Many of us think about it for months. Whom should we call? What do we say? What will the family think? This guide keeps it simple.
It explains who does what, what to ask before a first session, and how to tell your family. It does not help you work out what you may have. Only a qualified professional can do that.
Who does what
Job titles are used loosely in India. This is the usual picture.
| Who | Usual training | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Counsellor | Usually a master’s in counselling or psychology. There is no single national licence. | Talks with you about stress, relationships and life choices. |
| Clinical psychologist | A master’s plus an M.Phil. in clinical psychology, with registration at the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). | Assessment and talk therapy. Cannot prescribe medicine. |
| Psychiatrist | A medical degree (MBBS) plus an MD in psychiatry. | A medical doctor. Can diagnose and prescribe medicine. |
Many people see more than one of them over time, and that is normal.
5 questions to ask before the first session
- What is your qualification?
- Are you registered, and can I have the registration number?
- How do you work, and what happens in a first session?
- How long is a session, and what does it cost?
- How is my privacy kept?
It is fine to try one session and then decide. Many counsellors also offer online sessions, so distance need not stop you.
Why we do not self-diagnose
Online quizzes and short videos can sound very sure. They cannot see you, your history or your life. If a video or a quiz makes you worry, take that worry to a professional, not to a label.
Telling your family: 3 scripts
“Why do you need a counsellor?”
A calm, short answer works better than a long defence.
“Mummy, I understand why you worry. I would like to talk about the stress with someone trained, and I would like to try it.”
“I want someone to talk to about all this. It is a sensible step for me.”
“It will cost so much.”
You can check the cost first and plan it yourself. That often settles the worry.
“Uncle, I will check the cost first and plan it myself. Please do not worry about it.”
“I will manage the cost. I am also comparing online options.”
“People will talk.”
It is a private matter. You decide whom to tell.
“Aunty, it is a private matter. I will tell only those I trust, and I would like you to be one of them.”
“It is private. I would like to keep it between us.”
If it has been weeks
Please do not wait for a perfect time. A first conversation with a professional costs little and commits you to nothing.
When to ask for professional help
If low mood, constant worry or poor sleep lasts for weeks, or starts to affect work, studies or relationships, please speak to a qualified doctor, psychiatrist or counsellor. If you or someone you know feels unsafe or is thinking of self-harm, call 112 now. You can also call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (or 1800-89-14416). It is a free government helpline, open 24 hours, in many languages.
Save this: the cheat card
- Know the three roles: counsellor, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist.
- Ask for qualification and registration.
- Try one session, then decide.
- Do not label yourself from quizzes or videos.
- Tell family your plan in one calm sentence.
- Call 14416 if you need to talk to someone now.
Related reading: How to Tell Your Family You Are Not Feeling Okay: 8 Scripts for India, 6 Mental Health Myths We Hear at Home in India, and Gentle Replies and Breaking the Stigma: How to Talk About Mental Health at Home.
This is general information, not medical advice. Updated 12 November 2026.