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How Much Does Therapy Cost in Malaysia, and Is It Covered by Insurance?
by Yatesha Siva Kumar
August 28, 2025
Taking the first step into therapy often comes with practical questions, and cost is usually the first one. This guide explains what therapy costs in Malaysia, why fees vary between providers, what Sanctuary Clinics charges, and how insurance may help. At Sanctuary Clinics, we believe cost should never be the reason someone delays getting support.
How much does a therapy session cost in Malaysia?
Fees depend mainly on who you see. As a general guide, private-sector fees per session typically fall within these ranges:
| Type of provider | Typical fee per session |
|---|---|
| Counsellor (private practice) | RM100–RM250 |
| Clinical psychologist | RM150–RM400 |
| Psychiatrist | RM200–RM600 per consultation (excluding medication) |
| Government hospitals and clinics | Much lower, sometimes free, though waiting times can be longer |
Fees differ because of the clinician’s training and experience, the length of the session, and whether the service is in person or online. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, which is one reason psychiatric consultations cost more than talk therapy. If you’re unsure which professional you need, our guide on therapist vs psychologist explains the difference.
What does therapy cost at Sanctuary Clinics?
Our fees for a single individual therapy session depend on the clinician’s level of experience:
| Clinician | Single individual session |
|---|---|
| Resident psychologist / counsellor | RM250 |
| Clinical psychologist / counsellor | RM300 |
| Senior clinical psychologist / counsellor | RM400 |
Save with a session package
Most people benefit from a series of sessions rather than a single one, so we offer packages at a lower price per session:
| Package | Clinical psychologist / counsellor | Senior clinical psychologist / counsellor | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 sessions | RM1,425 | RM1,900 | 6 months |
| 10 sessions | RM2,700 | RM3,600 | 8 months |
| 15 sessions | RM3,825 | RM5,100 | 12 months |
The validity period starts from your first session, and sessions not used within that period expire. Psychiatry, group therapy and other services are priced separately. See our full pricing page for current fees.
Start with a free 30-minute screening
Not sure what kind of support you need, or which clinician is right for you? Book a free 30-minute screening. We’ll talk through what’s going on, recommend a suitable next step, and match you with the right clinician, with no cost and no commitment.
Is therapy covered by insurance in Malaysia?
Sometimes, but it depends heavily on your policy. Some private health insurance plans in Malaysia cover psychiatric or psychological treatment, particularly when it is part of a hospital admission. Many standard policies exclude outpatient mental health care unless it has been specifically added.
Before you book, it’s worth checking:
- Your policy wording. Look for mental health, psychiatric or psychological treatment, and check whether outpatient sessions are included or only inpatient care.
- Your employer’s benefits. Corporate medical plans and employee assistance programmes sometimes include counselling sessions. Your HR department can confirm what’s covered.
- Referral requirements. Some insurers only reimburse if you have a referral letter from a GP or a specialist.
- How claims work. Ask whether you pay first and claim back, and which receipts or reports you’ll need.
Sanctuary Clinics works with selected insurers. Get in touch with your policy details and our team will help you understand what may be covered.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies from person to person. Some people find a handful of sessions enough to work through a specific issue; others benefit from longer-term support. Your clinician will discuss a plan with you early on and review your progress together. This is also why packages can make therapy more affordable over time.
Can I have therapy online?
Yes. As well as in-person sessions at our Bukit Jalil clinic in Kuala Lumpur, we offer online therapy, which can save travel time and makes it easier to fit sessions into a busy week.
What if private therapy isn’t affordable right now?
Government hospitals and clinics, universities and NGOs offer lower-cost or free mental health support, and helplines are available if you need to talk to someone today. Our guide to mental health support in Malaysia lists options and helpline numbers.
Your next step
Therapy is an investment in your wellbeing that often pays off in your relationships, your work and your quality of life. If you’re ready to start, or just want to talk it through, book a free 30-minute screening, explore individual therapy for adults, or message us on WhatsApp. Together, we’ll help you find care that is both effective and affordable.
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