How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ho Chi Minh City: 2025 Guide

How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ho Chi Minh City: 2025 Guide

TherapyRoute

TherapyRoute

Clinical Editorial

Cape Town, South Africa

Medically reviewed by TherapyRoute
Therapy in Ho Chi Minh City can cost anywhere from 300,000 VND for public services to over 2,000,000 VND for private sessions. This guide breaks down typical prices, explains the differences between public and private options, and offers practical ways to find affordable support.

Ho Chi Minh City offers a growing range of mental health services at significantly lower costs than Western countries. Here's what you need to know about therapy pricing, healthcare coverage, and finding quality care in Vietnam's economic center.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

What Therapy Actually Costs in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's Healthcare System and Mental Health Coverage

Finding Affordable Therapy in Ho Chi Minh City

Payment Methods and Insurance

Emergency and Crisis Resources

Sources


What Therapy Actually Costs in Ho Chi Minh City

Private Practice Fees

  • Psychiatrist consultation: 300,000-600,000 VND ($12-$24 USD) per session
  • Psychologist (private practice): 350,000-800,000 VND ($14-$32 USD) per session
  • Licensed counselor: 400,000-600,000 VND ($16-$24 USD) per session
  • Specialized therapy centers: 600,000-2,000,000 VND ($24-$81 USD) per session

Online Therapy Options

  • Phone counseling: 500,000 VND ($20 USD) per 60-90 minutes
  • Video counseling: 1,000,000 VND ($40 USD) per 60-90 minutes
  • International platforms: $30-$150 USD per session

Group and At-Home Services

  • At-home individual therapy: 2,000,000 VND ($81 USD) per 60-90 minutes
  • At-home group therapy: 3,000,000 VND ($122 USD) per 60-90 minutes
  • Online group sessions: 2,000,000 VND ($81 USD) per 60-90 minutes

University and Training Clinics

  • Initial consultation: 100,000 VND ($4 USD)
  • Follow-up sessions: Based on treatment plan assessment
  • Supervised student therapy: Significantly reduced rates

Vietnam's Healthcare System and Mental Health Coverage

Social Health Insurance (SHI)

Vietnam has achieved impressive healthcare coverage:
  • Population coverage: 87% of Vietnamese population covered by social health insurance
  • Mental health coverage: Limited coverage for psychiatric hospitalization
  • Outpatient therapy: Generally not covered by standard insurance
  • Medication coverage: Basic psychiatric medications covered in hospital settings

Healthcare System Structure

  • Public hospitals: Subsidized mental health services available
  • Private clinics: Growing sector with international standards
  • Community health centers: Basic mental health support
  • International medical facilities: Premium services for expats

Insurance Limitations

  • Private therapy: Not covered by standard social health insurance
  • International insurance: Required for comprehensive mental health coverage
  • Out-of-pocket payment: Most common payment method for therapy
  • Employer benefits: Limited mental health coverage in most companies

Finding Affordable Therapy in Ho Chi Minh City

Public and Subsidized Options

Public Hospitals
  • Basic psychiatric services available
  • Subsidized rates for Vietnamese citizens
  • Limited English-speaking staff
  • Longer waiting times
University Training Programs
  • Supervised student therapists
  • Significantly reduced fees
  • Quality care under professional supervision
  • Limited availability
Community Mental Health Programs
  • NGO-supported services
  • Income-based sliding scale
  • Group therapy and support groups
  • Educational workshops

Cost-Saving Strategies

Package Deals and Discounts
  • Many centers offer progressive discounts for multiple sessions
  • Some therapists provide package pricing for ongoing therapy
  • Group therapy rates significantly lower than individual sessions
Online and Remote Options
  • Video therapy costs 50% less than in-person sessions
  • Phone counseling most affordable professional option
  • International online platforms offer competitive rates

Payment Methods and Insurance

Payment Options

  • Cash: Most common payment method
  • Bank transfer: Accepted by most clinics
  • Credit cards: Limited acceptance, mainly international clinics
  • Mobile payments: Growing acceptance of digital payment methods

International Insurance

  • Expat insurance: Essential for comprehensive mental health coverage
  • Travel insurance: May cover emergency mental health services
  • Employer coverage: Some international companies provide mental health benefits
  • Direct billing: Limited availability, mainly premium clinics

Cost Management

  • Budget planning: Factor in multiple sessions for effective treatment
  • Currency considerations: USD rates fluctuate, affecting international services
  • Tax implications: Keep receipts for potential medical expense deductions

Emergency and Crisis Resources

Sources

Note: Costs can vary based on the provider's qualifications and your specific needs. Vietnam's Social Health Insurance (SHI) provides very limited mental health coverage, which generally does not include private or outpatient therapy. English-speaking services are available, primarily in private and international clinics, and often come at a premium compared to local Vietnamese-language 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.

About The Author

TherapyRoute

TherapyRoute

Cape Town, South Africa

Our in-house team, including world-class mental health professionals, publishes high-quality articles to raise awareness, guide your therapeutic journey, and help you find the right therapy and therapists. All articles are reviewed and written by or under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals.

TherapyRoute is a mental health resource platform connecting individuals with qualified therapists. Our team curates valuable mental health information and provides resources to help you find the right professional support for your needs.

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