How much does therapy cost, and is it worth it?

How fees work on Therapy O'Clock

Each professional sets their own fee for a 50-minute video session, shown clearly on their profile before you book. You pay per session in your own currency (pounds, euros, dirhams or Canadian dollars). There is no subscription, no joining fee and no long contract. Cancelling free up to 24 hours before gives a full refund.

What affects the price

• Training and role: psychiatrists usually charge more than psychologists or counsellors.
• Experience: professionals with many years in practice may charge more.
• Specialism: specialist work, such as OCD with exposure therapy, or couples work, can cost more.

Free and public options

Depending on where you live, there may be free help:

• UK: in England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own routes through your GP. Waiting times vary.
• Ireland: the HSE offers free counselling through primary care for people with a medical card, plus community services. Ask your GP.
• Canada: some provinces fund therapy through community health services, and many employers offer an employee assistance programme with a few free sessions.
• UAE: government and private hospitals offer mental health services, and many employer health insurance plans cover some therapy.

Free services are valuable, but they may not offer your language or a cultural match, and waits can be long. Many people use private sessions while they wait, or instead.

Making sessions go further

• Come with a clear focus for each session.
• Do the small tasks agreed between sessions; that is where much of the change happens.
• Consider fortnightly sessions once you are making progress.
• Ask your professional for a rough plan of how many sessions they expect.

Is it worth it?

Ask what anxiety, depression or a strained marriage is already costing you: sleep, work days, relationships, peace at home. Structured talking therapy has strong evidence for many common problems, and the skills you learn last well beyond the final session.

Questions people ask

How much does an online therapy session cost?

It depends on the professional. On Therapy O'Clock each professional sets their own fee for a 50-minute session, shown on their profile before you book.

Can I pay in dirhams, euros or Canadian dollars?

Yes. The fee is shown and charged in your local currency: pounds, euros, dirhams or Canadian dollars.

Is there a subscription?

No. You pay per session when you book. There is no subscription, joining fee or contract.

Is NHS therapy free?

Yes, NHS talking therapies are free at the point of use. In England you can refer yourself; elsewhere in the UK, start with your GP. Waiting times vary by area.

Does health insurance cover online therapy?

Some insurance and employer plans cover therapy, particularly in the UAE and Canada. Check your policy for mental health cover and whether it reimburses private sessions.

Why do psychiatrists cost more?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with long specialist training. Their sessions often involve diagnosis and medication review.

How many sessions should I budget for?

For a focused problem many people need six to twelve sessions. Ask your professional for a rough estimate after the first session.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. Cancelling up to 24 hours before the session gives a full refund to your card.

Are there free mental health services in the UAE?

Government health services and some hospitals provide mental health care, and the national support line 800 4673 offers free support. Many employer insurance plans cover therapy.

Is cheaper therapy worse?

Not necessarily. Fit, language and experience with your problem matter more than price. Read profiles and choose who feels right.