How Much Does Therapy Cost in South Korea? 2025 Guide

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Quick Summary

Therapy Costs by Provider Type in South Korea

South Korea City Cost Variations

Insurance Coverage in South Korea

Affordable Therapy Options in South Korea

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in South Korea

Emergency Resources

Sources

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Quick Summary

• Private Therapy Sessions: ₩150,000-379,500 per session (50-60 minutes)

• Public Healthcare Psychology: Limited coverage, mostly private pay

• Psychiatrist Visits: Covered by National Health Insurance with referral

• Psychologist Sessions: ₩140,000-379,500 private practice

• Counseling Services: ₩60,000-230,000 per session

• Average Wait Time: 1-2 weeks for private, limited public options

• Insurance Coverage: Korean National Insurance doesn't cover counseling

Therapy Costs by Provider Type in South Korea

Provider Type	Cost Range (₩)	Session Length	Notes
Psychiatrist (public)	Covered by NHI	45-60 min	With GP referral
Psychiatrist (private)	150,000-345,000	50-60 min	Limited insurance coverage
PhD-Level Psychologist	200,000-379,500	50-60 min	Individual psychotherapy
MA Licensed Counselor	140,000-379,500	50-60 min	Wellbeing vs psychotherapy
Individual Therapist	150,000-230,000	50 min	Independent practice
Resident Counselor	103,500	50 min	Post-MA supervised
Intern Counselor	69,000	50 min	Pre-MA supervised
Couples Therapy	230,000	50-60 min	Relationship counseling
Online Therapy	84,900-134,435/week	Weekly	-

South Korea City Cost Variations

Seoul (Highest Costs)

• Gangnam District: ₩250,000-379,500 per session

• Jung-gu (Central): ₩200,000-345,000 per session

• Hongdae/Mapo: ₩180,000-287,500 per session

• Itaewon: ₩200,000-322,000 per session (expat-focused)

Busan

• Haeundae: ₩150,000-253,000 per session

• Seomyeon: ₩140,000-230,000 per session

• Centum City: ₩160,000-264,500 per session

• Suburban areas: ₩120,000-207,000 per session

Other Major Cities

• Incheon: ₩130,000-230,000 per session

• Daegu: ₩120,000-218,500 per session

• Daejeon: ₩125,000-212,750 per session

• Gwangju: ₩115,000-201,250 per session

University Areas

• Near major universities: ₩100,000-184,000 per session

• Student counseling services: Often included in fees

Insurance Coverage in South Korea

Korean National Health Insurance

• Psychiatrist visits: Covered with GP referral

• Counseling/therapy: Not covered by National Health Insurance

• Medication: Covered for psychiatric conditions

• Hospital mental health services: Covered with referral

International Insurance

• Expat insurance plans: Some coverage available

• TRICARE: Accepted at Seoul Counseling Center

• International plans: Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Direct billing: Available at some clinics for international insurance

Self-Pay Discounts

• Financial hardship: ₩150,000-195,500 (reduced from ₩207,000)

• Sliding scale fees: Available at some practices

• Package deals: Limited availability

• Student discounts: Rare but available at some centers

Affordable Therapy Options in South Korea

Public Healthcare System

• Community mental health centers: Limited availability

• Hospital psychiatry departments: Covered with referral

• University counseling centers: For enrolled students

• Government mental health programs: Limited scope

Non-Profit Organizations

• Seoul Global Center: Free counseling for foreigners

• You & Me: Sliding scale fees, some free sessions for foreign passport holders

• Community centers: Basic mental health support

Training Programs

• University psychology programs: Supervised therapy at reduced rates (₩60,000-103,500)

• Clinical psychology interns: Lower fee sessions

• Training institutes: Reduced rates for supervised sessions

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs in South Korea

• Use Training Programs: ₩60,000-103,500 vs ₩150,000-379,500 private

• Financial Hardship Programs: ₩150,000-195,500 reduced rates

• Online Therapy: ₩84,900/week vs ₩150,000+ per session

• Seoul Global Center: Free services for foreigners

• University Services: If enrolled at local universities

• Group Therapy: Often available at lower cost

• International Insurance: Check if your plan covers therapy

• Sliding Scale Providers: Some offer income-based pricing

Emergency Resources

• Medical Emergencies: 119

• Suicide Prevention Center: 1393 (24-hour hotline)

• Mental Health Crisis Line: 1577-0199

• Seoul Global Center: 02-2075-4180 (foreigner support)

• Life Line Korea: 1588-9191

Sources

Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and therapist qualifications. Korean National Health Insurance does not cover counseling services. Always verify current rates with providers directly.