Our standards of care

Who You'll Be Talking To: Our Licensed Practitioners and Their Standards

Every Saya practitioner is PRC-licensed: registered psychologists (RPsy), registered guidance counselors (RGC), and psychiatrists who have completed their residency in the Philippines. Saya currently works with 39 licensed practitioners, and every one is verified before they see their first client.

Opening up to someone is a big step. This page shows exactly who you'll be talking to, and the standards they follow in every session.

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Who are Saya's practitioners?

Saya has three types of licensed practitioners, so you can get the level of care that fits what you're going through.

Psychologists (RPsy) provide evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment for concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and ADHD. Many hold master's degrees in clinical or developmental psychology from institutions including the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, San Pedro College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Cebu Doctors' University. Learn more about our online psychologists in the Philippines.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and build treatment plans. All Saya psychiatrists have completed psychiatry residency in the Philippines. Learn more about our online psychiatrists in the Philippines.

Counselors (RGC) provide talk therapy and guidance for everyday concerns such as stress, life transitions, school, and work. Counseling is Saya's most affordable option, with sessions starting at ₱1,300.

Not sure which one you need? Read our psychiatrist vs. psychologist vs. counselor guide.

How does Saya choose its practitioners?

Before anyone joins Saya, we confirm:

  • An active PRC license in psychology, guidance and counseling, or medicine (psychiatry)
  • Completed psychiatry residency in the Philippines, for all psychiatrists
  • Agreement to Saya's standards of care, described below

What standards do Saya practitioners follow in every session?

Every Saya practitioner agrees to the same standards of care:

Private sessions, every time. Sessions are held in a quiet, private space on a laptop or desktop, never in a café or public place.
Confidentiality comes first. Practitioners review confidentiality with you at the start of your session, in line with PRC ethical guidelines.
Everything stays on Saya. Bookings, messages, and session notes go through the Saya platform only. Practitioners won't ask for your personal number or move conversations elsewhere.
Clear professional boundaries. Practitioners don't form personal, social, or business relationships with clients.
Care that follows your pace. Therapy at Saya isn't about “fixing” you. Your practitioner works with your goals, preferred communication style, and pace.
Documented progress. Practitioners keep session notes after every session, so your care stays consistent over time.
Safety protocols. If a client is at risk, practitioners follow Saya's emergency escalation protocol and connect them with immediate support.
The right referral when you need it. If your needs are better served by a psychologist or psychiatrist, your practitioner can refer you within Saya.

How is my privacy protected?

What you share in a session stays between you and your practitioner.

  • Sessions and messages happen inside the Saya app.
  • Sessions are not recorded.
  • If your employer or school provides Saya, they never see what you discuss.
  • Saya complies with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173).

Read our full Privacy Policy.

Can I get to know a practitioner before booking?

Yes. Every practitioner has a profile with their credentials, education, areas of focus, approaches, and an introduction video.

You can also message practitioners through the Saya app at no cost, even before you book. Ask about their approach, or whether they've worked with concerns like yours, then book when you feel ready.

What if my first practitioner isn't the right fit?

Finding the right match matters. If your first session doesn't feel like the right fit, you can switch to another practitioner in the app, no questions asked.

How much does a session with a licensed practitioner cost?

Saya keeps pricing transparent, with no hidden fees.

PractitionerStarting rateSession length
Counselor (RGC)₱1,30050 minutes
Psychologist (RPsy)₱1,75050 minutes
Psychiatrist (initial consult)₱2,85050 minutes

New clients get 10% off their first session and 15% off their second. Promo codes are on the Saya app homepage. Session packages save up to 12.5%. See full pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Are Saya's therapists licensed?

Yes. Every Saya practitioner holds an active PRC license as a psychologist (RPsy), guidance counselor (RGC), or psychiatrist, and is verified before joining the platform.

How do I find a licensed online psychologist in the Philippines?

On Saya, every psychologist is a PRC-registered psychologist (RPsy). You can browse their profiles, check their education and areas of focus, message them for free, and book online sessions starting at ₱1,750.

What qualifications do Saya psychiatrists have?

All Saya psychiatrists are licensed physicians who have completed psychiatry residency in the Philippines.

Is online therapy with Saya confidential?

Yes. Practitioners follow PRC confidentiality guidelines, review confidentiality at the start of sessions, and keep all communication within the Saya platform. Sessions are not recorded.

Can I choose my own psychologist or counselor?

Yes. You can browse practitioner profiles, message practitioners before booking, and book directly with whoever feels right.

What if my therapist isn't the right fit?

You can switch to another practitioner in the Saya app anytime, no questions asked.

What if I need a different type of professional?

Your practitioner can refer you within Saya. For example, a counselor can refer you to a psychologist, or a psychologist to a psychiatrist for medication support.

How much does it cost to see a licensed psychologist online in the Philippines?

On Saya, sessions start at ₱1,300 with a counselor and ₱1,750 with a psychologist. An initial psychiatry consultation is ₱2,850. Discounts are available for new clients and packages.

Ready when you are.