Trichotillomania Therapy Cost: Fees, Insurance and Sessions

Working out the trichotillomania therapy cost before you book can feel awkward, because many practitioners don’t list prices and most people don’t know how many sessions they’ll need. This guide covers what a session typically costs where you live, what insurance and public health services may pay for, and how long a course usually lasts, so you can plan a budget.

Trichotillomania (trich) is a body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB): a condition where people repeatedly pull, pick or bite at their own hair, skin or nails. It affects about 1 in 50 people. Each practitioner sets their own fee, so the figures below are typical prices for private talking therapy, not special trich rates. We checked them in September 2026. Fees change, so always confirm the price before you book.

What does a session of trichotillomania therapy cost?

It depends on your country and on who you see. Fees are set by each practitioner, and psychologists often charge more than counsellors.

In Ireland, the HSE (the Health Service Executive, which runs public health services) gives these typical private prices:

Who you see	Typical price per session
Trainee counsellor	€30 to €60
Low-cost counselling service	€30 to €70
Private counsellor	€60 to €100
Private psychologist	€90 to €180

A course of 10 sessions with a private counsellor would cost about €600 to €1,000.

Does insurance cover trichotillomania therapy?

Often, at least in part, but it depends on where you live and on your policy. Trichotillomania is a recognised diagnosis with its own code (F63.3 in ICD-10, the international list of diagnoses), and insurers generally need a diagnosis code before they pay.

Check whether your health insurance plan pays part of the cost of counselling or psychology sessions. You can also claim tax relief at 20% on treatment by a psychologist or psychotherapist if a registered doctor referred you.

How many sessions might I need?

Most people have around 8 to 12 weekly sessions, though some need fewer and some more. Knowing this lets you budget for a course rather than a single appointment.

A typical course is around 8 to 12 weekly sessions, sometimes with a check-in later.

The best-studied approach is Habit Reversal Training (HRT). It teaches you to notice the urge to pull and to do something else with your hands instead. Trials give a sense of how long a course takes:

Study	Who	Sessions
Franklin and colleagues, 2011	24 young people aged 7 to 17	8 weekly sessions of behaviour therapy
Woods and colleagues, 2022	85 adults	10 sessions over 12 weeks of behaviour therapy with acceptance skills

A 2014 review of 11 trials found that behaviour therapy worked better when people spent more hours with their therapist. That doesn’t mean more is always better for you, but it’s a reason not to stop after two or three sessions if you’re making progress.

Much of the progress happens between sessions, when you practise the skills in daily life. Some people also book an occasional follow-up later, for example during a stressful time or after a setback. You can read more about how it works in our guide to Habit Reversal Training.

Are there free or lower-cost options?

Yes, in most countries, though waits can be long and you may need to explain what trich is.

Public services, insurance, workplace schemes and lower-fee options can all bring the cost down.

Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC): if you’re 18 or over and have a medical card, you may be able to get up to 8 free counselling sessions. Your GP or another health professional refers you.
Low-cost counselling services and trainee counsellors charge from about €30 a session.
Your GP can also refer you to HSE mental health services.

What should I ask before I book?

Ask about money at the start. A good practitioner won’t mind, and it saves surprises later.

What is the fee per session, and how long is a session?
Is the first appointment a different length or price?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can you give me receipts or paperwork I can use for insurance, rebates or tax relief?
Do you offer reduced fees for people on lower incomes?
Have you helped people who pull their hair before, and what approach would you use?
Roughly how many sessions do you expect I’ll need, and how will we check progress?
Do you offer online sessions?

Our guide to questions to ask a therapist before you book goes further.

Where can I find someone who understands trich?

Get support if pulling is causing you distress, taking up a lot of your time, or affecting your life, work, school or relationships. You don’t need to wait until it’s “bad enough”.

Many doctors and therapists have never worked with someone who pulls. Everyone in our directory has told us they understand trichotillomania and already help people who pull, in person or online. You can search the directory.

Our guide to finding a therapist who understands trichotillomania explains what to look for.

If you’re a parent reading this for your child, start with The Parent’s Guide to Trichotillomania: understanding what your child is going through.

Questions people ask

Is a psychologist more expensive than a counsellor?

Often, yes. In Ireland, for example, the HSE puts private counsellors at €60 to €100 a session and private psychologists at €90 to €180. For trich, what matters most is whether the person understands hair pulling and can explain clearly how they’ll help you.

Can my doctor refer me for trichotillomania therapy?

Often, yes. In the UK, the NHS says a GP may refer you for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and under-18s may be seen by children and young people’s mental health services. In other countries, a doctor can point you to public services or write the referral that some insurers and rebates need.

Do I need a diagnosis to claim therapy on insurance?

Usually. Insurers generally need a diagnosis code on the claim. Trichotillomania has its own code, F63.3 in ICD-10, which your practitioner or doctor can record if they’re qualified to diagnose. Ask before you start whether their receipts will include the codes your insurer needs.

Can I use a workplace employee assistance programme for trich?

If your employer has an employee assistance programme (EAP), it may offer free, confidential counselling. It can be a useful place to start. Ask how many sessions are included, and whether they can refer you to someone who understands hair pulling if their counsellors don’t.

What if I can’t afford a full course of therapy?

Tell the practitioner at the start. Some offer reduced fees for people on low incomes, and some may agree to space sessions further apart once you’ve learned the core skills. Practise between sessions, since much of the progress happens there, and check what free public services exist where you live.

Does therapy for trichotillomania cost more than other therapy?

There’s no standard price for trich therapy. Each practitioner sets their own fee, and the price ranges in this guide are for private talking therapy in general. The bigger difference in your total cost usually comes from how many sessions you need, so ask how many they expect.