Counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist: who to talk to

These three roles overlap, and the names are easy to mix up. Here is the short version.

Psychiatrist. A medical doctor who has gone on to a postgraduate degree or diploma in psychiatry. A psychiatrist can assess you, look for physical causes, decide whether medicine could help, prescribe it and follow up. Many also offer talking support. Indian law, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, sets out this definition.

Clinical psychologist. Not a medical doctor. Under the same Act, a clinical psychologist has a recognised qualification in clinical psychology from an institution approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), or a postgraduate degree in psychology with a two-year, full-time MPhil that includes supervised clinical training. Clinical psychologists assess how you are thinking and feeling and offer structured talking sessions (psychotherapy), such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They do not prescribe medicines.

Counsellor. Someone trained to listen, help you make sense of what is going on, and support you through it. The Mental Healthcare Act does not define "counsellor", and training varies a lot from one counsellor to the next. A good counsellor knows when to bring in a doctor or a psychologist. Counsellors do not prescribe, and they cannot tell you what condition is behind your feelings.

There is no single right door. These are sensible starting points.

• If you are in danger or thinking of harming yourself: don't wait for an appointment. Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
• If you don't know what is wrong, only that something is: start with someone who will listen and help you find the right person, such as a counsellor or a doctor you trust.
• If you have body symptoms too, like tiredness, weight changes or changes in your periods: see a doctor, who can look for physical causes such as the thyroid. Our guide on when low mood needs a doctor can help.
• If your symptoms are severe, have lasted a long time, or you think medicine might help: a psychiatrist.
• If you want structured talking sessions to work on patterns of thinking, worry or low mood: a clinical psychologist.

Many people see more than one of these over time. A counsellor may suggest a doctor; a psychiatrist and a psychologist often work together.

A Nari health counsellor is a member of the Nari care team. They call you, listen, understand what's going on and book you with a Nari doctor. You can read what happens on a Nari call.

What a Nari health counsellor never does:

• Never gives medical advice. Medical calls come from a Nari doctor.
• Never decides what condition you have. Only a doctor can tell what's going on.
• Never prescribes. Medicines and tests are the doctor's decision.

Your first call is not a therapy session. If the plan your doctor sets includes counselling with a psychologist, your counsellor takes it forward with you.

Whether you are booking online or in person, with us or with anyone else, these questions help you choose well.

• What is your qualification, and where did you train?
• Are you registered? A psychiatrist is a registered medical practitioner. For a clinical psychologist, you can ask for their RCI registration.
• How do you usually work? How long is a session, and how many sessions might I need?
• What happens if I need medicine? Who would I see?
• What should I do in a crisis between sessions?
• How do you keep what I say private?
• Which languages can we talk in?
• What will it cost, in total? Ask before you start.

A good professional will be glad you asked.

Yes. Many counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists in India see people by video or phone. Online sessions can make it easier to fit help around work and family.

Ask the same questions as you would in person: qualification, registration, and what happens in a crisis. Choose a quiet, private space for the call if you can.

Talk to someone if low mood, worry, poor sleep or stress has lasted two weeks or more, or if it is getting in the way of work, family or looking after yourself. You don't need to know which professional you need first.

Nari 1 is not an emergency service. If you are thinking of harming yourself, or you are in danger, call 112 now. For free mental health support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, a Government of India helpline.

Yes. Tele-MANAS, the national tele-mental health helpline of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is free and open day and night. Call 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. You are connected with a trained counsellor who can understand what you need and, if it helps, connect you with a mental health professional.

In an emergency, call 112. Our page on getting help right now explains what to say when you call.

• What you have been feeling, and for how long.
• What you would like help with: understanding it, feeling better day to day, sleep, work, family.
• Whether you have body symptoms too, such as tiredness or changes in your periods.
• Any past help you have had, and what worked or didn't.
• Any medicines you take.
• The language you would like to talk in.