NWNT · Updated
Psychologist or psychiatrist?
A psychologist provides talk therapy: understanding what keeps a problem going and learning ways to change it. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, prescribe and monitor medicine. For stress, relationship strain and mild to moderate anxiety or low mood, a psychologist is usually the right start. For severe or long-lasting symptoms, or if medicine may help, see a psychiatrist. Many people benefit from both.
Questions to ask before the first session
A good professional will be glad you asked.
- What are your qualifications, and where are you registered? (In India, clinical psychologists register with the Rehabilitation Council of India; psychiatrists hold a medical registration.)
- What kind of therapy do you use, and why for my problem?
- How long is each session, how often will we meet, and how will we know it is working?
- Will sessions be by video, voice or chat, and can I switch?
- What are the fees and the cancellation terms?
- Who can see my notes, and are sessions ever recorded?
- What should I do if I feel much worse between sessions?
Making online sessions work
- Find a private space where you will not be overheard; a parked car or a quiet walk outside can work
- Use headphones and check your connection a few minutes before
- Keep the same day and time each week if you can
- Keep a notebook for what you want to bring up and what you agreed to try
- Never join while driving
When in-person care is wiser
Online care suits most common problems, but not all. Severe symptoms, a real risk of self-harm, confusion or unusual beliefs, and situations where a physical examination is needed are better handled face to face. Under India's telemedicine rules, some controlled medicines cannot be prescribed online at all. If you live in Delhi NCR, in-person sessions are available at East Patel Nagar, close to the Patel Nagar metro station on the Blue Line.
If you live outside India
Online counselling with a psychologist in India may be possible depending on the rules where you live. Psychiatric prescriptions follow local law, so treatment with medicine needs a locally licensed psychiatrist. NWNT can help organisations set up local psychology and psychiatry services in their own country.
How it works through NWNT
You start with the Stressometer, which recommends self-care, a psychologist, or a psychologist with a psychiatrist. In India, NWNT then connects you through Dr. Vohra's Emotional Wellness Hub. Individual wellness programmes add a personalised assessment, matching with the right expert, sessions by video, voice, chat or in person, and tracking of your progress over time.
Frequently asked questions
- Is online therapy as good as seeing someone in person?
- For common problems such as stress, anxiety and low mood, research suggests video therapy helps many people about as much as meeting in a room. The fit between you and the therapist matters more than the screen.
- Can I change therapists if it is not working?
- Yes. Say so early. Changing the approach or the person is a normal part of therapy, not a failure.
- How do I get started with NWNT?
- Take the Stressometer online from anywhere, or call or WhatsApp +91 78279 90371, or write to help@nwnt.ai. In India, psychologist and psychiatrist appointments are arranged through Dr. Vohra's Emotional Wellness Hub, online or in person at East Patel Nagar, New Delhi.