How Much Does Therapy Cost in Metro Manila? 2025 Guide
Therapy in Metro Manila can cost anywhere from free public services to over ₱5,700 per session in private practice. This guide breaks down typical prices, cost differences across the city, and practical ways to find affordable support.
From subsidized sessions at public hospitals to private therapy in business districts like Makati, the cost of therapy in Metro Manila varies significantly. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, 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 Manila
Affordable Therapy Options in Manila
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Manila
Quick Summary
- Private Therapy Sessions: ₱1,000-5,175 per session (45-60 minutes)
- Psychiatrist Consultations: ₱500-5,175 per session (varies by hospital)
- Initial Psychiatric Evaluations: ₱2,000-9,775 per session
- Counseling Services: ₱1,000-3,450 per session
- Average Wait Time: 1-2 weeks for private, 4-20 weeks for public
- Insurance Coverage: Very limited PhilHealth coverage for mental health
Therapy Costs by Provider Type in Manila
| Provider Type | Cost Range (₱) | Session Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist (private hospital) | 2,000-5,175 | 45-60 min | Medical doctor, can prescribe |
| Psychiatrist (public hospital) | 500-1,725 | 45-60 min | With GP referral |
| Clinical Psychologist | 1,500-4,025 | 50-60 min | Licensed professional |
| Registered Counselor | 1,000-2,875 | 50-60 min | Various specializations |
| Therapy (private clinic) | 1,000-5,175 | 45-60 min | Wide range depending on provider |
| Initial Assessment | 2,000-9,775 | 60-90 min | Comprehensive evaluation |
| Online Therapy | 800-2,875 | 50-60 min | Virtual sessions |
| Group Therapy | 500-1,725 | 60-90 min | Multiple participants |
| Couples Therapy | 2,000-5,750 | 60-75 min | Relationship counseling |
| Child/Adolescent Therapy | 1,500-4,025 | 45-60 min | Specialized pediatric care |
Manila Area Cost Variations
Premium Districts (Makati, BGC, Ortigas)
- Makati CBD: ₱2,500-5,175 per session (business district premium)
- Bonifacio Global City: ₱2,200-4,830 per session (upscale area)
- Ortigas Center: ₱2,000-4,600 per session (commercial hub)
- Rockwell: ₱2,300-4,945 per session (affluent residential)
Central Manila Areas
- Ermita/Malate: ₱1,800-4,025 per session (tourist/university area)
- Intramuros: ₱1,500-3,450 per session (historic district)
- Binondo: ₱1,200-3,220 per session (Chinatown area)
- Santa Cruz: ₱1,000-2,875 per session
University and Hospital Districts
- University Belt (Sampaloc): ₱1,000-2,875 per session (UST area)
- Ermita (PGH area): ₱800-2,530 per session (public hospital vicinity)
- Diliman: ₱1,200-3,220 per session (UP area)
- Mendiola: ₱900-2,645 per session
Outer Manila Areas
- Quezon City: ₱1,200-3,450 per session
- Pasig: ₱1,100-3,220 per session
- Mandaluyong: ₱1,000-2,990 per session (NCMH area)
- San Juan: ₱1,100-3,105 per session
Insurance Coverage in Manila
PhilHealth Coverage
- Psychiatrist visits: Limited coverage with GP referral
- Mental health package: ₱8,970 for hospitalization only
- Outpatient services: Very limited coverage
- Medication: Some psychiatric medications covered
Private Insurance
- Very limited coverage: Most Filipino policies exclude mental health
- International insurance: Some expat policies include coverage
- HMO coverage: Limited mental health benefits
- Corporate insurance: Some companies offer EAP programs
Government Healthcare
- National Center for Mental Health: Subsidized rates
- Philippine General Hospital: Public psychiatry services
- Government hospitals: Reduced rates with proper referral
- Barangay health centers: Basic mental health support
Affordable Therapy Options in Manila
Free or Low-Cost Services
- National Center for Mental Health (NCMH): Subsidized rates
- Philippine General Hospital: Public psychiatry department
- Ateneo Center for Family Ministries: Free counseling
- UST Graduate School Psychotrauma Clinic: Free services
- UST Outpatient Department: Reduced rates
- East Avenue Medical Center: Public mental health services
- Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center: Free therapy
Educational Institutions
- University of Santo Tomas: Psychology training clinic
- Ateneo de Manila University: Student counseling services
- University of the Philippines: Psychology department services
- Training programs: Supervised therapy at reduced rates (₱500-1,725)
Non-Profit Organizations
- Philippine Mental Health Association: Affordable counseling
- Natasha Goulbourn Foundation: Suicide prevention and counseling
- In Touch Community Services: Crisis counseling
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Manila
- University Training Clinics: ₱500-1,725 vs ₱2,000-5,175 private
- Public Mental Health Centers: ₱15-115 vs ₱1,000-5,175 private
- Online Therapy: Access competitive rates from ₱800-2,875
- Group Therapy: Often 50-70% less than individual sessions
- NGO Services: Free to ₱1,150 sessions available
- Sliding Scale Fees: Some providers offer income-based pricing
- Package Deals: Some clinics offer discounts for multiple sessions
- Corporate EAP: Check if employer offers counseling benefits
Emergency Resources
- National Emergency Hotline: 911
- DOH Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1553 (Luzon-wide toll-free) 0917-899-8727, (02) 7989-8727
- HOPELINE: (02) 804-4673, 0917-558-4673
- In Touch Community Services: (02) 8893-7603, 0917-800-1123
Sources
Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and therapist qualifications. The Philippines has very limited insurance coverage for mental health services. The Mental Health Act of 2018 is gradually improving access to public mental health services, but implementation remains limited.
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.
Find a Therapist
Find skilled psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors near you.
