How much does a therapy session cost? Why do psychologists charge so much? Are there cheaper options? Discover the reason behind the price of a psychologist and how to get help.
Many people believe that psychotherapy is an expensive treatment. It may be, at least at the beginning, since during the first months it is necessary to attend therapy weekly, not leaving a period of more than 10 days between sessions (otherwise the therapeutic process will not be able to advance). You must know that the Psychotherapy is a long-term investment, and aren’t all long-term investments expensive? For example: studying a degree, buying a car or a house, buying a television, going to the dentist (for orthodontics, implants…), taking a trip, buying clothes for work… and a long etcetera.
The difference is that when a person decides to start a therapeutic process, they are investing in their long-term well-being. As in almost all investments, the benefits are collected little by little, and that is why many people find it difficult to decide to bet on this low-risk investment due to the psychologist price with whom they decide to make the consultation.
How much does a psychologist cost?
Normally each session in a psychologist consultation It usually has a price between 50 and 80 euros, this price range depends, among other things, on the modality: individual therapies, or couples, or family, or group therapies (workshops), or online therapy.
But why can’t they have more affordable prices? The truth is that psychologists cannot afford to reduce prices further, as we must take into account that:
There is a lot of work outside the therapy session
After each therapy session there is work outside of it, as psychologists we dedicate time before and after the sessions to study and analyze the problem and adapt the different strategies to each person in order to help you overcome your problems. It is essentially personalized attention. Therefore in the psychologist price These expenses are also included.
- Additional expenses
There are the undeniable expenses of: office or premises rental, self-employed fees, and membership fees of the Official College of Psychologists, civil liability insurance, among others.
Investment in knowledge
There is a strong investment of time and money in our training through master’s degrees, specific courses, books, case supervisions, psychological tests, neurofeedback machines, or other necessary accessories to help you improve. Therefore, the psychologist fees They are also made more expensive by the constant effort to study the subject that these professionals continually make.
For these reasons, it is quite difficult to find lower prices that offer quality service in a psychology consultation
How much does a psychologist charge?
Looking at the price of a psychologist, it is normal for people to think that these professionals charge a lot. The reality is that due to all the expenses involved in maintaining both knowledge and a psychology consultation, the reality is that the dream of a psychologist in Spain ends up being around 1,500 euros on average. Therefore, we can say that in the vast majority of cases, a psychologist ends up receiving a remuneration that is less than the cost of the hours of study and work that this profession requires.
How to get a cheap psychologist?
If you have an emergency situation or do not have enough resources to allow you to consultation of a psychologist here we will show you some options so that you can go to this much-needed health service.
1. Psychologists in training
You can find rates of up to β¬20 per session in centers that work with psychologists with little experience and a desire to learn. There, something similar to an exchange is offered: they offer what they know so far and patients pay a cheaper price than what a specialist would charge. Normally these centers organize supervisions and tutoring with their practicing psychologists to ensure the quality of their interventions.
2. Programs with adjusted rates
Some psychology centers They offer the opportunity to adjust their rates to the specific situation of their patients. They reserve a program for cases in which there is a need for therapy but few financial resources. These patients continue to be cared for by the same specialized professionals, the only difference would be in the rate. This consultation has the psychotherapy program at your disposal. You can get in touch to receive more information.
3. Social security psychologist
Unfortunately, public health, at least in Spain, barely offers psychological coverage; Hopefully you’ll manage half-hour sessions a couple of times a month. Even so the social security psychologist It will not cost you a price, although you will only be able to go in serious situations.
On many occasions you will have to evaluate whether you think that worth investing in your well-being through quality psychological help. Taking care of your mental health is also important.