Hi... There are various reasons. And if you compare it with any other major physical health treatment, for example, heart ailments etc. You will see what therapy cost in an year, heart treatment cost in for days. It is not about being expensive or non expensive. It's about what people think is worth spending and what not. I ran a service for far less a price than people with not even half my qualification and experience. What I found is that people do not think a talking therapy is worth spending 1500/- to 2500/- for 1 hr of Session. But they feel okay spending 3—5 lakhs for a heart treatment which requires their body to be cut and corrected. Forget about a heart treatment, people are fine spending 2000—3000 on a meal in a fancy restaurant and 3000—5000 on alcohol, cigarettes, and what not in a pub every other weekend. People are fine with spending lakhs of rupees on SUV's, Luxury Cars, Branded Clothes, Shoes, Accessories, but they are not okey spending 1000—3000 rupees weekly on their Mental health. And this even applies to people who fall under the top tax bracket of income tax (individuals). Whereas, there is a limit to how many sessions a therapist can afford to take in a day, i.e., 4—6 (1 hr duration). If s/he is taking more sessions in a day, his/her own mental health will go for a toss. So now what's happening is that big organisations are jumping into this sector and trying to provide sessions on affordable rates while hiring professionals with relatively less industry exposure and practical experience. It is resulting in poor recovery and low impact on clients mental health and increasing the dissatisfaction among the larger population on mental health treatments and creating a doubt over the treatment methodology itself. On an average a mental health treatment (counselling) costs somewhere around 50000 to 70000 per year with sessions conducted on weekly basis. Most issues get better with 6—8 months to 1—2 years of Therapy with sessions on weekly basis. Some mental health disorders/illnesses like Schizophrenia, etc. takes more time. But most people drop their treatment in-between and not because of lack of money but because of lack of perceived value for a talking therapy. It treats the issues from the root and can be life changing for most and has no side effects. But people don't have that much patience. They want quick fixes. They are okay swallowing a pill for every small discomfort, even completely knowing that every pill has some side effects. I have been in the field for a long time now and worked in various sectors and on various capacities. What I have found out is that working in Psychology in India is a Thankless Job. This is a typical statement I have heard from fellow Psychologists and even our Professors. A young Psychologist would not be able to even afford a simple living if s/he chooses to not work for an organisation and rather work independently. When you join a job there are n-number of other tasks and responsibilities you are supposed to satisfy to sustain your employment and grow in it. Whereas if you are working independently you can spend all your time and attention on treating your clients, because that is ultimately your primary task. To help people recover from their issues. The awareness around mental health is so less that people judge the seniority of a therapist based upon the infrastructure/clinic space s/he is sitting in rather based on his/her qualifications and experience. So it's easy to find a monster but it is very difficult to tame one. No one is at fault here, this is kind of environment we have created and we are all trying to do our best.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychologist.
Typically if you commit for a long term plan. Most Psychologist's will be okay providing you sessions on lower cost. But you have to pay an amount to show your commitment. Mere words will not help.
Health Tips
Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Senior Psychologist
Cell: nine six seven one three zero three one three four
Website: https://gunjanmaithil.wixsite.com/therapy
App: http://wix.to/fECHB08?ref=cl