A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health, with an MBBS followed by a postgraduate degree in psychiatry (MD, DNB or DPM). A psychiatrist can assess your symptoms, make a diagnosis, look at how your physical health and any current medicines fit in, prescribe and review medicines, and explain your treatment options. Many people see a psychiatrist alongside a psychologist or counsellor, who offers the talking therapy.
What an online consultation can do
A first assessment: what you are going through, how long it has lasted, your sleep, appetite, health history and any medicines you already take.
A diagnosis, where one fits, and a treatment plan explained in plain words.
Follow-up visits to see how a medicine is working and whether it is causing side effects.
A referral for talking therapy, for blood tests, or to in-person care when you need it.
Prescriptions after an online consultation
Under India’s Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020), a registered doctor can give you a prescription after an online consultation when they judge it right for you. The same guidelines limit some medicines: some can be prescribed only after a video consultation or at a follow-up, and some can’t be prescribed in an online-only consultation at all. Your psychiatrist will explain what is possible in your case. Booking a consultation never guarantees a prescription. Never stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor.
When to see a doctor in person instead
You need a physical examination, or tests that can’t wait.
The medicine you may need can’t be prescribed online.
Someone is very unwell: not eating or drinking, very confused, not sleeping for days, or seeing or hearing things others don’t.
Someone is in danger right now. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Fees, languages and choosing a psychiatrist
Each card below shows the psychiatrist’s current fee, the languages they consult in, and their next open time. To see what consultations typically cost across Mindara, visit our therapy cost in India page. Some psychiatrists offer eligible new clients a free first session. You can also browse psychiatrists by language on this page.
Mindara checks every psychiatrist’s medical registration before their profile goes live. You can check it yourself too. Our guide on how to find a therapist in India walks you through the National Medical Commission’s register step by step.
If you are in crisis, don’t wait for an appointment. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24×7) or 112, or see our crisis resources.
Questions people often ask
Can I consult a psychiatrist online in India?
Yes. Registered psychiatrists in India can consult by video or audio call under the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020). An online consultation works well for a first assessment, follow-ups and medicine reviews. Some situations still need an in-person visit, such as a physical examination or an emergency.
How much does an online psychiatrist consultation cost in India?
Each psychiatrist sets their own fee, and you can see it on their card before you book. Fees vary with experience and consultation length, and a first consultation can cost more than a follow-up. Our therapy cost in India page shows typical fees from verified providers. Government hospital psychiatry departments charge only a small registration fee.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medicine online?
Often, yes. A psychiatrist can give you a prescription after an online consultation if they think a medicine is right for you. India’s telemedicine rules restrict some medicines, and a few can’t be prescribed online at all, so your psychiatrist will explain what is possible. A booking never guarantees a prescription.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medicines. A clinical psychologist is not a medical doctor; they assess people and provide talking therapy, and they are registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India. Many people benefit from seeing both.
Is there a free online psychiatrist consultation in India?
Tele-MANAS (14416, free and open 24×7) connects you with trained counsellors, who can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist, including by video. Government hospitals also run psychiatry clinics for a small fee. On Mindara, some psychiatrists offer eligible new clients a free first session.
Can I consult a psychiatrist online in Hindi or another Indian language?
Yes. Every psychiatrist’s card shows the languages they consult in, and you can browse psychiatrists by language on this page. Hindi is widely available, and some psychiatrists also consult in languages such as Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali or Malayalam.
How long is an online psychiatrist consultation?
It depends on the psychiatrist and the type of visit. A first consultation is usually longer, because the psychiatrist needs your full history. Follow-ups are often shorter. The length is shown on each booking option before you pay.
Is an online psychiatrist consultation confidential?
Yes. What you discuss stays between you and your psychiatrist, except in rare situations where someone is at serious risk of harm. Join from a private, quiet place where you won’t be overheard, and use headphones if you can.
Can my child or teenager see a psychiatrist online?
Yes. A parent or guardian can book the consultation from their own account, and must be present during a doctor’s consultation with someone under 18. Look for a psychiatrist who lists experience with children and teenagers.
When should I see a psychiatrist in person or go to an emergency department?
Go in person if you need a physical examination, urgent tests, or a medicine that can’t be prescribed online. Go to an emergency department or call 112 if someone has harmed themselves, is in danger, is very confused, or has stopped eating or drinking. Tele-MANAS on 14416 can also guide you at any hour.
