High therapy costs keep mental healthcare out of reach for many Filipinos

One user cited paying ₱13,000 for a psychological assessment and ₱2,500 per psychotherapy session—costs that many said are difficult to shoulder amid rising living expenses.

Others pointed out that such figures are why people with mental health concerns choose to forgo therapy.

“While I understand why it’s expensive, I also understand why people choose to not mind their struggles mentally, kasi ‘yung ipambabayad nila, ipang-kakain na lang or [pangbayad] ng bills,” a commenter said. 

Although mental health awareness has grown in recent years, access to professional services remains limited due to high costs and a shortage of providers.

Why therapy isn’t cheap

Practicing psychologists agree that these concerns about the cost of therapy are valid. But they explained the cost of therapy reflects the resources and expertise required to provide quality care.

“To give you a breakdown, sa psych assessment, mahal ang licensing at pag-purchase ng standardized tests, matagal ang administration, [scoring], interpretation, [and] report writing,” one mental health professional replied. “Sa psychotherapy, preparation, emotional weight, documentation, clinic overhead, years of education, licensure, at continuation of professional training.”

Moreover, a 2025 report from the Psychological Association of the Philippines in September 2025 stated that there are only 2882 registered psychologists in the country—and everyone is actively practicing.

A call for better access

Mental health advocates encourage people to explore lower-cost options when available, including online consultations and virtual therapy sessions.

Government institutions and organizations such as the National Center for Mental Health, the Philippine General Hospital, and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation also provide free mental health services. However, demand has continued to outpace available resources.

As conversations around mental health continue, lawmakers are pushing to expand access to professional care through proposals such as House Bill No. 9327, or the Mental Health Voucher Act.

The bill seeks to have state insurer PhilHealth issue non-transferable vouchers valid for six to 12 months, which beneficiaries can use exclusively at accredited mental health facilities.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth’s Outpatient Benefit Packages for Mental Health, launched in 2024, are now fully operational. The program provides annual coverage for Filipinos aged 10 and above through two benefit tiers: the General Mental Health Package worth ₱9,000 for mild to moderate conditions, and the Specialty Mental Health Package worth ₱16,000.

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