How Much Does Therapy Cost in Istanbul in 2026?

No standard tariff fixes private therapy fees in Istanbul. Each practice sets its own rate, so a single price list would mislead you. This guide explains who provides care and where to find free or low-cost help.

By Team TherapyRoute

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Quick Summary

• Each private practice sets its own fee; ask before you book.
• A psychiatrist can prescribe medication; a psychologist offers talk therapy instead.
• In Turkey, a clinical psychologist is licensed by the Ministry of Health.¹
• Free municipal counselling centres operate across Istanbul, booked on Alo 153.²
• İstanbul Bilgi University offers free counselling for its community.³

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Who Provides Therapy, and How It Is Regulated

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychologist offers talk therapy and does not prescribe.

In Turkey, a clinical psychologist is licensed by the Ministry of Health. The licence is issued through the provincial health directorate.¹ The Turkish Psychological Association is a membership body, not a licensing authority.¹

This matters when you check someone's standing. Ask about the Ministry of Health licence, not only about association membership.

Fee levels differ widely from one practice to the next. Confirm the fee, the session length, and the payment terms before you book.

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Free and Public Care in Istanbul

You do not have to pay a private fee to start. Several public and university services offer free or low-cost support.

State hospitals under SGK

If you have general health insurance (SGK), a psychiatrist's examination and treatment at a state hospital are covered.⁶ You do not need a referral to attend a state hospital outpatient clinic.⁷ You can book the appointment yourself through MHRS, by calling Alo 182 or using the MHRS app.⁸

State care under SGK is low-cost, but it is not completely free.⁷ You pay a fee per visit: 50 TL at a second-tier state hospital and 90 TL at a training and research hospital, under the July 2026 tariff.⁷ The fee is halved if your family doctor refers you, and family health centres charge nothing.⁷ Covered medicines carry a 10 to 20 per cent co-payment.⁷

Community mental health centres (TRSM) offer free follow-up, medication and psychotherapy for people living with chronic severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and long-term mood disorders.⁹

Municipal counselling centres

The İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality runs free psychological counselling centres across the city.² The service covers individual, couple and family therapy, and psychological assessment.²

You book every appointment through the Alo 153 line.² A first session for a child needs a parent present.²

University counselling

İstanbul Bilgi University offers free counselling through its Psychological Counseling Unit.³ Its services are mainly for people connected to the university.³ You can reach Bilgi on 444 0 428 and ask for the Psychological Counseling Unit.³

Boğaziçi University runs a psychology teaching centre called BÜPAM.⁴ It does not publish its fees or public eligibility.⁴ Contact the centre on 0212 359 48 15 to check the current terms.⁴

National support line

Alo 183 is a national government support line for families, women, children and older people.⁵ You can dial 183 from any phone in the country.⁵

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How to Keep Your Costs Down

• Start with a free municipal centre through Alo 153 before paying privately.
• Ask a university service whether you qualify for free or low-cost sessions.
• Ask each private practice about sliding-scale fees, which adjust to what you can afford, or payment over time.
• Get the fee in writing before your first session.

Our guide on how to find the right therapist can help.

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If You Need Help Now

In an emergency in Turkey, call 112. You can also call Alo 183 for social support and referral.⁵

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References

1. [1] Official source: (resmigazete.gov.tr). resmigazete.gov.tr.
2. [2] İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Psychological Counselling Centres (İBB Psikolojik Danışmanlık Merkezleri / PDM). saglik.ibb.istanbul.
3. [3] İstanbul Bilgi University - Psychological Counseling Unit. bilgi.edu.tr.
4. [4] Boğaziçi University Psychology Research and Application Center (BÜPAM). bupampsi.bogazici.edu.tr.
5. [5] Alo 183 Social Support Line - T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı (Ministry of Family and Social Services). aile.tr/btgmd/e-hizmetler-yeni/alo-183.
6. [6] Law No 5510 (Sosyal Sigortalar ve Genel Sağlık Sigortası Kanunu), Articles 63 and 68, Resmî Gazete 16 June 2006. resmigazete.gov.tr.
7. [7] Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu Sağlık Uygulama Tebliği (SUT), consolidated text with amendments to 1 July 2026. mevzuat.gov.tr.
8. [8] Merkezi Hekim Randevu Sistemi (MHRS), Ministry of Health. mardinadsm.saglik.gov.tr.
9. [9] Toplum ve Ruh Sağlığı Merkezi, Tuzla Devlet Hastanesi (Istanbul), Ministry of Health. tuzladh.saglik.gov.tr.

Note: services and terms change over time. Please confirm current fees, eligibility and access directly with each provider.