Psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor: who should you see?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe. A clinical psychologist is trained to assess and treat conditions with therapy. A counsellor offers talk support. Many people need more than one.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Who does what
- Psychiatrist: a doctor with an MD in psychiatry. Diagnoses, can prescribe medicine and checks for physical causes.
- Clinical psychologist: trained to assess and treat mental health conditions with therapy such as CBT.
- Counsellor or therapist: offers talk therapy and support for current difficulties.
Who to see first
- If you are unsure what is wrong, or symptoms are severe, start with a psychiatrist.
- If you want skills and support for stress, a relationship or a life change, a psychologist or counsellor is a good fit.
- If you cannot decide, book a call. Our team will help you choose.
How Mindly works
Mindly is led by psychiatrists, and the psychiatrist and psychologist work together on your care. After your pre-consultation call, we allot the clinician who fits your needs.
What to do next
You can start with a mental health consultation online and your clinician will advise on next steps, including online therapy. If you are still deciding, read when to see a psychiatrist. Mindly sees people online in every Indian city, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. See online psychiatrist in India.
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
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions. A therapist provides talk therapy. Many people need both, and Mindly offers both.
Can I choose my clinician?
We allot the clinician for you. After your pre-consultation call, we match you with the right clinician for your needs and share your report with them. Tell us your preferred language when you book, and we will take it into account.
Who are the clinicians?
Mindly's psychiatrists hold an MD in psychiatry, and our therapists are clinical psychologists. Qualifications for each clinician are on the clinicians page.
Related
- Our services
- Online therapy
- Online counselling
- Our clinicians
- Your first online psychiatry consultation: what happens
- Exam stress or something more?
- How to support someone who feels hopeless
Sources
- NIMH: Psychotherapies
- Rehabilitation Council of India (regulator for clinical psychologists)
- NIMH: Mental health medications
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.