Compare appointments for depression counselling
Use the information below to understand the topic. When you are ready to choose an appointment, compare relevant experience, qualifications, language, service type and the exact fee.
- What to ask before booking depression counselling
- Medical and psychiatry consultation options
- Compare fees and follow-up costs
Is it depression or a bad patch? Signs worth talking about
Everyone has sad days. Depression is different: it lasts, it spreads into every part of life, and it doesn't lift just because something good happens. In India people often describe it in other words: "no mood", constant tiredness, "tension", or body aches that no test explains. Family may say you're being lazy or just need to get out more. Depression is not laziness, and it is not a weakness of character.
Consider talking to someone if several of these have been true most days for two weeks or more:
- Feeling low, empty, numb or irritable most of the day.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy, including people.
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual, or waking very early and lying awake.
- Tiredness that rest doesn't fix; everyday tasks like bathing or replying to messages feel heavy.
- Eating much more or much less, or noticeable weight change.
- Trouble concentrating at work or in studies, or making simple decisions.
- Feeling worthless or guilty, or like a burden to your family.
- Thoughts that life isn't worth living, or thoughts of ending it. If this is happening, please see the urgent help section at the end of this page now.
Our free depression self-check uses the PHQ-9, a nine-question form that doctors use worldwide. It can't diagnose you, but your score is a useful thing to share in a first session. You can also read more in depression is more than feeling sad.
How depression treatment works
Depression usually improves with the right support. Treatment is matched to how severe it is, how long it has lasted and what you prefer. The main options are talking therapy, medicine, or both together.
Talking therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you notice the harsh, all-or-nothing thoughts that depression produces ("I always fail", "nothing will change") and test them against what's really happening.
- Behavioural activation starts with action rather than thoughts: small, planned activities that rebuild energy and pleasure step by step. You can try a version yourself with this seven-day plan for low mood.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships and life changes, such as a loss, a move, a marriage, a new baby or a conflict at home, and how they connect to your mood.
- Counselling gives you a steady, non-judging space to talk things through and find your own way forward. It can be especially helpful for milder depression or after a difficult life event.
Medicine and the psychiatrist's role
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose depression and prescribe medicine. Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to start working, and the first one isn't always the right fit. Your psychiatrist will explain the options and possible side effects, check how you're doing and adjust the plan. When the time comes to stop, they'll plan that with you too. Never stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
A doctor may also check for physical causes that can look like depression, such as thyroid problems or anaemia. If you're unsure whether you need therapy, a psychiatrist or both, this guide on choosing between therapy, psychiatry and both walks through it.
Therapist for depression: counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist?
| Who | What they do | Often a good fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Counsellor or therapist | Talking support and practical coping skills | Low mood after a life event, milder depression, wanting someone to talk to regularly |
| Clinical psychologist | Assessment and structured therapy such as CBT | Depression that keeps coming back, or comes with anxiety or past trauma |
| Psychiatrist | Diagnosis, medicine and medical follow-up | Severe or long-lasting depression, trouble functioning, thoughts of suicide, or therapy alone not helping |
You don't have to get this right on your own. Any of them can help you decide on the next step and refer you on if needed.
How many sessions do people need?
It varies a lot. For mild to moderate depression, a course of therapy is often somewhere between 8 and 16 weekly sessions. Depression that has lasted years or keeps returning may need longer, sometimes with booster sessions afterwards. If you take medicine, your psychiatrist will usually suggest continuing it for some months after you feel better, to lower the chance of it coming back. Ask your provider at the start how they'll measure progress.
Online depression counselling: what works and what doesn't
When getting out of bed feels hard, travelling to a clinic can be the thing that stops you starting. Online sessions by video or audio remove that barrier, and for most people with depression they work much like in-person sessions. Psychiatrists can also review you and, where appropriate, prescribe online.
Online is not enough if you have a plan to end your life, can't eat, drink or look after yourself, or are hearing or seeing things others don't. These need urgent, in-person care. If you're caring for someone in that state, call 112 or take them to the nearest hospital emergency.
Depression treatment in Hindi and other languages
Many people find it easier to describe low mood in their mother tongue, where words like "mann nahi lagta" say exactly what they mean. Each provider on Mindara lists the languages they work in, and the box above shows which are available for depression right now.
डिप्रेशन का इलाज हिंदी में भी हो सकता है। अगर आपका मन लंबे समय से उदास है, किसी काम में मन नहीं लगता या नींद और भूख बदल गई है, तो किसी हिंदी बोलने वाले काउंसलर या साइकियाट्रिस्ट से बात कीजिए। यह कमज़ोरी नहीं है, यह एक इलाज योग्य स्थिति है।
How to choose a depression counsellor on Mindara
- Type of professional. Use the table above. If you're unsure, start with a psychologist or counsellor; they can bring in a psychiatrist if needed.
- Language and gender. Choose someone you can be honest with. Preferring a woman or a man is a valid reason.
- Fee. Fees are shown on each provider's card. Pick something you can sustain for a few months.
- A free first session. Some providers offer a free first session of 15 or 30 minutes, so you can check the fit before paying.
- Registration. Open the Credentials section on a profile. Clinical psychologists in India register with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and psychiatrists with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council; both registers can be searched online.
Your first session
Expect a calm conversation, not a test. You'll be asked how you've been feeling, for how long, how you're sleeping and eating, what's happening at home and at work, and whether you've had thoughts of harming yourself. That last question is asked of everyone and helps keep you safe. Then you'll agree on what to work on first. If talking feels hard, it's fine to say so, or to bring notes or your self-check score.
Depression treatment cost in India, and free counselling
Costs depend on the type of professional, their experience and how often you meet. On Mindara, each provider sets their own fee; the live range for depression is in the box above and the exact fee is on each card. Our therapy cost guide explains typical fees across India.
Free and low-cost help:
- Tele-MANAS (Government of India): 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, free and open 24×7.
- iCall: free phone counselling on 9152987821, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 9pm.
- Psychiatry outpatient clinics at government medical college and district hospitals, at low cost.
- A free first session with participating Mindara providers, for eligible new clients.
Depression can also show up in specific situations, such as after having a baby (postpartum depression) or as part of mood swings between lows and highs (bipolar disorder). Those need a slightly different plan, so mention them to your provider.
When to get urgent help
If you're thinking about ending your life, or have made a plan, please don't wait for an appointment. Call 112, go to the nearest emergency department, or call Tele-MANAS on 14416, free and open at any hour. Tell one person you trust what's happening. You don't have to carry this alone.
