Cost of therapy — what options are there for different budgets?
Cost of psychotherapy is a decisive factor for many in seeking help. Mental health treatment is often perceived as expensive, but in reality there are more options than you might think — even on a small budget. In this article we go through the therapy options and their costs so you can find a solution that fits your situation.
The most important thing to understand: you don’t need to spend hundreds of euros a month on mental health treatment. Free and affordable options exist.
Subsidized rehabilitation psychotherapy — the most affordable long-term therapy
Public subsidized rehabilitation psychotherapy is by far the most affordable way to get long-term, professionally delivered psychotherapy. The system reimburses the majority of the therapy cost, and the deductible is small.
What does subsidized therapy cost?
- Individual therapy: The system reimburses up to a set amount per session. If the therapist charges that amount, the deductible is 0 euros. If the therapist charges more, you pay the difference yourself — typically 0–15 euros per session.
- Group therapy: The system reimburses up to a set amount per session.
- Sessions per year: Up to 80 individual sessions or 25 group sessions.
- Duration: Up to 3 years.
Total annual cost
If you attend subsidized therapy once a week (about 48 times a year) and the deductible is 10 euros per session, the annual cost is about 480 euros, or 40 euros a month. That’s a quite reasonable price for regular, professionally delivered psychotherapy.
Who can get subsidized therapy?
Access to subsidized rehabilitation psychotherapy requires a diagnosed mental health disorder that weakens work or study capacity. The application process typically takes 3–6 months.
Private therapy — fast but more expensive
Private therapy is the fastest way to access treatment but also the most expensive option without subsidies.
Private therapy prices
- Psychotherapist: 80–150 euros per 45–50 minute session
- Psychologist (not psychotherapist): 70–120 euros per session
- Couples therapist: 100–180 euros per session
- Psychiatrist: 150–250 euros per session
Total annual cost
If you see a private therapist once a week at 100 euros per session, the annual cost is about 4,800 euros, or 400 euros a month. That’s a significant sum, which is why many seek subsidies or look for more affordable options.
How to reduce the cost of private therapy?
- Adjusting frequency. You don’t have to attend therapy every week. Every other week may be enough, especially when symptoms have eased.
- Short-term therapy. 5–15 sessions of short-term therapy can be enough for limited challenges.
- Trainee therapists. Therapy trainees offer therapy at a lower rate (40–70 euros per session) under the supervision of a more experienced therapist.
- Insurance. Some health insurance plans cover psychotherapy sessions. Check the terms of your own insurance.
Occupational health — a free option for employees
If you’re employed, occupational health can be a completely free route to mental health support. Many employers’ agreements cover psychologist visits and even short-term therapy.
What you get and what it costs
- Cost to you: 0 euros
- Psychologist appointments: Typically 3–10 sessions
- Short-term therapy: 5–20 sessions (not in all agreements)
- Additionally: Doctor visits, sick leave assessments, work capacity support
Ask your employer or occupational health what mental health services your agreement covers. Especially in connection with burnout, occupational health is a natural and quick first step.
Public healthcare
Public healthcare mental health services are either free or very affordable.
- General practitioner: 0–20 euros per visit (annual cap)
- Psychiatric outpatient clinic: 0–40 euros per visit
- Psychologist visit at healthcare provider: Free
- Annual cap: Public healthcare client fees often have an annual ceiling, after which services are free
The biggest challenge of the public side is availability. Waiting times vary, and access to a psychologist or psychiatrist can take weeks or months.
Options for students
Students often have access to affordable or free mental health services:
- Student health services: Health services for higher education students, including psychologist visits and short-term therapy. The healthcare fee is included in study fees.
- Educational institutions’ own services: Many institutions have study psychologists and counselors.
- Student peer support: Free peer and professional help for students online.
Free digital services
Public mental health platforms offer free self-help programs based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Programs are available, for example, for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stress management
These programs are research-backed effective and completely free. Some require a healthcare referral, but many are freely available.
Aichologist — affordable digital support at €14.90 per month
Aichologist offers AI-based conversational support for mental well-being at €14.90 per month. It’s a fraction of the cost of private therapy.
What you get for €14.90 per month
- Unlimited access to AI-based conversational support
- Support available 24/7 — no booking, no waiting
- Exercises based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy
- Organizing thoughts and emotions through conversation
Who is Aichologist for?
It’s important to emphasize: Aichologist isn’t therapy and doesn’t replace a trained therapist. It’s at its best:
- For those waiting in a therapy queue. Waiting for subsidized therapy can take months — Aichologist offers support in the meantime.
- Between therapy sessions. You may see your therapist once a week, but daily life continues every day. Aichologist is available to you whenever.
- As a low-threshold first step. If you aren’t sure whether you need therapy, Aichologist can help organize your situation.
- When the budget is tight. €14.90 per month is significantly more affordable than private therapy and offers unlimited access to support.
Cost comparison summary
Here’s a summary of the cost of different options on a monthly basis, assuming weekly use:
- Subsidized therapy: about 0–60 euros per month (deductible)
- Private therapy: 320–600 euros per month
- Occupational health: 0 euros (limited sessions)
- Public sector: 0–40 euros per month
- Public mental health programs: 0 euros
- Aichologist: €14.90 per month
What to do when money isn’t enough for therapy?
If your financial situation is tight, don’t let it prevent you from seeking help. Here are practical options:
1. Find out about subsidized therapy
Public rehabilitation psychotherapy is the most affordable long-term option. The application process takes time, but it’s worth investigating.
2. Use occupational health
If you’re employed, check the mental health services offered through occupational health. They are free for you.
3. Start with free self-help programs
Public mental health programs are high quality and research-backed — and you don’t have to pay anything for them.
4. Consider a trainee therapist
Therapy trainees offer therapy at 40–70 euros. They are supervised by an experienced therapist.
5. Find out about municipal social services
In some situations the municipality can grant a payment commitment for therapy or lower client fees based on income.
6. Use affordable digital services
Aichologist offers support at a monthly price of €14.90. It doesn’t replace therapy, but it can be a valuable addition especially when traditional therapy isn’t financially possible.
7. Third-sector services
Many organizations offer free or affordable mental health support:
- Crisis helplines
- Chat services for young people
- Mental health organizations’ support services
- Faith-based community services
Insurance and therapy
Some private health insurance plans cover psychotherapy sessions. Check the terms of your own insurance — coverage can be, for example, 40–80 euros per session up to a certain annual cap.
Note that:
- Not all insurance plans cover psychotherapy
- Coverage may require a doctor’s referral
- Annual coverage caps vary
- Insurance doesn’t usually cover existing illnesses (if you got the diagnosis before taking out the insurance)
Read how Aichologist complements traditional therapy.
Money shouldn’t be a barrier
Treating mental health is an investment in yourself. Untreated depression or anxiety can lead to sick leaves, work disability, and significant decline in quality of life — and the cost of these is many times higher than the price of therapy.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get help on different budgets. The most important thing is to take the first step and find out which option fits you.
