Making Therapy More Affordable

Therapy is an investment in your well-being, but I know the financial commitment can be daunting. You may be entitled to claim a significant portion of your costs back. Here's how it works in Ireland.

Typical private-therapy pricing

• Standard counselling & psychotherapy: roughly €70–120 per 50–60 minute session (Dublin tends toward the higher end).
• Clinical psychologists & specialised therapy: roughly €90–150+ per session.
• Low-cost options: roughly €30–50 per session, typically with pre-accredited therapists completing supervised clinical hours. Note: these sessions generally can't be claimed on health insurance — see below.

1. Claiming 20% tax back (Revenue)

Under Irish tax law, you can claim tax relief on qualifying health expenses, including psychotherapy and counselling.

• How it works: pay the full fee, keep your receipt, and upload it to Revenue's myAccount portal (Receipts Tracker → Health Expenses).
• The requirement: Revenue generally requires the therapist to be fully registered (e.g. IACP, IAHIP, PSI), and in some cases a GP referral letter.
• You can backdate claims for up to 4 years.

Tax rules can change — confirm current requirements directly onrevenue.ie before relying on this guide.

2. Health insurance coverage

If you have private health insurance (Vhi, Laya Healthcare, or Irish Life Health), check your "Day-to-Day" or "Out-patient" benefits.

• You pay the full fee first, then claim via your insurer's app or portal — therapists don't bill insurers directly.
• Reimbursement is typically €25–40 back per session, capped at a set number of visits per year (often 7–12).
• Insurers only reimburse for a therapist with full, recognised accreditation (e.g. IACP, IAHIP, PSI) — check your specific policy documents for which bodies it recognises.

3. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

Many employers in Ireland offer a confidential EAP (often run by Spectrum.Life or Laya). Check your HR portal — you may be entitled to several fully paid, confidential therapy sessions through your workplace, without your employer ever knowing you applied.

Ready to start looking? See how to find and vet an accredited in-person therapist in Ireland.