How Much Does Therapy Cost in Chiang Mai? 2025 Guide
Therapy in Chiang Mai can cost anywhere from free public services to over ฿6,000 per session in private practice. This guide breaks down typical prices, cost differences across the city, and practical ways to find affordable support.
Whether it's public healthcare, private practice, or low-cost services, therapy costs in Chiang Mai vary widely. Read on for what to expect, how prices differ across the city, and where to find affordable options that meet your needs.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Therapy Costs by Provider Type in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Area Cost Variations
Insurance Coverage in Chiang Mai
Affordable Therapy Options in Chiang Mai
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Chiang Mai
Quick Summary
- Private Therapy Sessions: ฿3,000-5,750 per session (60-120 minutes)
- Psychiatrist Visits: Covered by Universal Health Coverage with referral
- Psychologist Sessions: ฿3,500-5,175 private practice
- Counseling Services: ฿3,000-4,600 per session
- Average Wait Time: 1-3 weeks for private, 6-16 weeks for public
- Insurance Coverage: Thai UHC covers psychiatrists, not counseling
Therapy Costs by Provider Type in Chiang Mai
| Provider Type | Cost Range (฿) | Session Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist (public) | Covered by UHC | 45-60 min | With GP referral |
| Psychiatrist (private) | 2,000-4,025 | 50-60 min | Limited insurance coverage |
| Clinical Psychologist | 3,500-5,175 | 50-60 min | Individual therapy |
| Licensed Counselor | 3,000-4,600 | 50-60 min | Various specializations |
| Couples Therapy | 3,500-6,325 | 60-100 min | Relationship counseling |
| Group Therapy | 1,500-2,875 | 60-90 min | Multiple participants |
| Online Therapy | 2,500-4,600 | 50-60 min | International platforms |
Chiang Mai Area Cost Variations
Central City Areas
- Old City: ฿3,200-5,520 per session (tourist/expat area)
- Nimmanhaemin: ฿3,500-5,750 per session (trendy district)
- Chang Khlan: ฿3,000-5,175 per session (night bazaar area)
- Tha Phae: ฿3,100-5,290 per session (gate area)
University and Suburban Areas
- Chiang Mai University area: ฿2,500-4,600 per session
- Suthep: ฿2,800-4,830 per session
- Huai Kaeo: ฿2,700-4,715 per session
- Mae Rim: ฿2,500-4,370 per session
Outer Chiang Mai Areas
- San Kamphaeng: ฿2,200-4,025 per session
- Hang Dong: ฿2,100-3,910 per session
- Doi Saket: ฿2,000-3,680 per session
- Mae Taeng: ฿1,900-3,450 per session
Insurance Coverage in Chiang Mai
Thai Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
- Psychiatrist visits: Covered with GP referral
- Counseling/therapy: Not covered by UHC
- Medication: Covered for psychiatric conditions
- Hospital mental health services: Covered with referral
International Insurance
- Very limited acceptance: Most require cash payment with reimbursement
- Expat insurance: Check coverage before treatment
- International hospitals: Chiang Mai Ram accepts some plans
- Private insurance: Limited mental health coverage options
Travel Insurance
- Emergency only: Most policies exclude routine mental health
- Crisis intervention: May cover emergency psychiatric care
- Evacuation coverage: For serious mental health emergencies
- Pre-existing conditions: Generally excluded
Affordable Therapy Options in Chiang Mai
Public Healthcare System
- Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital: University hospital with UHC
- Chiang Mai Hospital: Public hospital psychiatry department
- Community health centers: Basic mental health support
- District hospitals: Limited mental health services
Educational Institutions
- Chiang Mai University: Psychology training programs
- Rajabhat University: Student counseling services
- Training clinics: Supervised therapy at reduced rates (฿1,500-2,875)
- Student services: Free counseling for enrolled students
Non-Profit Organizations
- Expat community groups: Peer support networks
- NGOs: Limited mental health programs
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Chiang Mai
- University Training Clinics: ฿1,500-2,875 vs ฿3,000-5,750 private
- Public Mental Health Centers: Free or low-cost services
- Online Therapy: Access Bangkok or international therapists
- Group Therapy: Often 50-70% less than individual sessions
- Sliding Scale Fees: Some providers offer income-based pricing
- Package Deals: Some clinics offer discounts for multiple sessions
Emergency Resources
- Department of Mental Health Hotline: 1323
- Chiang Mai Hospital Emergency: 053-946-700
- Tourist Police: 1155
- Emergency Services: 191 (police), 1669 (medical)
Sources
Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and therapist qualifications. English-speaking therapy services are very limited in Chiang Mai and command premium prices. Thai Universal Health Coverage does not cover counseling services.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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