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Psychotherapy: A personal matter or an issue of social justice?
🇬🇷 Greece /Health & Science

Psychotherapy: A personal matter or an issue of social justice?

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The cost of psychotherapy in Greece presents a significant barrier, with sessions averaging 40 euros weekly, making it unsustainable for many on average salaries.
  • Individuals with lower incomes or unstable employment struggle to afford consistent therapy, sometimes forcing them to interrupt or postpone sessions.
  • While some therapists offer sliding scales or refer patients to lower-cost options, public mental health services face challenges with accessibility and clarity.

The rising visibility of mental health in public discourse has led more people, particularly Gen Z, to openly discuss psychotherapy. However, the financial burden of sustaining this care remains a significant hurdle, transforming the decision to seek help into a challenge of affordability.

With the current salaries, it's definitely not sustainable. Last year, I was forced to interrupt sessions and postpone appointments due to financial difficulties.

— Anna G.A 33-year-old patient describing the financial challenges of private psychotherapy.

A single psychotherapy session in Greece typically costs around 40 euros, with weekly sessions being the norm. This recurring expense can become prohibitive for individuals with average incomes. Anna G., a 33-year-old undergoing private psychotherapy, described her situation as "marginally manageable" but not sustainable for everyone. "With the current salaries, it's definitely not sustainable. Last year, I was forced to interrupt sessions and postpone appointments due to financial difficulties," she shared.

For others, the ability to access therapy is directly linked to their living situation. Christos X. noted that without the support of his parents' home, he would be unable to afford therapy. "If I didn't have my parents' house, I couldn't go, it's that simple. Each session costs 50 euros, and during periods when therapy was weekly, the monthly cost reached about 200 euros," he stated.

If I didn't have my parents' house, I couldn't go, it's that simple. Each session costs 50 euros, and during periods when therapy was weekly, the monthly cost reached about 200 euros.

— Christos X.A patient explaining how his living situation impacts his ability to afford therapy.

Psychologists and psychotherapists acknowledge the financial strain. Sofia Svoronou, a psychologist and psychotherapist, recognizes that therapy requires time and that access is unequal. She mentioned that students, the unemployed, and young professionals often inquire about costs and frequency from the outset. "The cost is an obstacle for many potential patients," she observed, adding that she has referred individuals to low-cost centers and public services. She has also witnessed patients discontinuing therapy due to financial constraints.

The cost is an obstacle for many potential patients.

— Sofia SvoronouA psychologist and psychotherapist discussing the financial barriers to therapy.

Svoronou also pointed out practical difficulties within public mental health structures. "The appointment process can cause confusion, as people don't always know the specializations or the composition of the therapeutic team. At the specific center I'm referring to, sessions are usually held bi-weekly and last an hour," she explained. Antonis Economopoulos, another psychologist and psychotherapist, maintains a fixed price for his sessions but also uses a sliding scale to offer some lower-cost slots. He emphasized that the issue is complex, particularly when a therapist identifies a patient needing more frequent sessions but faces financial limitations.

The appointment process can cause confusion, as people don't always know the specializations or the composition of the therapeutic team. At the specific center I'm referring to, sessions are usually held bi-weekly and last an hour.

— Sofia SvoronouA psychologist and psychotherapist detailing challenges with public mental health services.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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