Cost of Therapy in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Months have passed since you’ve been contemplating therapy. Perhaps it is the lingering worries that prevent you from sleeping, or the unbroken patterns in your relationship that prevent you from moving forward or the burden of bearing it by yourself. You know that therapy is exactly what you need, and that you want therapy, yet there is one question that holds you back from making that step into a therapy room: “Can I afford it?”

If you’ve ever Googled something like ‘the cost of therapy in Nigeria’ ; full of hope as well as a certain level of fear about what you might find on the internet, well, you are not alone. The issue of affordability is probably the biggest hurdle to mental health support for a large number of the population in Nigeria, and that is a valid concern because, while therapy is an investment, so is the economic situation that a large section of the population is living in, coupled with the fact that mental health is an emerging concept.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about therapy costs in Nigeria, what influences pricing, what you’re actually paying for, and most importantly, how to access quality mental health care that fits your budget.

Understanding the Therapy Space in Nigeria

Before we proceed with the discussion on the number of therapists in Nigeria, it is important to first have an idea of what the system of therapies looks like in Nigeria today. The system in Nigeria is constantly changing rapidly, with people acknowledging the value of their mental health and working towards having the best counseling in the country.

Various types of therapy are conducted in Nigeria, such as traditional face-to-face therapeutic sessions in private clinics or hospital setups, therapeutic sessions conducted in NGOs, as well as the emergence of online therapeutic platforms, which have broadened the accessibility of therapy in Nigeria to a significant extent.

What Does Therapy Really Cost in Nigeria?

Straight to the question, therapy costs in Nigeria are quite broad, sometimes between ₦5,000 to ₦50,000 per session, depending on several factors.

Private Practice Therapy

Sessions with private therapists in big cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt usually range from ₦15,000 to ₦50,000 per session. These sessions normally are 45-60 minutes, usually held in professional clinic settings.

Hospital-based therapy

Teaching hospitals and general hospitals with psychiatric departments may offer lower rates of therapy, generally ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 per session. However, one may have to deal with longer waiting times, and such hospitals might be less flexible with the scheduling.

NGO and community-based services

A number of NGOs offer free or subsidized therapy, especially for target groups or issues. The cost can vary from free to ₦5,000 per session, though the slots may be highly limited.

Online Therapy Platforms

Digital therapy services have introduced more competitive pricing, usually falling between ₦8,000 and ₦25,000 per session, although some offer subscription models or package deals that would drive down the cost per session.

What Influences the Cost of Therapy in Nigeria?

Several factors affect how much you have to pay for therapy:

The Therapist’s Qualifications and Experience

Therapists with more advanced qualifications, education, or experience tend to charge more. A clinical psychologist with a doctorate degree and 15 years of experience would, for instance, be more expensive than a newly licensed counselor. However, they can offer great support depending on your needs.

Location

Location is also an essential factor in pricing. It has to be noted that therapists who practice in locations like Lagos and Abuja tend to have slightly higher rates than those who practice elsewhere. But this is where online therapy can offer equal opportunities to customers everywhere in the country, irrespective of their locations.

Session Format

In-person sessions might be more pricey than getting an internet-based session because you would incur charges like office space, bills, and support staff. Internet-based treatments are less pricey, and savings are passed to the client.

Specialization

Therapists with specialization in certain domains, such as trauma, couples therapy, or eating disorders, may also command higher premiums based on their expertise.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

When you notice the price tag on therapy sessions, the first reaction that comes to your mind is, “I am shelling out that kind of money just to talk?” However, therapy is more than just talking.

You are paying for a professional who has dedicated years to the study of mankind’s psychological aspects, both behavioral and cognitive. You are benefiting greatly from the expertise in understanding human thought patterns, emotional intelligence, traumas, and behavioral modifications.

In essence, you are paying to have a safe space where you can be completely honest without the fear of gossip, unsolicited advice, or the compromising of your personal relationships. Such a safe space is hard to come by.

Overall, you’re investing in effective, structured interventions that are based on scientific research to achieve long-term change. Your therapist is not just sitting there listening to you; they are actively working with you to use proven techniques to gain a better understanding of yourself and improve your mental health.

Finally, you’re making an investment in yourself, in your own mental health and wellness, and in the strength of your interpersonal connections and your level of performance on the job. The return on this investment often extends far beyond the therapy room.

The Hidden Cost of Not Seeking Therapy

While we’re discussing the cost of therapy, let’s think about the cost of not pursuing therapy and the consequences of not dealing with your problems. Mental health challenges don’t just exist discreetly and only linger in the mind. They bleed into all other areas of your lives. There are consequences to your job life and your personal life.

There are the physical consequences, including the weakening of your immune system as a result of untreated conditions such as stress, anxiety, and melancholy. There are the consequences that result in hefty hospital bills. There are the opportunities that are foregone. Again, I don’t mean to coerce or press you at all. Just remember that your therapy is an investment. Yes, it is. But your choice to remain stagnant and move no matter the circumstances is an investment too.

Commonly Asked Questions About Paying for Therapy

How long will I need therapy?

This varies dramatically depending on your needs. Some people need short-term therapy, such as 8-12 sessions, which may suffice for their specific problems; others are in longer-term work. Your therapist should be fairly clear about how they work and how long it is likely to take.

Does health insurance cover therapy in Nigeria?

A few health insurance policies now actually cover mental health, though not many. This may be due to the fact that Nigerians do not see this as a vital area of need in terms of insurance cover. Check your policy details and advocate for mental health inclusion if it’s not covered.

Can I negotiate the price of therapy?

It doesn’t hurt to ask, especially if you’re committing to regular sessions. Many therapists want to help and may be flexible, particularly for motivated clients facing genuine financial constraints.

What if I start therapy and then cannot afford to continue?

Probably the most straightforward thing to do is to bring this subject up with your therapist directly. They may be able to modify frequency, provide resources, or help transition, if necessary, to a more affordable option.

Is Therapy Worth the Cost?

To the vast majority of individuals who spend their money on good therapy, the answer is an unequivocal YES. Numerous studies have confirmed the obvious: when done properly, therapy gives individuals the tools and knowledge to aid their progress long after the hour is over, as individuals judge the results to be one of the best investments of their lifetime, like education or career improvements.

Is an hour on the therapist’s sofa worth the cost? Is overcoming the anxiety holding back your career worth the cost? Is improving the quality of your relationships worth the cost? The only question is whether or not you’re worth investing in, and the answer to that is obviously YES.

How Blueroomcare Is Changing Access to Affordable Therapy

At Blueroomcare, we recognize that cost is a significant barrier that has been preventing Nigerians from accessing the support they really need and deserve. It is because of this reason that we have developed a system that seeks to provide the clarity and affordability that Nigerians need and want. The online system helps us cut costs associated with the traditional therapy setting, thus allowing us to provide you with the best rates to enable you to afford regular sessions with your therapist. The rates are flexible and fluid, and you do not only have the option of bundling the sessions to reduce the session rates, but you can also subscribe to the services of your therapist. To make it easier and more convenient, we provide you with three plans:

Basic

₦4,160/week | ₦14,690/month | ₦43,420/quarter (Save 25%)
This plan includes live messaging consultations, therapy session scheduling, intelligent therapist matching, and the ability to switch therapists.

Standard

₦6,890/week | ₦24,750/month (Save 10%) | ₦67,080/quarter (Save 25%)
This plan includes all the features in the basic plan, in addition to live audio consultations.

Premium

₦9,643/week | ₦34,239/month (Save 11%) | ₦90,838/quarter (Save 27%)
This plan includes all the features in the standard plan, in addition to live video consultations.

We’ve, in fact, invested in a diverse range of talented Nigerian therapists who are aware of the unique context, challenges, and issues that people are going through in the Nigerian environment. They are not only affordable therapists, but culturally competent care as well. Our services are also extremely convenient. There are no long hours spent commuting, especially in the notorious Lagos traffic. There are also no half days off work. There are also no additional costs for transport. It’s as simple as gaining access to your therapist from the comfort zone of either your home or office, using only your phone or computer. This, of course, tackles the issues of convenience as well as cost, not just the latter.

Another thing we’ve come to realize is that the financial condition of people is also dynamic. If you are completely committed to your mental health journey, but are having some challenges along the way due to the bad financial times, we strongly advise you to contact us. Above all else, Blueroomcare is playing an instrumental role in fueling an important cultural shift in the mental healthcare arena in the Nigerian environment, helping to banish the stigma associated with mental healthcare.

Takeaway

The cost of therapy in Nigeria, and fears about being expensive are valid; but in knowing what services exist and what dedicated providers of accessible care exist, such as Blueroomcare in Nigeria, affordable care can indeed exist. Your mental health is everything to you and has a direct effect on relationships, work life, health in general, and enjoying life altogether. 

Therefore, this is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself and others who count on you. Your fears about being expensive might have held you back this entire time from pursuing support so perhaps this can give you the drive to finally start by making a decision on yourself in starting this journey today.

• Need support? Start your care journey by booking a confidential therapy session and accessing daily journaling and wellness check-ins through the Blueroomcare App.
• Looking for more guidance? Explore our blog for more mental health tips.