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Who should you see? A plain guide.
Psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor: what each one does, when to go, and what to do if it can't wait.
- Medical doctor (MBBS + MD/DNB Psychiatry)
Psychiatrist
- Diagnoses mental illness
- Prescribes and adjusts medicines
- Checks for physical causes
- Handles emergencies and admission
See one for: Severe low mood, thoughts of suicide, hearing voices, mania, severe anxiety or OCD, addiction, or when therapy alone isn't enough.
- RCI-registered (M.Phil in Clinical Psychology or equivalent)
Clinical psychologist
- Psychological assessment and testing
- Diagnosis
- Evidence-based therapy (CBT, DBT and others)
- Works alongside psychiatrists
See one for: Depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, trauma, personality difficulties, or when you want a formal assessment.
- MA/MSc in Psychology or Counselling
Counsellor / counselling psychologist
- Talk-based support
- Stress, relationships, life changes
- Study and career worries
- Coping skills
See one for: Everyday stress, grief, relationship problems, adjustment, or when you want someone to talk things through with.
Check a clinical psychologist's registration on the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) website. Many people start with whoever they can reach first; a good professional will refer you on if someone else fits better.
Book an appointment soon if…
- Low mood, worry or poor sleep most days for more than two weeks
- It's affecting your studies, work or relationships
- You're using alcohol or other substances to cope
- People close to you are worried about you
- A self-check on this site suggested talking to someone
Get help today if…
- Thoughts of ending your life, or a plan to
- Hurting yourself, or wanting to
- Hearing or seeing things others don't, or feeling unsafe
- Not eating, drinking or sleeping for days
- Sudden confusion, especially in an older person