How Much Does Therapy Cost in Metro Manila? 2025 Guide

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

Quick Summary

Therapy Costs by Provider Type in Manila

Manila Area Cost Variations

Insurance Coverage in Manila

Affordable Therapy Options in Manila

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in Manila

Emergency Resources

Sources

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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.