How Much Does Therapy Cost in the Philippines? 2026 Guide
Saya Editorial Team
Mental Health Team
In this article
In this Article
Therapy in the Philippines ranges from free public care to ₱5,000+ private consultations. This guide breaks down every option — by provider type, region, and insurance — so you can find care that fits your budget and your needs.
📋 Key Takeaways
- ✓Online psychologist sessions (Saya) start at ₱1,750 for 50 minutes — the most affordable PRC-licensed private option.
- ✓Private psychiatrist initial consultations typically cost ₱2,500–₱5,000+; follow-ups ₱1,500–₱2,500.
- ✓Licensed counselors (RGC) charge ₱1,000–₱2,500 per session.
- ✓PhilHealth covers ₱9,000/year general and ₱16,000/year specialised outpatient mental health care.
- ✓HMOs (Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare, PhilCare) may cover sessions — always verify your plan's specifics.
- ✓Free options exist: NCMH, university clinics, and sliding-scale private practitioners.
- ✓Metro Manila is the most expensive region; Davao and regional cities are 20–40% cheaper.
Quick Price Reference
Ranges reflect 2026 market rates for private care in Metro Manila. Regional and online rates may be lower.
| Provider | Credential | Session Cost (PHP) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | Dr. | ₱2,500–₱5,000+ initial ₱1,500–₱2,500 follow-up |
30–60 min |
| Psychologist | RPsy | ₱1,500–₱3,500 | 50–60 min |
| Counselor | RGC | ₱1,000–₱2,500 | 50–60 min |
| Saya (Online) | RPsy / RGC | ₱1,750 | 50 min |
| Public / NCMH | Various | Free – ₱500 | Varies |
Who Can Provide Therapy in the Philippines?
The Philippines regulates mental health professionals through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Understanding the difference between provider types helps you choose the right level of care — and avoid unlicensed practitioners. For a deeper comparison, see our Psychiatrist vs Psychologist vs Counselor guide.
Psychiatrist (Dr.)
Medical doctors who completed a residency in psychiatry. They diagnose and treat mental health disorders and are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication in the Philippines. Regulated by the PRC Board of Medicine. Best for complex conditions, medication management, or when a diagnosis is needed.
Typical cost: ₱2,500–₱5,000+ initial / ₱1,500–₱2,500 follow-up
Registered Psychologist (RPsy)
Hold a master's or doctorate in psychology and are licensed by the PRC Board of Psychology. They provide psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and counseling. Cannot prescribe medication. The most accessible licensed therapist for talk therapy, CBT, and evidence-based interventions.
Typical cost: ₱1,500–₱3,500 per session | Saya: ₱1,750
Registered Guidance Counselor (RGC)
Licensed by the PRC Board of Guidance and Counseling. Provide personal, career, and emotional counseling — commonly in educational settings but also in private practice. An excellent entry-level option for life stressors, adjustment issues, and general mental wellness.
Typical cost: ₱1,000–₱2,500 per session
Registered Psychometrician (RPm)
Licensed by the PRC Board of Psychology. Specialise in administering and scoring psychological tests and preparing reports. Work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. They do not provide psychotherapy — their role is assessment-focused.
Typically encountered in clinical or corporate assessment contexts.
Recommended Platform
Saya — Most Affordable PRC-Licensed Therapy
Saya is the Philippines' most affordable private online therapy platform with verified PRC-licensed practitioners. Every psychologist and counselor has a public profile with credentials, specializations, and genuine client reviews — so you know exactly who you're talking to.
₱1,750
Per 50-min session
10%
Off your first session
50 min
Full therapeutic sessions
PRC
Licensed practitioners
Not sure where to start? Try a free mental health assessment first.
Regional Cost Variations
Therapy costs in the Philippines are highest in Metro Manila, where the concentration of private practitioners and operating costs are greatest. Rates in regional cities are typically 20–40% lower — but access to specialists can be more limited.
Metro Manila
BGC, Makati, Ortigas, QC
Highest cost; largest provider network; longest wait times for psychiatrists.
Cebu City
Visayas region
Slightly lower than Manila; growing private sector with quality providers.
Davao City
Mindanao region
Most affordable major city; fewer specialists available; online therapy bridges the gap.
Insurance & PhilHealth Coverage
The Mental Health Act (RA 11036) mandates mental health coverage in Philippine insurance plans. Here's what you can actually access:
PhilHealth — National Health Insurance
Available to all active PhilHealth contributors
PhilHealth's Outpatient Mental Health Package provides:
- ₱9,000/year for general outpatient mental health services
- ₱16,000/year for specialised outpatient care (psychiatry)
- Covers: initial assessments, consultations, diagnostic tests, psychosocial support
- Conditions covered include depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders
Must be accessed at a PhilHealth-accredited facility. PhilHealth does not currently cover private online therapy platforms.
Maxicare
One of the Philippines' largest HMOs
Mental health coverage available through corporate and individual plans. The Gen Zen wellness programme offers well-being support and access to mental health resources. Coverage for psychologist and psychiatrist consultations varies by plan — check your LOA requirements and accredited provider list.
Medicard
Wide hospital and clinic network
Psychiatric consultations are included in select corporate plans. Coverage varies significantly by plan tier — many standard plans do not include mental health. Verify with your HR or directly with Medicard before booking.
PhilCare — Mind Care Plus
Prepaid mental health plan
Offers a standalone Mind Care Plus plan (approximately ₱3,000 one-time) that provides one teleconsultation with a psychiatrist for non-emergency concerns. An accessible option for individuals without comprehensive HMO coverage who need a single psychiatric evaluation.
Intellicare
Common in corporate benefit packages
Many corporate Intellicare plans include consultations with accredited psychologists and psychiatrists. Coverage specifics — number of sessions, applicable fees, and accredited providers — are employer-specific. Check your benefit summary or contact Intellicare directly.
Free & Low-Cost Options
If cost is a significant barrier, the following options provide free or heavily subsidised mental health support:
🏥 National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
The Philippines' primary government psychiatric institution. Offers free or minimal-cost outpatient psychiatric consultations, inpatient care, and community mental health programs. Located in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. Walk-in and referral patients accepted.
🎓 University Psychology Clinics
Universities such as the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Ateneo de Manila operate psychology clinics where services are delivered by supervised graduate students at significantly reduced rates — often ₱200–₱500 per session.
🏛️ Public Hospitals
Government hospitals such as Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and regional medical centers have psychiatry and psychology departments. Services are low-cost or free with PhilHealth. Expect longer wait times and limited session availability.
📊 Sliding Scale Practitioners
Some private psychologists and counselors offer sliding scale fees adjusted to income. It's worth asking directly — many practitioners prefer to keep a client at reduced rates than lose them entirely. Saya therapists can be messaged before booking to inquire.
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
Keep PhilHealth contributions active
An active PhilHealth membership unlocks ₱9,000–₱16,000/year in outpatient mental health benefits at accredited facilities. Self-employed Filipinos can pay monthly contributions voluntarily.
Check your HMO mental health benefits
Many employees don't realise their HMO covers mental health. Ask your HR department or review your Certificate of Coverage before paying out-of-pocket.
Choose online therapy
Online platforms like Saya are significantly cheaper than in-person private practice — no clinic overheads means lower prices passed on to you. Sessions at ₱1,750 are among the most affordable PRC-licensed options available.
Ask about sliding scale fees
Private practitioners — especially those in independent practice — may reduce their rates based on your income. It costs nothing to ask, and many are open to it.
Start with a free mental health assessment
Before booking a paid session, take a free mental health assessment to understand what you may be experiencing. This helps you communicate more effectively with a therapist and may reduce the number of sessions needed to get to the core of your concerns.
Ready to Start Therapy?
Browse PRC-licensed online psychologists and online psychiatrists in the Philippines on Saya. View public profiles, read verified reviews, and book a 50-minute session for ₱1,750 — with 10% off your first booking. For a deeper dive into telepsychiatry pricing, see our 2026 online psychiatrist cost & booking guide.
Not sure what type of support you need? Try our free mental health assessments first — no sign-up required.
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