If you are experiencing issues that are affecting your daily functioning and physical health, it might be a good idea to seek help. For example : distressing thoughts, disturbed sleep, irritability, appetite disturbances,trouble at work, relationship issues etc.

Psychiatrist is a licensed physician with specialisation in the field of psychiatry.

Psychiatrist obtain medical degree (MBBS) upon attending medical college for 5 years followed by a further year of rotating clinical internship in medical specialties. They then receive basic residency training and qualification in psychiatry for 3 years (M.D in Psychiatry).They are qualified in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and prescribe medicines only if necessary.

Psychologists receive training in clinical psychology/ counselling psychology. After graduation they pursue M.phil and Ph.D. Depending on their training and education, they specialize in different types of therapies for mental health issues.

Any past medical or psychiatric records, psychological assessments.

For tele-consultations please keep your ID with you.

Yes. All psychiatric consultations are confidential. Your records will never be shared with anyone at any time without your consent.

Except :

1)when there is an imminent danger to you or others.

2) Required by law.

It depends on the nature and degree of a depressive episode. Usually for the first episode, one would need to take an antidepressant for up to 5-6 months. If they have remained symptoms free for the duration mentioned above, then an attempt can be made to taper down the dose and stop where appropriate.

In case of multiple episodes, a long term course of medicines is required.

Technology-based patient consultation e.g. telephone, video, devices connected over LAN, WAN, Internet, mobile or landline phones, Chat Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger etc., or Mobile App or internet based digital platforms for telemedicine or data transmission systems like Skype/ email/ fax etc. ..know more

If you are in crisis, please contact the following helplines depending upon the emergency :

• Suicide Helpline

• Domestic Violence :National Commission for women (NCW) Whats App number --7217735372

• Children helpline number is - 1098 (Childline India, Ministry of Women and Child Development)

• Helpline for elderly

I understand that rarely unforeseeable circumstances may require you to reschedule your appointment after making the payment. Please read the process for cancelling and rescheduling an appointment here.

If you want to book an appointment for a minor (below 18 years), please mail me at help@swatipsychiatrist.com.

As per Mental Healthcare Act 2017 : Only parents/ legal guardians are authorized to make decisions for mental health care of minors.