How Much Does Therapy Cost in Polokwane? 2025 Guide
TherapyRoute
Clinical Editorial
Cape Town, South Africa
❝In Polokwane, therapy costs range from R500 to R1,800 per session depending on the provider and suburb. Affordable options are available through the University of Limpopo clinic, NGOs like FAMSA, and public hospitals, while private practices offer a variety of specialised services across the city.❞
The cost of therapy in Polokwane, much like its vibrant community, offers a spectrum of options – from accessible community services and supervised university programs to private care with experienced practitioners. This guide provides a breakdown of what you can expect to pay, how costs differ across provider types and suburbs, and where to find the right mental health support to fit your budget and needs.
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Find Your TherapistTable of Contents | Jump Ahead
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
Medical Aid Coverage for Therapy in Polokwane
Affordable Therapy Options in Polokwane
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in Polokwane
Quick Summary
- Average therapy session cost in Polokwane: R750-1,100 (ranges from R500-1,800 depending on provider type)
- Psychiatrist session: R1,400-2,200 (average R1,700)
- Clinical Psychologist session: R900-1,300 (average R1,050)
- Registered Counsellor session: R500-800 (average R650)
- With medical aid: Varies by plan, many practitioners charge medical aid rates. A co-payment or shortfall may apply.
- Sliding scale options: Available from R300-800 per session from specific providers.
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Initial Consultation | Regular Session | Medical Aid Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | R1,600-2,500 (avg R2,000) | R1,400-2,200 (avg R1,700) | Most schemes cover 100% of tariff | Fees are high due to medical specialisation; primarily for diagnosis and medication management. |
| Clinical Psychologist | R1,000-1,500 (avg R1,200) | R900-1,300 (avg R1,050) | Most schemes cover with annual limits | PhD/Masters level with diagnostic capabilities. |
| Counselling Psychologist | R900-1,400 (avg R1,100) | R800-1,200 (avg R1,000) | Most schemes cover with annual limits | Masters level, focuses on wellness and adjustment issues. |
| Educational Psychologist | R900-1,400 (avg R1,100) | R800-1,200 (avg R1,000) | Some schemes cover with limitations | Specialises in learning and developmental challenges in children and adolescents. |
| Registered Counsellor | R600-900 (avg R750) | R500-800 (avg R650) | Limited coverage on some plans | Bachelor's degree plus registration; provides supportive counselling. |
| Clinical Social Worker | R600-1,000 (avg R800) | R550-900 (avg R700) | Limited coverage on some plans | Specialised in mental health treatment and social support systems. |
Suburb Price Variations
While Polokwane's price variations are less extreme than in larger cities, location still plays a role as practices in more affluent areas often have higher overheads.
Central & Affluent Suburbs
- Bendor/Sterpark/Welgelegen: R900-1,400 per session (at or slightly above city average). Most private practitioners are located here.
- Flora Park/Fauna Park: R800-1,200 per session (at city average).
Other City Areas
- Polokwane Central (CBD): R700-1,000 per session (slightly below average).
- Seshego/Mankweng: R500-800 per session (below average). Fewer private practices; more community-based and public services are available here.
Medical Aid Coverage for Therapy in Polokwane
Major Medical Schemes
Most South African medical aids operate nationally and offer similar benefits in Polokwane:- Discovery Health: Covers mental health from the Medical Savings Account or risk benefits, depending on the plan. PMB conditions are covered.
- Bonitas: Provides benefits for psychology and psychiatry, often with annual limits on the number of consultations.
- Momentum Health: Coverage varies by plan, with some requiring use of network providers for full benefits.
- GEMS (Government Employees): Offers comprehensive mental health benefits, with network restrictions on some plans.
Coverage Limitations
- Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs): By law, all medical aids must cover the diagnosis and treatment of 21 specified mental health conditions (including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) in full, often at a designated service provider.
- Annual Limits: Most plans cap mental health benefits at a certain amount (e.g., R15,000 per year) or a number of sessions (e.g., 15 sessions).
- Medical Aid Rates: Many Polokwane therapists charge standard medical aid rates, meaning you might not have a co-payment if you have sufficient funds. Always confirm with the practice if they are "contracted in."
Polokwane Medical Aid Tip: Before your first session, ask the therapist's receptionist for the practice number and specific tariff codes they use. You can use this information to confirm your exact coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs with your medical aid provider.
Affordable Therapy Options in Polokwane
University Clinics
- University of Limpopo Psychology Clinic (PsyClinic): Offers low-cost counselling and psychological assessments provided by postgraduate students under the supervision of qualified psychologists. Fees are significantly reduced, typically ranging from R100-400 per session.
NGOs and Community Services
- FAMSA Limpopo: Provides individual, couples, and family counselling with fees based on a sliding scale according to your income. Costs can range from R150-500.
- Lifeline Polokwane: Offers free crisis counselling and may provide referrals to affordable long-term therapy options.
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): Runs free support groups and can refer you to local, low-cost mental health professionals.
Public Sector
- Polokwane Provincial Hospital: The psychiatric department offers services at state-subsidised rates based on the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS). Costs are very low (R0-R200) depending on your income, but be prepared for long waiting lists for non-emergency cases.
- Mankweng Hospital: As an academic hospital linked to the University of Limpopo, it also provides psychiatric services under the public health system with similar costs and wait times.
- Local Government Clinics: May offer basic mental health screening and referrals.
Online Therapy Options
- Johannesburg/Pretoria-based online therapists: Many therapists from major cities offer virtual sessions to clients in Polokwane, expanding your options. Fees range from R700-1,200.
- TherapyRoute: A platform that can connect you to South African therapists who offer reduced rates or sliding scale fees for online sessions.
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in Polokwane
- Ask for a Sliding Scale: Many private practitioners are willing to adjust their fees based on your income.
- Utilise University Clinics: The University of Limpopo PsyClinic is a top resource for high-quality, low-cost therapy.
- Contact NGOs: Organisations like FAMSA are specifically structured to provide affordable care.
- Check Your PMB Status: If you have a condition like major depression or bipolar disorder, your medical aid must cover your treatment.
- Consider Group Therapy: If available, group sessions are a cost-effective way to get professional support (typically R250-450 per session).
- Space Out Your Sessions: If finances are tight, discuss the possibility of bi-weekly sessions with your therapist instead of weekly ones.
- Choose a Registered Counsellor: For supportive counselling for life challenges, a registered counsellor is a more affordable option than a psychologist.
Therapy Cost Directory
- Nearby Cities: Rustenburg | Pretoria | Bloemfontein
- State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see:
- Country: For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in South Africa, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost in South Africa
- Worldwide: For a global overview of therapy costs, see: Therapy Costs Worldwide
Sources
Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)
Individual Polokwane-based psychology practice website
Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and insurance coverage. Always verify current rates with providers directly. Prices include consumption tax where applicable.
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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About The Author
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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