One of the most common reasons people delay getting therapy is not knowing what it costs. Here are real, current figures — by country and type of professional.
Nepal
Government/public services: Free or very low cost through government hospitals (long waits, medication-focused).
Private psychologist: NPR 1,500–3,500 per session (approximately USD 11–26). This range reflects both experience level and location — Kathmandu rates are higher than Pokhara.
Private psychiatrist: NPR 2,000–5,000 per consultation.
NGO services: Low cost or free through TPO Nepal, CMC-Nepal, and others.
India
Government services: Free through NIMHANS (Bangalore) and government hospital psychiatry departments, but significant waits and limited therapy provision.
Private psychologist: INR 1,000–4,000 per session (approximately USD 12–48) depending on city and experience. Mumbai and Delhi are at the higher end.
Private psychiatrist: INR 1,500–5,000 per consultation.
Online platforms: iCall (free/sliding scale), YourDost (INR 500–2,000/session), Practo (varies by practitioner).
United Kingdom
NHS Talking Therapies: Free, but waits of 3–18 months are common for non-urgent referrals.
Private psychologist: £60–160 per session (London is higher; outside London, £50–100 is more common).
Private psychiatrist: £200–400 per assessment; £150–300 per follow-up.
Insurance: Many employers offer health insurance that covers mental health. Worth checking your benefits.
Australia
Medicare (Better Access): With a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, you get up to 20 sessions per year with a Medicare rebate of AUD 137–141 per session. Out-of-pocket varies by therapist — many charge $20–80 above the rebate.
Full private (no Medicare): AUD 180–300 per session for a psychologist.
Private psychiatrist: AUD 400–600 per initial assessment; Medicare covers a portion.
Online therapy across borders
One option for diaspora communities: online therapy with a psychologist based in your home country. A session with a Nepal-based psychologist at NPR 2,000 is significantly cheaper than a UK private session, with potentially stronger cultural match. Check the practitioner's qualifications and insurance carefully before proceeding.