Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Counselling Services in Birmingham
Open Door Counselling has been a leading provider of person-centred counselling for over 50 years, established in 1967 to support vulnerable young people in Birmingham. We offer confidential, affordable counselling services for individuals aged five and above, as well as schools and corporate clients across the West Midlands. Our therapeutic approach prioritises a safe, welcoming environment where clients explore personal challenges with trained professionals. Accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), we adhere to rigorous ethical standards and provide monthly clinical supervision for our counsellors. Our team includes Senior BACP-accredited professionals who bring decades of experience in mental health support.We pioneered school-based counselling in Birmingham over a decade ago and continue expanding access to vital emotional wellbeing services. Our facilities in Quadrant Court, Edgbaston, offer flexible session times, including evenings and weekends. We also provide discounted therapy for trainee counsellors and host monthly mental health support groups. Committed to safeguarding and ethical practice, we follow Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership guidelines and maintain our own Code of Ethics. With a legacy of innovation, we recently launched a specialist grief and bereavement counselling service to address evolving community needs.
Services
One-to-one counselling
Couples counselling
Grief counselling
Family support
School counselling
Corporate counselling
Trainee therapy
Counselling space hire
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- BACP-accredited service with counsellors trained to Diploma level and above
- 50+ years of experience pioneering school-based counselling in Birmingham
- Person-centred approach with flexible evening and weekend appointments
- Monthly mental health support groups for peer-to-peer connection
- Specialist grief and bereavement counselling launched in 2025
Associations and certifications
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Services
One-to-one counselling
Professional, confidential counselling sessions for individuals aged five and above. Our person-centred approach creates a safe space to explore personal challenges with qualified therapists. Sessions available in daytime, evening, and weekend slots at our Quadrant Court facility.
School counselling
On-site mental health services for schools across Birmingham. Delivered by trained professionals, our school programme addresses emotional wellbeing for pupils through tailored counselling interventions. We partner with six local schools to provide accessible support.
Grief counselling
Specialist therapy for those experiencing loss, launched in February 2025. Our counsellors help clients navigate grief through empathetic listening and structured support. Available face-to-face at our Edgbaston centre with flexible appointment times.
Counsellor training therapy
Discounted sessions for counsellors in training. This service supports professional development through personal therapy experiences. Sessions delivered by senior BACP-accredited practitioners to enhance self-awareness and therapeutic skills.
Counselling space hire
Professional therapy spaces available for hire at Quadrant Court. Our calm, welcoming rooms cater to therapists and practitioners seeking suitable venues. Located in Edgbaston with convenient access for Birmingham-based professionals.
People
Carmel Mullan-Hartley
Chief Executive
Senior BACP-accredited counsellor with over 30 years' experience. Leads clinical supervision and strategic direction at Open Door. Featured in Therapy Today as a counselling heroine for her contributions to the profession.
Colette Hartley
School Counsellor
Experienced therapist specialising in youth mental health. Develops school counselling programmes and contributes to parenting resources on self-harm, bullying, and eating disorders. Active in community mental health partnerships.
Questions
What counselling approaches do you use?
We use a person-centred approach, creating safe spaces for clients to explore issues with empathetic, non-judgmental support from trained professionals.
Do you offer online counselling sessions?
While our primary service is face-to-face at Quadrant Court, we temporarily offered telephone sessions during the pandemic and may reintroduce virtual options if needed.
How can schools access your services?
We partner with Birmingham schools to provide on-site counselling. Contact us directly to discuss implementing mental health support programmes for your educational institution.
Are your counsellors qualified?
All counsellors meet BACP standards, with trainees holding at least Diploma-level qualifications. Monthly clinical supervision ensures ongoing professional development and service quality.
Can I hire your therapy rooms?
Yes, our Quadrant Court facilities are available for hire. Ideal for therapists seeking professional spaces, with bookings managed through our central office.
Do you provide emergency mental health support?
We're not an emergency service, but our counsellors can help develop coping strategies. For urgent crises, contact local mental health services or emergency providers.
