How Much Does Therapy Costs in Cairo, Egypt? 2025 Guide

In Egypt, the mental health system is defined by a split between public and private care. Psychiatrists are medically licensed doctors, often accessible for free through public hospitals, while psychologists and counselors typically work in the private, self-pay sector. This guide explains the qualifications for each role, how to navigate both systems, and what to look for to find qualified care.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Quick Summary

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Area-Specific Pricing in Cairo

Insurance Coverage in Egypt

Affordable Therapy Alternatives

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs

Emergency Resources

Sources

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Quick Summary

• Average Session Costs: EGP 300-1,380 per session ($10-46 USD) (estimated from small website research)
• Insurance Coverage: Limited private coverage, public system available (based on healthcare system research)
• Public Healthcare: Available through Ministry of Health facilities
• Best Value Areas: Nasr City, Heliopolis, Maadi (estimated)
• Premium Areas: Zamalek, New Cairo, Mohandessin (estimated)

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Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Provider Type	Cost Range (EGP)	Cost Range (USD)	Session Length	Notes
Psychiatrist (Private)	700-1,380	23-46	50-60 minutes	Medical doctors, can prescribe medication
Clinical Psychologist	500-1,150	16-38	50 minutes	Licensed therapy providers
Counselor/Therapist	300-920	10-31	50 minutes	Various qualifications, most affordable
Specialized Therapy	600-1,265	20-42	50-90 minutes	CBT, trauma therapy, addiction treatment
Couples Therapy	800-1,380	26-46	60-90 minutes	Relationship and family counseling
Group Therapy	150-460	5-15	90 minutes	6-12 participants per session

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Area-Specific Pricing in Cairo

Premium Areas (Higher Costs)

• Zamalek: EGP 800-1,380 per session

• New Cairo: EGP 700-1,265 per session

• Mohandessin: EGP 650-1,150 per session

• Maadi (Premium Clinics): EGP 600-1,093 per session

Mid-Range Areas

• Heliopolis: EGP 500-978 per session

• Nasr City: EGP 450-920 per session

• Dokki: EGP 500-978 per session

• Maadi (Standard Clinics): EGP 400-863 per session

More Affordable Areas

• Downtown Cairo: EGP 350-748 per session

• Shubra: EGP 300-690 per session

• Ain Shams: EGP 300-633 per session

• Imbaba: EGP 250-575 per session

Outer Areas (Most Affordable)

• 6th of October City: EGP 300-690 per session

• New Administrative Capital: EGP 400-805 per session

• Giza Suburbs: EGP 250-633 per session

• Qalyubia Governorate: EGP 200-518 per session

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Insurance Coverage in Egypt

Public Health Insurance

• Ministry of Health Facilities: Free psychiatric services with referral

• University Hospitals: Subsidized mental health services

• General Hospitals: Emergency psychiatric care available

• Wait Times: 2-8 weeks for non-emergency mental health services

Private Insurance Coverage

• Basic Plans: EGP 2,000-5,750 annually, mental health often excluded

• Comprehensive Plans: EGP 8,000-23,000 annually, may include limited mental health

• Coverage Limits: Usually EGP 5,000-17,250 per year when included

• Copayment: 30-50% patient responsibility common

Major Insurance Providers

• Allianz Egypt: Some plans include psychiatric coverage

• AXA Egypt: Limited mental health benefits in premium plans

• MetLife Egypt: Psychiatric services with referral requirements

• Misr Insurance: Basic mental health coverage in comprehensive plans

Social Insurance

• Government Employees: Access to public mental health services

• Private Sector Workers: Limited mental health coverage

• Students: University counseling services often free or low-cost

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Affordable Therapy Alternatives

University Training Clinics

• Cairo University Psychology Department: EGP 100-345 per session (supervised students)

• Ain Shams University: EGP 150-403 per session (psychology program)

• American University in Cairo: EGP 200-575 per session (higher quality)

• Helwan University: EGP 100-288 per session (social work program)

Community Mental Health Centers

• Ministry of Health Centers: Free with referral, 4-12 week wait

• NGO Services: Sliding scale fees based on income

• Caritas Egypt: Free counseling services at multiple locations

Online Therapy Options

• Local Online Platforms: EGP 300-690 per session

• International Platforms: $60-92 per session (EGP 1,800-2,760)

• University Online Programs: EGP 200-460 per session

Support Groups

• Befrienders Cairo: Free emotional support, crisis intervention

• AA/NA Meetings: Free, multiple locations in Cairo

• Depression Support Groups: EGP 50-230 per session

• Anxiety Support Groups: EGP 100-345 per session

• Women's Support Groups: Often free or donation-based

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Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs

1. Use Public System Strategically

• Get referral through public health centers for free psychiatric care

• Use university hospitals for affordable specialized services

• Consider Ministry of Health facilities for medication management

2. Explore Payment Options

• Many clinics offer 3-6 month payment plans

• Package deals: 4-session packages often 10-20% discount

• Student discounts: 15-30% off with valid student ID

3. Consider Location Flexibility

• Nasr City and Heliopolis offer good value compared to Zamalek

• University areas often have more affordable options

• Consider online therapy to avoid transportation costs

4. Alternative Formats

• Group therapy costs 60-75% less than individual sessions

• Online therapy saves 20-30% compared to in-person

• University clinics offer supervised care at reduced rates

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Emergency Resources

• Mental Health Hotline: 16328 - General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

• Befrienders Cairo: 762-1644 - Emotional support and crisis intervention

• Befrienders Cairo Alternative: 762-2381 - Additional crisis line

• Emergency Services: 122 - Police, 123 - Ambulance

• Kasr Al Ainy Hospital: +20 2 2365 8200

• Ain Shams University Hospital: +20 2 2258 6021

• Heliopolis Hospital: +20 2 2290 8261

• Maadi Military Hospital: +20 2 2359 6000

• Caritas Egypt: 034844169 - Free counseling and crisis support

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Sources

Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and insurance coverage. Always verify current rates with providers directly. Prices include consumption tax where applicable.