Reaching out is a strong thing to do. Here is what help looks like in India, what it costs, and what to expect, so the first step feels a little easier.
Talk to someone today, for free
Tele-MANAS: 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. The Government of India’s free mental health helpline. Open 24 hours, every day, in many Indian languages. Trained counsellors listen, support you, and can connect you to a psychiatrist or local services if you need one.
In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Where to get treatment
- Government medical college or district hospital
- Most have a psychiatry OPD where you can register like any other department, at low or no cost. Many districts also run the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) through the district hospital.
- Your family doctor or physician
- A good first stop. They can check for physical causes, start treatment for common problems and refer you to a psychiatrist.
- Private psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor
- Often faster to see. Ask about fees in advance; many also offer online consultations.
Who does what?
- Psychiatrist
- A medical doctor (MBBS, then MD or DNB in psychiatry) who diagnoses mental health conditions and can prescribe medicines. Many also provide therapy.
- Clinical psychologist
- Trained in assessment and talking therapies such as CBT. Does not prescribe medicines. In India, clinical psychologists are registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
- Counsellor
- Offers support and talking help, often for stress, relationships or adjustment. Training varies, so it’s fine to ask about qualifications.
What happens at the first visit?
- The doctor will ask what you’ve been experiencing, for how long, and how it affects your life. There are no wrong answers.
- They may ask about sleep, appetite, alcohol or substance use, past illnesses, family history and stress at home or work.
- You can bring a family member or friend if that helps. You can also ask to speak to the doctor alone.
- Bring any medicines you take and old prescriptions or reports. If you did a self-check on this site, you can show the result.
- You’ll usually leave with a plan: tests if needed, therapy, medicines, or a follow-up date.
Common worries
- “Seeing a psychiatrist means I’m ‘mad’.”
- No. Psychiatrists mostly treat common, everyday problems like depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties and stress, just as a physician treats blood pressure or diabetes.
- “Psychiatric medicines are addictive and you have to take them forever.”
- Most medicines used for depression and anxiety are not addictive. Many people take them for a limited period. Your doctor will plan how long, and how to stop safely.
- “It will go away if I just stay positive.”
- Support and a positive outlook help, but depression and anxiety are health conditions. Willpower alone often isn’t enough, and that’s not a personal failure.
- “Everyone will find out.”
- What you tell a doctor is confidential. Under India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, you have a right to confidentiality and a right to access mental health care from government services.
If you’re worried about someone else
Stay with them, listen, and ask directly whether they are thinking of suicide. If they are in immediate danger, call 112 or take them to the nearest emergency department. Remove access to things they could use to harm themselves, if it is safe to do so. You can call Tele-MANAS on 14416 for guidance too.