Saya vs KonsultaMD: Which Online Therapy Platform Is Best in the Philippines?
Saya Team
Mental Health Team
In this Article
🔑 Key Takeaways
Choose Saya if you want: A therapy-dedicated platform with 50-minute sessions, guided therapist matching, between-session messaging, and transparent flat-rate pricing.
Choose KonsultaMD if you want: A telehealth super-app with on-demand access to general practitioners, counselors, and specialists—plus pharmacy delivery, lab tests, and home care.
The core difference: Saya is built exclusively for structured, long-term therapy. KonsultaMD is a broad healthcare platform that includes mental health as one of many services.
If you're searching for online therapy in the Philippines, you've likely come across both Saya and KonsultaMD. While both platforms offer mental health support, they serve fundamentally different purposes. This guide breaks down every difference so you can make an informed choice.
Platform Positioning: Therapy-Dedicated vs. Telehealth Super-App
What Is Saya?
Saya is a therapy-dedicated platform in the Philippines built exclusively for mental health. Every feature—from assessment-based matching to between-session messaging—is designed around the therapeutic relationship.
- •50-minute sessions (industry standard)
- •Same therapist across all sessions
- •In-app messaging between sessions
- •Flat-rate pricing: ₱1,300 counselor / ₱1,750 psychologist / ₱2,500 psychiatrist
🏥 What Is KonsultaMD?
KonsultaMD is a telehealth super-app offering on-demand access to general practitioners, specialists, pharmacy delivery, lab tests, and home care. Mental health counseling is one module within a broader healthcare ecosystem.
- •~30-minute sessions for on-demand counseling
- •Random provider assignment for on-demand consults
- •No between-session messaging
- •On-demand pricing: ₱399 chat / ₱600 video (counselor)
Feature Comparison: Saya vs KonsultaMD
| Feature | Saya | KonsultaMD |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Therapy-dedicated platform | Telehealth super-app (GP, pharmacy, labs, MH) |
| Session Duration | 50 minutes | ~30 minutes (on-demand) |
| Counselor Pricing | ₱1,300 / session (flat) | ₱399 chat / ₱600 video (on-demand) |
| Psychologist Pricing | ₱1,750 / session (flat) | Bookable via Consult Later (varies) |
| Therapist Selection | Guided assessment matching | Random (on-demand) or bookable (specialists) |
| Same Therapist Guarantee | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Between-Session Messaging | ✅ Included | ❌ Not available |
| Psychiatry Access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Consult Later) |
| Non-MH Healthcare | ❌ Therapy only | ✅ GP, pharmacy, labs, home care |
Therapist Matching: How Each Platform Connects You
Saya: Guided Assessment Matching
Saya uses a clinically informed assessment to understand your concerns, preferences, and goals—then recommends a therapist who specializes in what you need.
This is especially valuable for first-time therapy seekers who don't know the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and counselor.
KonsultaMD: On-Demand or Book Later
KonsultaMD's on-demand mental health service assigns an available counselor immediately—you don't choose who you speak with.
For specialist consults (psychologists, psychiatrists), you can use the "Consult Later" feature to browse and book specific providers. However, there's no guided matching process.
Pricing Comparison: What You Actually Pay
Understanding the real cost of therapy means looking beyond the per-session price. For a deeper look at affordable therapy options in the Philippines, check our comprehensive guide.
Saya Pricing
- ✓Counselor: ₱1,300 per 50-min session
- ✓Psychologist: ₱1,750 per 50-min session
- ✓Psychiatrist: ₱2,500 per session
- ✓Between-session messaging included
- ✓Published flat rates—no surprises
KonsultaMD Pricing
- •On-demand chat: ₱399 per ~30-min session
- •On-demand video: ₱600 per ~30-min session
- •Specialists: Variable pricing via Consult Later
- •No between-session messaging
- •Subscription plans may reduce per-consult cost
KonsultaMD's entry price is lower, but sessions are shorter and don't include continuity features. On a per-minute basis, the value proposition narrows significantly.
Session Depth: 30 Minutes vs. 50 Minutes
Session length directly impacts therapeutic depth. The 50-minute therapy hour is the global clinical standard because it allows time for rapport-building, exploration, and processing—all critical for lasting change.
50 Minutes (Saya)
- •Time for check-in, exploration, and closure
- •Deeper processing of emotions and patterns
- •Space for evidence-based interventions (CBT, DBT, etc.)
- •Aligns with international clinical standards
~30 Minutes (KonsultaMD)
- •Better suited for triage and quick check-ins
- •Limited time for deep emotional processing
- •More appropriate for acute concerns or screening
- •May require more frequent sessions for equivalent depth
Continuity and Long-Term Therapy
Research consistently shows that the therapeutic alliance—the relationship between you and your therapist—is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes. Continuity is how that alliance is built.
Saya: Continuity by Design
- ✓Same therapist across all sessions
- ✓In-app messaging between sessions
- ✓Therapist tracks your progress over time
- ✓No need to re-explain your history each session
KonsultaMD: On-Demand Model
- •On-demand consults may assign different counselors
- •Specialist booking allows choosing the same provider
- •No built-in messaging between sessions
- •Better suited for episodic care than ongoing therapy
Which Is Better for Different Scenarios?
🧠 Long-Term Therapy for Anxiety or Depression
Saya — 50-minute sessions, same therapist, between-session support, and assessment-based matching create the foundation for sustained progress.
🚨 Quick Mental Health Check-In
KonsultaMD — On-demand access at ₱399–₱600 is convenient for a quick triage session or when you need immediate support.
👨👩👧 Child or Teen Therapy
Saya — Continuity with the same therapist is especially important for younger clients who need time to build trust.
💊 Psychiatric Medication Management
Both — Both platforms offer psychiatry access. KonsultaMD via Consult Later booking; Saya as part of its integrated care team.
🏥 General Healthcare + Mental Health
KonsultaMD — If you also need GP consults, pharmacy delivery, lab tests, or home care, KonsultaMD's super-app model covers more ground.
🤷 First Time Seeking Therapy
Saya — Guided matching removes the guesswork. You don't need to know whether you need a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist—the assessment helps you find the right fit.
Final Summary
If your primary goal is structured, ongoing therapy—with 50-minute sessions, the same therapist, between-session messaging, and transparent pricing—then Saya is purpose-built for that experience.
If you want a broad telehealth platform that includes on-demand mental health counseling alongside general healthcare services, KonsultaMD's super-app model offers wider coverage.
The best platform depends on what you need. For therapy as a journey, Saya. For healthcare as a service, KonsultaMD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to try Saya?
Download the app and get matched with your ideal therapist today.
