How much is a session with a psychologist in Hong Kong?

A 50-minute online CBT session with Dr. Aurélie Comes is HK$2,800. A 90-minute EMDR session is HK$4,200. A free 15-minute initial consultation is available before committing.

Do you offer therapy for teens in Hong Kong?

Yes, Dr. Aurélie Comes offers therapy for adolescents aged 13 and above. Parents and guardians are involved in the onboarding process and provided guidance on supporting progress at home.

Is EMDR therapy right for me?

EMDR can help with single-incident trauma as well as more complex or long-standing difficulties. A thorough assessment is conducted first, coping tools are built, and then memories are processed at a safe and manageable pace.

How many therapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your goals and the nature of your concerns. CBT for anxiety typically takes 8-12 sessions. EMDR for a specific trauma often takes 6-12 sessions. A plan is set together and reviewed regularly.

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy. Many clients seek support for general stress, burnout, anxiety, or personal development without any prior diagnosis.

How to Find a Psychologist in Hong Kong: What Expats and Professionals Need to Know

Q: Is online therapy effective?

Yes. Research consistently shows that online CBT and EMDR therapy are as effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, burnout, and trauma. All sessions with Dr. Aurélie Comes are conducted online via secure video call.

May 2

Written By Aurélie Comes

Finding the right psychologist in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the city, unfamiliar with how the mental health system works here, or simply unsure where to start. This guide is designed to make that process clearer, whether you are an expat navigating a new environment, a professional managing stress that has started to feel unmanageable, or someone who has been thinking about therapy for a while and is finally ready to take the first step.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist, a Psychiatrist, and a Counsellor in Hong Kong?

This is one of the most common questions people have when starting their search. A clinical psychologist holds a doctoral-level qualification in psychology and is trained to assess and treat a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health and can prescribe medication. A counsellor typically holds a master's-level qualification and provides talking therapy, though their training and scope of practice varies widely.

For most adults seeking support for anxiety, burnout, depression, trauma, or stress, a clinical psychologist is usually the right starting point. If medication may also be needed, a referral to a psychiatrist can be made alongside psychological therapy.

What Qualifications Should a Psychologist in Hong Kong Have?

Hong Kong does not currently have a statutory registration system for psychologists in the same way that the UK, US, or Australia do. This means it is important to check a practitioner's qualifications yourself before beginning therapy. Look for a doctoral-level degree in clinical psychology (such as a PsyD or DClinPsy), membership of the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS), and accreditation by a recognised international body such as the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Training within a regulated healthcare system such as the UK NHS is also a strong indicator of clinical competence.

Is Online Therapy Effective for People in Hong Kong?

Yes, and the research supports this clearly. Multiple meta-analyses have found that online CBT and EMDR therapy produce outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, burnout, and trauma. For many professionals and expats in Hong Kong, online therapy offers a practical advantage: no commute, greater scheduling flexibility, and the ability to continue therapy even when travelling. Sessions conducted via video call are secure, structured, and clinically equivalent to face-to-face work.

What Issues Can a Psychologist in Hong Kong Help With?

Clinical psychologists in Hong Kong work with a wide range of concerns. These include generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety, burnout and work-related stress, depression and low mood, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, grief, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Many clients do not come with a formal diagnosis. They simply know that something is not working and want structured, skilled support to change it.

How Do You Start Therapy with a Psychologist in Hong Kong?

The first step is usually a short initial consultation, often offered free of charge, to discuss what you are looking for and whether a particular therapist is the right fit. You do not need a GP referral to access private psychological therapy in Hong Kong. Most private clinical psychologists offer direct booking. When reaching out, it can help to briefly describe what has been going on and what you are hoping to work on. There is no need to have everything figured out before your first contact.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you are looking for a psychologist in Hong Kong with UK-level training, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you are experiencing and whether we would be a good fit. Sessions are conducted online, in English and French, during Hong Kong office hours. You can get in touch via the contact form on this website.

Aurélie Comes