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Psychological Therapy for Alopecia & Hair Loss

Specialist emotional support for the psychological impact of hair loss.

From a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in appearance change.

You might be here because:

  • Your hair is getting thinner and more and more scalp is showing and it's getting to you

  • Your hair used to be your best feature but now your hairline is creeping back, it's getting thin on top and your work colleagues' banter about it is stinging more than you'd like

  • Maybe nearly all of your hair fell out suddenly over the course of a fortnight three months ago and you've barely left the house since

  • Since having your second child, your hair hasn't been the same, it's so thin now and it's deeply affecting your confidence

  • When you shower, way too much hair comes out and you feel bad that it's bothering you so much but it really is making you feel low

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If you recognise yourself in any of these examples, you are in the right place. All of these examples are common. You are not alone.

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We understand that the effects of hair loss go far beyond the physical.  In fact, many people - people like you - find the emotional aspect of the loss just as difficult, if not more, than the physical and practical aspects. Your confidence, relationships with loved ones, social life, work life, mood and identity may be affected. And it doesn't matter how much or how little hair you have lost, the emotional effect can be large with minimal hair loss and minimal with severe loss.​

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If you're finding things tough emotionally, your feelings are valid.

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Psychological therapy offers a confidential, supportive space to talk through what you're experiencing and help you develop ways to cope that feel manageable and realistic.​

How can therapy help me?

​Therapy can help you:

  • Understand and process the emotional shock of hair loss

  • Learn effective ways to manage anxiety, stress, and low mood.

  • Build confidence and self-compassion.

  • Cope with fear about the future and uncertainty

  • Reduce avoidance of everyday situations

  • Handle reactions from others

  • Feel more in control again

  • Improve relationships affected by stress or withdrawal

  • Navigate social or workplace challenges that feel harder since losing hair.

  • Talk honestly without feeling like a burden to family or friends

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Every person’s experience is unique. Each session will be tailored to you - whether your hair loss is new or something you’ve been living with for years.

Why psychological support matters

Hair is closely tied to identity, gender, culture and how we see ourselves. When it changes or is lost, it can feel like losing part of who you are..

Like any significant loss, hair loss can trigger difficult feelings and it's ok to ask for help.

Meet the Expert -
Dr Helen Watkins - Consultant Clinical Psychologist

We are proud to offer psychological support from Dr Helen Watkins, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 30 years of experience supporting people through significant life changes and over a decade dedicated to supporting people with appearance-related distress.

Dr Watkins specialises in helping individuals whose confidence, identity or wellbeing has been affected by changes in how they look and visible differences. She appreciates how deeply hair loss can affect daily life, even when others may not see it.

Dr Watkins' approach to therapy is compassionate, evidence-based and focused on practical strategies to help you cope, regulate overwhelming emotions and feel more steady and in control again. She offers a calm, respectful space where you can speak openly without judgement or pressure.

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Professional Registration

HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist
Chartered Member — British Psychological Society (BPS)
British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA)

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What's involved?

  1. Initial Phone Call

  2. First Appointment (Assessment)

  3. Therapy Sessions

How much does expert Clinical Psychologist Therapy
for Alopecia cost?

Clinical Psychologists are the highest level of providers of psychological therapy.  You can expect expert help including coping strategies tailored to you to help you manage your feelings about hair loss.

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 Your initial Phone Call (15 minutes) is Free of charge.  This is for you to speak to Dr Watkins to explore whether therapy could help you and for you to get to know Dr Helen a little.

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Online therapy sessions are £110.​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Emotional Help

Support groups like Alopecia UK groups can be helpful to many people.

Click here for details of your nearest group: Find an Alopecia Support Group

NHS psychological support provision varies across the UK, but you can ask your GP for help.

Growth Factor Hair Clinic monthly drop-in sessions.

If you live near our Cowbridge clinic, one Friday per month, anyone - patient of the clinic or not - is welcome to call in to the clinic for a chat. Our founder Dr Gwen also suffers with hair loss. All our experiences are different, but you will find empathy here. Please email drgwen@growthfactorhairclinic.co.uk to find out the next date.

There are general mental health support and self-care tools available on Mind.org.uk

Urgent Help / Crisis

  • NHS 111 for urgent mental health support

  • Your GP

  • A&E

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