Psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor? How to choose

• Psychiatrist: a doctor (MBBS, then a specialist degree in psychiatry). Diagnoses, prescribes and monitors medicine, and may also offer therapy.
• Clinical psychologist: trained in therapy and psychological testing; registered with the RCI. Doesn't prescribe.
• Counsellor or therapist: training varies widely. Helps with stress, adjustment, relationships and life decisions.

They often work together: a psychiatrist manages medicine while a psychologist provides therapy.

See a psychiatrist when symptoms are severe or last a long time, when they make daily life hard to manage, or when you think medicine might help — for example, for depression that isn't lifting, panic attacks, or problems with sleep and mood that keep coming back.

A psychiatrist is a registered medical practitioner, so you can check their registration with the National Medical Commission or your state medical council.

A clinical psychologist is a good first step for anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief and patterns of thinking or behaviour you want to change. They use talking therapies — such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — and can carry out psychological assessments.

Clinical psychologists in India are registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India. It's completely fine to ask for their registration number before you book.

For everyday stress, a difficult period at work, relationship strain or a decision you're stuck on, a counsellor can help you think clearly and cope better. Because there's no statutory regulator for counsellors, ask about their training, the kinds of concerns they usually work with, and whether they're supervised.

• Stress, burnout, a rough patch: a counsellor or psychologist.
• Anxiety or low mood that has lasted weeks: a clinical psychologist; they'll suggest a psychiatrist too if medicine might help.
• Severe symptoms, or you already take psychiatric medicine: a psychiatrist.
• Not sure: start with a psychologist. Part of their job is working out what kind of help suits you.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, or is in danger, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 (free, 24×7), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The first session is mostly about getting to know you: what's been happening, how long it's been going on, what you'd like to change. The professional will explain how confidentiality works and suggest a plan — how often to meet and what you'll work on.

It's normal not to feel a connection with the first person you see. Trust between you and your therapist matters, so it's fine to try someone else. On YoPro you can talk to a psychologist online from home, at a time that suits you.