Cost is one of the practical considerations that can make people hesitate before taking the first step, and it is completely reasonable to want to understand the fees before you begin.
This article explains some of the factors that can influence the cost of therapy in South Africa, how our fees are structured, and how medical aid may contribute towards the cost of treatment.
Why fees differ so much between practitioners
If you phone three practices you may get three different numbers, and the difference is not arbitrary. Fees in South Africa vary according to a handful of factors:
It is worth saying clearly: a higher fee is not proof of a better fit, and a lower one is not a warning sign. Fit, training and the working relationship matter more to outcome than price does.
Our fees
We publish our fees openly. For 2026:
| Session type | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Individual therapy | 50 minutes | R1,250 |
| EMDR therapy | 50 minutes | R1,250 |
| EMDR therapy | 75 minutes | R1,875 |
| EMDR therapy | 90 minutes | R2,250 |
| Medical aid (PMB) | As authorised | Medical aid rate |
EMDR sessions longer than the standard 50 minutes are always discussed and agreed with you beforehand — you will never be surprised by a longer session on an invoice. Payment is made directly to the practice by EFT following each appointment. Our current fees are always listed on our fees page.
What about medical aid?
Many South Africans can recover part or all of the cost through their medical aid, either from a savings account or, for qualifying conditions, through Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). PMBs are a legal entitlement: schemes are required to fund the diagnosis, treatment and care of certain listed conditions, and several mental health conditions are on that list.1
Where it is clinically appropriate, we complete and submit the PMB application on your behalf. If the scheme approves it, your fee changes to the medical aid rate for the approved sessions. We cannot guarantee approval — that decision belongs to the scheme — but we can make sure the application is properly motivated. We cover this in detail in does medical aid cover therapy?
Please note that while most medical aids accept PMB applications from clinical psychologists, some medical aids will only accept PMB applications from medical doctors like GPs and psychiatrists. With this in mind, we recommend you first check with your medical aid to see who needs to make the PMB application on your behalf.
How many sessions will you need?
There is no single answer, but here is a general framework.
The first three to four sessions are an assessment: understanding what brought you, your history and context, and what you want to be different. After that, your psychologist will discuss a therapy plan with you, including a proposed number of sessions. Short-term, focused work often runs between 8 and 12 sessions. Medium-term work typically runs from 12 to 30 sessions. Longer-term therapy is usually 30 sessions or more. The number of sessions isn’t necessarily a measure of severity or therapeutic success. Some people achieve what they need in a handful of sessions, while others benefit from a longer therapeutic relationship.
Sessions usually start weekly or fortnightly and often taper as things improve.
In short
Our 2026 individual and EMDR sessions start at R1,250 for 50 minutes, payable directly to the practice. Where clinically appropriate we apply for Prescribed Minimum Benefits on your behalf, which can substantially reduce what you pay.
If the cost is out of reach
Private therapy is not affordable for everyone, and access to psychological care should not depend solely on being able to pay privately. In South Africa, lower-cost and public options are available, including psychiatric outpatient departments at government hospitals, university training clinics, and non-profit organisations such as SADAG, which provides counselling support, helplines and referral information.
If private therapy is not financially possible for you, these services may provide alternative ways to access psychological support.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for individual professional advice, assessment or treatment. If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please see our emergency resources.
Sources
- Council for Medical Schemes. Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, Regulation 8.
- Health Professions Council of South Africa. Ethical rules of conduct for practitioners registered under the Health Professions Act, 1974.
