Where can I find an English-speaking therapist in Korea?

Finding English-speaking mental health support in Korea is one of the biggest challenges for expats. Here are the main options we recommend. In-person therapy (Seoul): - Seoul Counseling Center: English-speaking therapists, sliding scale fees - Itaewon-area private practices: several English-speaking psychologists, 100,000-200,000 KRW per session - Seoul Global Center: free counseling sessions for registered foreigners (limited availability) - University hospital international departments: Severance, Samsung Medical Center, and Asan all have psychiatric departments with English-speaking doctors Online therapy: - BetterHelp and Talkspace work from Korea - Some Korean therapists offer video sessions Important insurance note: NHIS (national health insurance) covers psychiatric care at hospitals (70-80% coverage) but does NOT cover private English-speaking therapy sessions. Budget 100,000-200,000 KRW per session for private therapists. For a more affordable first step, psychiatric medication is much easier and cheaper to access. A visit to a psychiatrist at an NHIS-covered hospital costs about 10,000-20,000 KRW after insurance. The doctor can prescribe medication, and the pharmacy visit is another 5,000-10,000 KRW. This is not a replacement for therapy but it is an accessible starting point. For crisis situations, call 1393 (Mental Health Crisis Hotline, Korean) or contact the Seoul Global Center helpline.