What people ask psychiatrists: 12 common questions, answered
People often wonder whether they need a psychiatrist, whether they will be put on medicine, and who will find out. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses your mood, sleep, energy and history, then explains the options: talking therapy, medicine, or both.
Last updated 2 November 2026
1. Do I need a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, prescribe medicine and also offer therapy. A clinical psychologist offers assessment and talking therapy. Many people see both. If you are not sure where to start, begin with a psychiatrist. Our guide on psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor explains the difference.
2. Will I be put on medicine?
Not necessarily. Treatment can be talking therapy, medicine, or both, depending on what you have and how much it affects your life. For panic disorder, for example, the NHS lists talking therapy as a main treatment and medicine as an option.
3. How long do medicines take to work?
Antidepressants often start to help within 1 to 2 weeks and can take up to 8 weeks to work fully. Read more in how long antidepressants take to work.
4. Will I have to take them forever?
Not always. Treatment for depression usually continues for at least 6 months after you feel better, and any stop is planned with your doctor, with the dose lowered slowly. Do not stop on your own.
5. Are psychiatric medicines addictive?
It depends on the medicine, and your psychiatrist can tell you about the one prescribed for you. Stopping some medicines suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which is why a doctor lowers the dose slowly. See myths about psychiatric medicines.
6. What happens in the first appointment?
The psychiatrist asks about your mood, sleep, appetite, energy and daily life over the past few weeks, and about your history. You then talk through what may be going on and the options. Read what to expect in your first online consultation.
7. Is an online consultation as valid as an in-person one?
In India, registered doctors can consult by video under the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, 2020. See whether online psychiatry is legal in India. Some situations, such as an emergency, need in-person care.
8. Will anyone find out?
What you share stays between you and your care team at Mindly Health. See our Privacy Policy, and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
9. Is this anxiety, or just stress?
Stress usually has a clear cause and eases when the pressure does. Anxiety is worry that is out of proportion, stays for weeks and affects your sleep or daily life. Our guide on anxiety or stress goes through the signs.
10. How common is this in India?
About 10.6% of adults had a mental disorder at the time of the National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16, and many received no treatment. If you are struggling, you are not alone. See how common mental health problems are in India.
11. Should I tell my family?
It is your choice, and it often helps to have someone supporting you. Our guides on talking to family and how families can support treatment can help you plan the conversation.
12. What if I am having thoughts of ending my life?
Get help now. You do not need to wait for an appointment.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can I talk to a psychiatrist in my own language?
Mindly Health offers consultations in 11 Indian languages. Tell us your language when you book and we will try to match you with a clinician who speaks it.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
No. You can book a free pre-consultation call and we will match you with the right clinician.
How do I know it is time to see a psychiatrist?
See a doctor if low mood, worry or other symptoms last more than two weeks or affect your work, study or relationships. Read when to see a psychiatrist for the full list.
Related
- When to see a psychiatrist
- Our clinicians
- Questions and answers
- What to do during a panic attack
- Signs of depression: how to tell sadness from depression
Sources
- Antidepressants (NHS 111 Wales)
- Panic disorder (NHS)
- National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16: Summary (NIMHANS)
- Tele-MANAS (Government of India)
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.