. Waiting times in Surrey can stretch from several months to well over a year depending on the service and level of need. For many families, that wait is simply not workable. Especially when a child is struggling with anxiety, low mood, self-harm, or difficulties at school right now.
Private therapy isn’t the right fit for every family, but for those who can access it, the benefits are significant:
Private therapy for children and teenagers in Surrey typically includes:
Many private providers also offer online sessions, which can be a game-changer for teenagers who feel more comfortable from their own environment or for families with busy schedules.
Based in Guildford, Surrey, Dr Jo Gee Psychotherapy is one of the most established private therapy services in the area and is a genuinely strong option for families looking for high-quality support for their child or teenager.
Here’s what makes the service stand out:
Exceptional experience and qualifications
Dr Jo Gee is a senior Clinical Psychotherapist with 17 years of experience developing and delivering psychotherapeutic services across NHS, forensic and private settings. She is a Senior Accredited Member of the BACP and her practice aligns to the SCoPEd framework. The professional standard for therapist competency in the UK. The team she has carefully built around her shares the same commitment to evidence-based, NICE-guidelines-aligned treatment.
Therapy for children from age 4 upwards
The practice treats all ages including children from the age of four, right through adolescence and into adulthood. Whether your child is in primary school or their teenage years, the team has the experience to help.
Faster access than NHS waiting times
Rather than waiting months for an initial assessment, Dr Jo Gee’s team typically offers much faster access to appointments. For many Surrey families, that speed makes all the difference when a child is struggling and action is needed now.
Personalised, one-to-one care
Every child is different, and the team tailors their approach accordingly. Sessions are 50 minutes of dedicated, one-to-one time. No group waiting rooms, no rotating staff, just a consistent relationship with a therapist who genuinely gets to know your child.
A range of evidence-based therapies
The practice offers CBT, DBT, psychotherapy and counselling, meaning the right treatment can be matched to your child’s specific needs rather than whatever happens to be available at that moment.
Online and in-person sessions
Appointments are available face-to-face at the Guildford clinic and online. Offering real flexibility for families across Surrey and beyond. Many teenagers actually prefer the online format, finding it easier to open up from the comfort of home.
If you’re worried about your child and don’t want to wait, reaching out to a private provider is a straightforward process. Dr Jo Gee’s team offers a free 15-minute consultation so you can talk through your child’s needs before committing to anything. A simple, no-pressure way to explore whether private therapy is the right fit.
Book a free consultation with Dr Jo Gee Psychotherapy
Please note that if your child is in crisis or at immediate risk, please contact your GP, call 999, or reach out to the CAMHS urgent line.
Yes – private therapy uses the same evidence-based treatments (such as CBT and DBT) that NHS CAMHS delivers, aligned to NICE guidelines. The key difference is faster access, greater consistency of care, and more flexibility around how and when sessions are delivered.
This varies by provider, but private therapy typically offers appointments within days or weeks rather than months. Dr Jo Gee’s team offers a free 15-minute consultation as a first step, so you can get started without delay.
Yes, and many families do exactly this. Private therapy while waiting for CAMHS can provide crucial support during what can otherwise be a very difficult period. It’s worth letting your CAMHS referrer know, as it may be relevant to your child’s ongoing care plan.
Not at all. Dr Jo Gee’s team offers both in-person sessions at their Guildford clinic and online therapy, with no difference in the quality or range of treatments available.
Many major insurers do cover private therapy. Dr Jo Gee Psychotherapy is recognised by most major insurance companies, but it’s always worth checking with your provider before booking to confirm your level of cover.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do contact us.
CONTACT THE TEAM