How Much Does Therapy Costs in Istanbul, Turkey? 2025 Guide

In Turkey, the regulation of mental health professionals directly impacts insurance coverage and cost. Psychiatrists are medically licensed doctors whose consultations are covered by public insurance (SGK), while clinical psychologists and counselors are typically self-pay. This guide explains the qualifications for each profession, how their roles differ, and what you need to know to find qualified care within the public and private systems.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Quick Summary

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Area-Specific Pricing in Istanbul

Insurance Coverage in Turkey

Affordable Therapy Alternatives

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs

Emergency Resources

Quick Summary

• Average Session Costs: ₺800-2,530 per session (€40-127, $45-138) (estimated from small website research)
• Insurance Coverage: SGK covers psychiatrists, limited private coverage (based on government healthcare information)
• Public Healthcare: Available through SGK with referral
• Best Value Areas: Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Fatih (estimated)
• Premium Areas: Beşiktaş, Şişli, Levent (estimated)

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Area-Specific Pricing in Istanbul

European Side - Premium Areas (Higher Costs)

• Beşiktaş: ₺1,400-2,530 per session

• Şişli: ₺1,300-2,300 per session

• Levent: ₺1,200-2,185 per session

• Nişantaşı: ₺1,500-2,530 per session

European Side - Mid-Range Areas

• Beyoğlu: ₺1,000-1,840 per session

• Bakırköy: ₺900-1,725 per session

• Zeytinburnu: ₺800-1,610 per session

• Fatih: ₺800-1,495 per session

Asian Side - Generally More Affordable

• Kadıköy: ₺900-1,725 per session

• Üsküdar: ₺800-1,610 per session

• Ataşehir: ₺1,000-1,840 per session

• Kartal: ₺700-1,380 per session

Outer Districts (Most Affordable)

• Pendik: ₺600-1,265 per session

• Tuzla: ₺600-1,150 per session

• Çekmeköy: ₺700-1,380 per session

• Silivri: ₺600-1,150 per session

Insurance Coverage in Turkey

SGK (Social Security Institution) - Public Insurance

• Psychiatrist Visits: Fully covered with GP referral

• Psychologist/Counselor: Not covered under standard SGK

• Medication: Covered for psychiatric medications

• Wait Times: 2-6 weeks for public mental health services

• Eligibility: Turkish citizens and residents with 1+ year residence permit

Private Insurance Coverage

• Basic Plans: ₺600-1,380 monthly, mental health often excluded

• Comprehensive Plans: ₺1,500-3,450 monthly, may include limited mental health

• Coverage Limits: Usually ₺10,000-28,750 per year when included

• Copayment: 20-30% patient responsibility common

Major Private Insurance Providers

• Allianz Turkey: Some plans include mental health coverage

• Aksigorta: Limited mental health benefits in premium plans

• Axa Sigorta: Psychiatric coverage available in select packages

• Mapfre Sigorta: Mental health coverage with referral requirements

Affordable Therapy Alternatives

University Training Clinics

• Istanbul University Psychology Department: ₺300-690 per session (supervised students)

• Boğaziçi University: ₺400-805 per session (psychology program)

• Bahçeşehir University: ₺350-748 per session

• Koç University: ₺500-920 per session (higher quality, still affordable)

Community Mental Health Centers

• Ministry of Health Centers: Free with GP referral, 4-8 week wait

• Municipality Centers: Some districts offer low-cost counseling

• NGO Services: Various organizations provide sliding-scale fees

Online Therapy Options

• Local Turkish Platforms: ₺400-920 per session

• International Platforms: $60-92 per session (₺1,200-1,840)

• Teletherapy with Istanbul Providers: 15-25% discount on regular fees

• University Online Programs: ₺250-575 per session

Support Groups

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

• Depression Support Groups: ₺100-345 per session

• Anxiety Support Groups: ₺150-460 per session

• Expat Mental Health Groups: Often free or donation-based

Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs

1. Use SGK Strategically

• Get GP referral for psychiatrist visits (fully covered)

• Use public hospitals for initial assessment

• Consider medication management through SGK system

2. Explore Payment Options

• Many clinics offer 3-6 month payment plans

• Package deals: 4-session packages often 10-15% discount

• Student discounts: 15-25% off with valid student ID

3. Consider Location Flexibility

• Asian side generally 20-30% less expensive than European side

• Outer districts offer significant savings (30-50% less)

• University areas often have more affordable options

4. Alternative Formats

• Group therapy costs 60-70% less than individual sessions

• Online therapy saves 15-25% compared to in-person

• Intensive workshops can be more cost-effective than weekly sessions

Emergency Resources

• Emergency Services: 112

• Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health Hospital: +90 212 543 6565

• Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Hospital: +90 212 414 3000

• Acıbadem Maslak Hospital: +90 212 304 4444

• American Hospital Istanbul: +90 212 444 3777
• NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital: +90 216 444 48 88 (general line)
• Moodist Psychiatry Hospital: +90 216 912 17 17

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.