Searching for mental health Dhaka often comes down to three urgent questions:
This guide answers all three in plain language, with practical steps you can take today.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about self-harm: please contact local emergency services right now or reach out to a trusted person nearby. If you can, go to the nearest emergency department.
Quick snapshot (Dhaka, 2026)
- Best starting point for talk therapy: licensed psychologist / counselor- Best starting point for medication: psychiatrist (a medical doctor)- Common first step for many people: a short assessment session + a plan for follow-up- Online therapy in Bangladesh: can be a good option if you have time constraints, mobility issues, or privacy concerns
Cost of private therapy sessions in Dhaka: what to expect
Prices vary widely depending on credentials, location, and session length. In Dhaka, private therapy fees tend to fall into these broad ranges:
| Service type | Typical session length | Common fee range (BDT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counseling / psychotherapy (psychologist) | 45–60 min | 1,500–5,000 | Experience, specialty, and clinic location matter |
| Psychiatrist consultation | 15–30 min | 2,000–6,000 | May include diagnosis + medication planning |
| Follow-up psychiatrist visit | 10–20 min | 1,000–3,000 | Often shorter, focused on response to meds |
| Online counseling session | 45–60 min | 1,000–3,500 | Can be more affordable than in-person |
These are informational ranges, not a promise. If you’re budgeting, ask clinics upfront:
- “What’s the fee for the first session and follow-ups?”- “Do you offer student discounts or sliding scale pricing?”- “What’s included (assessment, worksheets, support between sessions)?”
Mental health doctor vs psychologist: who should you see?
People often search mental health doctor when they actually mean different professionals. Here’s the simplest way to decide.
See a psychologist/counselor if you want:
- Ongoing talk therapy (CBT, DBT-informed skills, trauma-focused approaches)- Help with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, burnout- A structured plan with coping tools and behavior change support
See a psychiatrist if you want:
- Medical assessment for conditions that may benefit from medication- Support for severe depression, panic attacks, OCD, bipolar disorder, psychosis- Medication monitoring and side-effect management
Consider starting with either (or both) when:
- Symptoms are impacting sleep, work, or relationships- You have repeated episodes (e.g., anxiety spikes every few months)- You’ve tried self-help but it’s not enough
If you’re unsure, it’s okay to start with a therapist; they can refer you to a psychiatrist if medication evaluation is appropriate.
Where to find online therapy services available in Bangladesh
If commuting in Dhaka is hard or you want privacy, online therapy services available in Bangladesh can be a good fit.
When evaluating an online counseling option, look for:
- Credentials: verify the clinician is licensed/qualified- Clear privacy policy: how data is stored and who can access it- Session format: video, audio, chat (and what’s recommended)- Emergency plan: what to do if you’re in crisis- Transparency: fee structure, cancellation policy, follow-up expectations
You can also explore Mindspace’s service pages for local support paths:
- Services overview: /services- Professionals: /professionals- Contact: /contact
How to choose a good therapist in Dhaka (checklist)
Use this checklist before booking:
What to expect in your first session
Most first sessions include:
- your main concerns and goals- symptom history (sleep, appetite, mood, panic, substance use)- safety screening (especially if there’s self-harm risk)- a recommended plan (weekly/biweekly sessions, skills practice, referrals)
If you want a step-by-step booking guide for psychiatry specifically, see: /mental-health-o-pedia/how-to-book-virtual-psychiatry-consultations-bangladesh