How Much Does Therapy Cost in Delhi? (2025 Prices)
#Therapy
Updated on Jun 19, 2025
Curious about therapy costs in Delhi for 2025? This guide breaks down prices by neighbourhood and provider, explains insurance coverage, and shares tips to help you find affordable, quality care with ease.
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Looking for therapy in Delhi but concerned about the cost? This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay for mental health services across Tehran in 2025, with area-specific pricing and insurance details.
- Quick Summary
- Therapy Costs by Provider Type
- Neighbourhood Cost Variations
- Insurance Coverage
- Affordable Therapy Options
- Online Therapy Options
- Factors Affecting Delhi Therapy Costs
- Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Delhi
- Transportation Considerations
- Sources
Quick Summary
- Average therapy cost range: ₹1,000-₹3,450 per session
- Psychiatrist consultation: ₹1,500-₹5,750 initial, ₹1,000-₹4,025 follow-up
- Insurance coverage: Limited, primarily for hospitalisation
- Neighbourhood price difference: Up to 30% higher in South Delhi vs. North Delhi
- Affordable options: From ₹10 at government hospitals to ₹1,380 for group therapy.
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Initial Consultation | Regular Session | Insurance Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | ₹2,000-5,750 (avg ₹3,200) | ₹1,800-5,175 (avg ₹2,800) | Some plans cover with annual limits | MBBS with MD Psychiatry; primarily medication management |
| Clinical Psychologist | ₹1,500-4,025 (avg ₹2,300) | ₹1,200-3,450 (avg ₹1,900) | Limited coverage on some plans | M.Phil/PhD in Clinical Psychology with RCI registration |
| Counselling Psychologist | ₹1,200-2,875 (avg ₹1,800) | ₹1,000-2,530 (avg ₹1,600) | Rarely covered | Masters in Psychology/Counselling |
| Psychiatric Social Worker | ₹1,000-2,530 (avg ₹1,600) | ₹800-2,070 (avg ₹1,300) | Rarely covered | Masters in Social Work with mental health specialisation |
| Counsellor | ₹800-2,300 (avg ₹1,300) | ₹700-2,070 (avg ₹1,100) | Not typically covered | Various certifications and training backgrounds |
| Psychotherapist | ₹1,500-4,025 (avg ₹2,200) | ₹1,200-3,450 (avg ₹1,900) | Limited coverage on some plans | Specialised training in specific therapy modalities |
Neighbourhood Cost Variations
South Delhi (Premium)
- Areas: Greater Kailash, Defence Colony, Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas
- Clinical Psychologist: ₹1,500-₹4,025 per session
- Psychiatrist: ₹2,000-₹5,750 initial, ₹1,500-₹4,025 follow-up
- Premium factor: 20-30% above city average
- Notable practices: Mind Wellness Centre (GK), Vasant Vihar Psychology
- Accessibility: Good metro connectivity, ample parking
Central Delhi (Upper Mid-range)
- Areas: Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Rajinder Nagar
- Clinical Psychologist: ₹1,300-₹3,680 per session
- Psychiatrist: ₹1,800-₹5,175 initial, ₹1,300-₹3,680 follow-up
- Premium factor: 10-20% above city average
- Notable practices: CP Mind Care, Karol Bagh Therapy Centre
- Accessibility: Excellent metro connectivity, limited parking
East Delhi (Mid-range)
- Areas: Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar, Mayur Vihar
- Clinical Psychologist: ₹1,000-₹3,450 per session
- Psychiatrist: ₹1,500-₹4,600 initial, ₹1,000-₹3,450 follow-up
- Premium factor: At city average
- Notable practices: East Delhi Psychology, Preet Vihar Counselling
- Accessibility: Good metro connectivity, moderate parking
West Delhi (Lower Mid-range)
- Areas: Janakpuri, Rajouri Garden, Punjabi Bagh
- Clinical Psychologist: ₹900-₹3,220 per session
- Psychiatrist: ₹1,400-₹4,370 initial, ₹900-₹3,220 follow-up
- Premium factor: 5-10% below city average
- Notable practices: Janakpuri Mind Clinic, Rajouri Garden Therapy
- Accessibility: Moderate metro connectivity, good parking
North Delhi (Budget-friendly)
- Areas: Rohini, Pitampura, Model Town
- Clinical Psychologist: ₹800-₹2,875 per session
- Psychiatrist: ₹1,200-₹4,025 initial, ₹800-₹2,875 follow-up
- Premium factor: 10-20% below city average
- Notable practices: Rohini Counselling, Model Town Psychology
- Accessibility: Limited metro connectivity, good parking
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Insurance Coverage
Government Schemes
- CGHS: Covers psychiatric consultations and limited therapy for government employees
- ESIC: Basic psychiatric coverage for registered employees
- Ayushman Bharat: Limited coverage for severe mental health conditions
- Coverage limitations: Primarily inpatient care, limited outpatient benefits
- Documentation required: Extensive paperwork and pre-authorisations
Private Insurance
- Coverage status: Mental health coverage mandated since 2017 but implementation varies
- Typical coverage: Primarily covers hospitalisation, limited outpatient coverage
- Common exclusions: Most therapy sessions, counselling, non-severe conditions
- Claim process: Often requires psychiatric diagnosis and medical necessity documentation
- Major providers: HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Star Health
Corporate Health Plans
- Coverage status: Increasing inclusion of mental health benefits
- Typical coverage: Limited number of therapy sessions (5-8 annually), EAP programs
- Common providers: MNCs, tech companies, financial institutions
- Access method: Through HR department or designated EAP portal
- Confidentiality: Varying levels of privacy protection
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Affordable Therapy Options
University Clinics
- Delhi University Counselling Center: ₹200-₹575 per session
- JNU Health Center: ₹200-₹460 per session
- Jamia Millia Islamia Counselling Services: ₹200-₹575 per session
- Services offered: Assessment, individual therapy, group therapy
- Providers: Supervised Master's and Doctoral students
- Waiting period: 2-4 weeks typically
NGO Services
- Sangath: ₹200-₹920 based on income
- Manas Foundation: ₹200-₹690 based on income
- VIMHANS Community Services: ₹300-₹920 based on income
- Services offered: Counselling, support groups, crisis intervention
- Locations: Offices throughout Delhi
- Specialisations: Domestic violence, addiction support, youth counselling
Government Hospitals
- IHBAS: ₹20-₹230 based on income assessment
- AIIMS Psychiatry Department: ₹10-₹230 based on income assessment
- RML Hospital: ₹10-₹173 based on income assessment
- Services offered: Psychiatric services, limited therapy options
- Waiting time: 3-10 weeks for non-urgent cases
- Referral process: Requires referral from primary healthcare facility
Group Therapy
- Average cost: ₹500-₹1,380 per session
- Common types: Anxiety, depression, addiction, grief support
- Locations: Private practices, hospitals, community centers
- Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly sessions
- Duration: Typically 90 minutes per session
- Specialised groups: Women's groups, LGBTQ+ support, young adult therapy
Online Therapy Options
Local Platforms
- Practo: ₹700-₹2,530 per session
- DocVita: ₹600-₹2,300 per session
- TherapyRoute India: ₹700-₹2,530 per session
- YourDOST: ₹500-₹1,725 per session
- Advantages: Lower overhead costs, no travel time, flexible scheduling
International Platforms
- BetterHelp: $65-$103.50 (₹5,400-₹8,625) per week
- Talkspace: $65-$115 (₹5,400-₹9,545) per week
- Considerations: May not accept Indian payment methods
- Provider qualifications: Verify Indian registration
- Time zone issues: Some international therapists may have limited availability
Factors Affecting Delhi Therapy Costs
Provider Factors
- Qualifications: Higher degrees and international training command higher fees
- Experience: Senior practitioners with 10+ years charge premium rates
- Specialisations: Expertise in specific areas often costs more
- Practice setting: Private clinics vs. hospital-affiliated practices
- Foreign-trained therapists: Often charge higher rates
Delhi-Specific Factors
- High provider concentration: Large number of providers in South and Central Delhi creating competitive pricing
- Government institutions: Presence of major government hospitals offering subsidised care
- Academic centers: Multiple university-affiliated clinics with training programs
- Socioeconomic diversity: Wide range of pricing options across different neighborhoods
- Traffic considerations: Significant traffic congestion affecting session scheduling and pricing
- Seasonal factors: Air quality issues in winter months increasing telehealth demand
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Delhi
Provider Selection Strategies
- Ask about sliding scale: Many therapists adjust fees based on income
- Consider trainee therapists: Supervised by experienced professionals
- Explore group therapy: More affordable than individual sessions
- Negotiate session frequency: Bi-weekly or monthly rather than weekly
- Seek referrals: Ask primary care doctors for affordable options
Insurance Strategies
- Verify benefits: Check your insurance policy's mental health coverage
- Use in-network providers: Significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs
- Consider add-on coverage: Some insurers offer mental health riders
- Request proper coding: Ensure services are billed correctly
- Appeal denials: Challenge insurance rejections when appropriate
Local Resources
- IHBAS Helpline: 1800-180-0028 for referrals to affordable providers
- Sangath Helpline: 011-26862800 for mental health support and referrals
- Delhi Mental Health Network: Directory of sliding-scale providers
- Community health centers: Delhi government-run facilities with subsidised services
- Employee Assistance Programs: Many Delhi employers offer free counselling sessions
Transportation Considerations
Public Transport Access
- Metro lines: Extensive network connecting most therapy hubs
- Bus routes: DTC buses connect most neighborhoods
- Auto-rickshaws: Available throughout Delhi for last-mile connectivity
- Ride-sharing: Uber and Ola widely available but costly in peak hours
- Parking challenges: Limited in Central and South Delhi
Traffic Planning
- Peak hours: Allow 45-60 minutes extra during 8-11am and 5-8pm
- Seasonal disruptions: Plan for fog delays in winter months
- Alternative routes: Use Google Maps or Delhi Traffic Police updates
- Therapy scheduling: Mid-day appointments often easier to access
- Virtual options: Consider telehealth to avoid Delhi's notorious traffic.
Sources
- Indian Psychiatric Society Fee Survey (2025)
- Delhi Medical Council Provider Directory (2025)
- Practo Healthcare Provider Data (2025)
- TherapyRoute Delhi Provider Analysis (2025)
- AIIMS Mental Health Services Rate Card (2025)
- DocVita Mental Health Provider Survey (2025)
- Delhi University Counselling Center Fee Structure (2025)
- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Guidelines (2025)
- IHBAS Service Statistics (2025)
Note: Prices are current as of May 25, 2025 but may change. Always verify costs directly with providers before beginning treatment.
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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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