Therapy Cost in India: What You Actually Pay for Mental and Physical Treatment

When you think about therapy cost, the total price you pay for professional treatment to heal your mind or body. Also known as treatment expenses, it’s not just about the session fee—it’s what you spend on travel, time off work, follow-ups, and sometimes medication. In India, therapy cost varies wildly depending on whether you’re seeing a psychologist in Mumbai or a physiotherapist in Lucknow, and whether you’re paying out-of-pocket or through insurance.

Mental health therapy, treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other emotional conditions through talking and behavioral techniques. Also known as counseling, it’s often the most misunderstood when it comes to price. A single session with a licensed therapist in a big city can run from ₹800 to ₹3,000. In smaller towns, you might find sessions for ₹300 to ₹1,000. Group therapy? That can drop the cost to ₹200–₹500 per session. But here’s the catch: most insurance plans in India still don’t cover mental health fully. You’re often paying the full amount yourself. And if you need long-term care—say, 12 sessions over six months—that’s ₹10,000 to ₹36,000 before you even factor in medication.

Physical therapy cost, the price of rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or chronic pain through movement, exercises, and manual techniques. Also known as rehabilitation expenses, it’s a hidden burden for many recovering from knee replacements, heart surgery, or spinal fusions. A single physiotherapy session in India usually costs ₹500–₹1,500. After a major surgery, you might need 20–30 sessions. That’s ₹10,000 to ₹45,000—sometimes more if you need home visits or special equipment. And no, your hospital bill doesn’t always include this. Many people don’t realize rehab is a separate expense until they’re already in recovery and struggling to move.

What drives these prices? Location, experience of the provider, clinic vs. home visits, and whether you’re getting standard care or premium services. A therapist with 15 years of experience in Delhi won’t charge the same as a new graduate in Jaipur. Insurance rarely helps unless you’ve got a high-end plan. And while some NGOs and government hospitals offer low-cost or free therapy, wait times can be months long.

You might think therapy is only for crisis moments—but it’s also for prevention. Regular check-ins can stop anxiety from turning into panic attacks. Physical therapy can keep you from needing another surgery. But if the cost feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many people skip care because they assume it’s unaffordable. The truth? There are options. Sliding scale clinics, online therapy platforms, community centers, and even university training programs offer lower rates. You just need to know where to look.

Below, you’ll find real stories and facts from people who’ve been through therapy—mental and physical—in India. From what they paid, what they wished they knew, and how they made it work on a budget. No fluff. Just what matters when you’re trying to heal without going broke.