--- title: "Psychologist or Psychiatrist? How to Decide Who to See First" heading: "Psychologist or Psychiatrist?" url: https://nwnt.ai/guides/psychologist-or-psychiatrist language: en-IN author: "NWNT" updated: 2026-10-21 license: "Page text: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)." --- # Psychologist or Psychiatrist? This is the markdown version of https://nwnt.ai/guides/psychologist-or-psychiatrist, a page of NWNT (No Worry No Tension), an AI-powered digital mental health platform from New Delhi. It is information, not medical advice; NWNT's contact details are at the end. See a psychologist when you want to talk things through and learn ways to cope: stress, relationship strain, low confidence, or mild to moderate anxiety or low mood. See a psychiatrist when symptoms are severe, have lasted months, disturb sleep and daily life, include thoughts of self-harm, or when medicine may help. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe; a psychologist does not prescribe but provides therapy. Many people do well with both. NWNT ยท Updated 21 October 2026 ## What each one does | At a glance | Psychologist | Psychiatrist | | --- | --- | --- | | Training | A postgraduate degree in psychology; clinical psychologists in India register with the Rehabilitation Council of India | A medical degree (MBBS) followed by specialist training in psychiatry | | Prescribes medicine | No | Yes | | Main work | Talk therapy, CBT, counselling, coping skills | Medical evaluation, diagnosis, medicine and its monitoring | | Usual rhythm | Regular sessions, often weekly at first | A full first assessment, then shorter follow-ups | ## Start with a psychologist when - Stress at work, at home or around exams is wearing you down - You keep falling into the same patterns in relationships - Worry or low mood is real but you are still managing day to day - You want practical skills: handling anger, sleeping better, setting limits - You prefer to try talking before considering medicine ## Start with a psychiatrist when - Low mood or anxiety has lasted for months and is getting worse - Sleep, appetite or energy have changed a lot - You are struggling to work, study or look after yourself - There are thoughts of self-harm or of not wanting to live - You are using alcohol or other substances to cope - Therapy alone has not been enough ## When you need both For moderate to severe depression, anxiety disorders that are not easing, and several other conditions, therapy and medicine together often work better than either alone. The psychiatrist diagnoses and manages medicine; the psychologist works on thoughts, habits and relationships. It helps when the two talk to each other, which is why NWNT's third care path puts them together. ## Not sure? Let a screening point the way The Stressometer is designed for exactly this question. Its report suggests one of three paths: self-care with a detailed report, a psychologist, or a psychologist and a psychiatrist together. You can still choose for yourself, but you start with a clearer picture. ## In Delhi, across India and abroad In India, NWNT connects you through Dr. Vohra's Emotional Wellness Hub, online or in person at East Patel Nagar, New Delhi. Its psychiatrists are Dr. Sandeep Vohra, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), NWNT's founder, and Dr. Aditya Vohra, working with the hub's psychologists. Outside India, online counselling may be possible where local rules allow, while psychiatric treatment needs a locally licensed doctor; NWNT helps organisations set that up. ## Frequently asked questions - **Can a psychologist prescribe medicine in India?**: No. Only a registered medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist, can prescribe. A psychologist can refer you to one. - **Will a psychiatrist put me on medicine straight away?**: Not necessarily. After assessment, the psychiatrist may suggest therapy alone, medicine alone, or both, and will explain why. - **What should I do in an emergency?**: NWNT is not an emergency service. In India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, round the clock) or 112. Outside India, call your local emergency number straight away. - **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. ## Start with the Stressometer The 55-question AI screening costs Rs 499 in India and USD 8.99 elsewhere. Psychologist and psychiatrist sessions are delivered by Dr. Vohra's Emotional Wellness Hub, online or in person at East Patel Nagar, New Delhi. Call or WhatsApp [+91 78279 90371](tel:+917827990371) or email [help@nwnt.ai](mailto:help@nwnt.ai). Get Started[How NWNT works](https://nwnt.ai/how-nwnt-works) ## Sources - [NIMH: Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider) If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, call Tele-MANAS [14416](tel:14416), KIRAN [1800-599-0019](tel:18005990019) or Emergency services [112](tel:112). Tele-MANAS and KIRAN are 24x7 and free anywhere in India. NWNT is not a crisis or emergency service.