12 Counsellors & Psychologists You Can Approach To Stay Upbeat & Positive In These Dreary Times
Even while living in the 21st-century mental health is still treated as a taboo. It’s still widely believed that you should only consult a counsellor if you’re going crazy. But, that is not true! Anytime you need someone to lend you an ear in a no judgement zone, there are multiple counsellors available in Delhi with over a decade of experience. Read this list to know more!
1. Ms. Monika Sharma
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Ms. Monika Sharma is a counselling psychologist with an experience of over 15 years in her kitty. Her range of work spans attending to individual counselling, depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, phobias, stress management, anger management, time management, personality disorders, family problems, pre and postmarital conflicts, relationship management and more such issues. If any worry plagues you, head over to her fosho!
Where | Dr. Monika Sharma’s Clinic – D – 6, Santushti Apartment, Vasant Kunj
Timings | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Consultation Fees | Rs 1,000
Call Them | +91 4119 3907
Check Out Her FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Monika-Sharma-117175438977442/
2. Dr. Shruti Gupta
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With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Shruti Gupta is a psychotherapist passionately working towards improving the emotional health of people of all age group, from children to adults. She is said to create a very comfortable environment & direct your thoughts in the right manner. If you feel lost, she’ll be your guiding light. Book an appointment now.
Where | Mastishk, Multi-Speciality Clinic – 131, Bhagyalaxmi Apartments, Sector 9, Rohini
Timings | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Monday – Friday), 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM & 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Saturday) , 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Sunday)
Consultation Fees | Rs 1,800
Call Them | +91 11 4116 9437
3. Dr. Bhavna Barmi
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Dr. Bhavna Barmi is a specialist in this field for 25 years now. She practices Psycare at Mind Track. She is a Master NLP Practitioner, a life coach and a hypnotherapist. Book an appointment with her for issues related to relationship, parenting, emotion management or any emotional issues you are facing.
Where | Mind Track – 62/2191, Gurudwara Rd, Munirka
Timings | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Monday – Saturday)
Consultation Fees | Rs 2,500
Call Them | + 91 11 4119 3906
Check Out Her FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/DrBarmis-Happiness-Studio-396875601167867/
4. Dr. RK Suri
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Dr. Suri is a trained professional clinical psychologist, practising for 36 years. Not only does he provide individual counselling but is also a career counsellor organising workshops at multiple universities like IITs and IIMs. If you hesitate to talk about the mental issues to anyone in person, he is also a founder of online platform talktoangel.com.
Where | Psychowellness Center, Multi-Speciality Clinic – Rose Wood Apartment, Sector 13, Pocket A, Dwarka, Janakpuri & Other Clinics
Timings | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM & 11:01 PM – 11:30 PM (Monday – Saturday)
Consultation Fees | Rs 4,000
Call Them | +91 11 4221 3312
5. Dr. Rakhi Anand
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Dr. Rakhi Anand is a PhD in Psychology with 25 years of experience. She is currently practising at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar. Before this, she was a senior consultant psychologist at Vimhans Hospital, Delhi. She is trained in cognitive behaviour therapy for the management of psychological disorders among teenagers and adults.
Where | Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals – Mathura Road
Timings | 11 AM – 6 PM (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) & 10 AM – 6 PM (Saturday)
Consultation Fees | Rs 2,000
6. Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma
Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma, is an experienced psychotherapist, life coach, dream analyst, clinical hypnotherapist, corporate trainer and an excellent spiritual healer. She is a wonderful Relationship/ Marital counselor, International Trainer of Past Life Regression Studies, and is the Founder of a successfully run Psychotherapy and Healing Centre – ‘Vishwas Healing Centre.’ She has been in this healing industry for the last 20+ years. Anyone who is familiar with Dr. Pooja will know that her healing sessions and counselling sessions are not just another job for her – it’s her passion.
Where | Vishwas Healing Centre – Tilak Nagar & Rohini
Timings | 12 Noon – 6:30 PM
Consultation Fees | Rs 1,000
Call Them | +91 9899 201 645 & +91 9911 401 645
7. Dr. Sanju Gambhir
Distinguished Service Award IMA awardee, Dr. Sanju Gambhir has an experience of over 31 years. She has helped thousands of people to improve their lives with her counselling sessions in the corporate world and schools. She used experiential therapies that helps to release emotional blocks. Some of her areas of specialisation are stress, anger, parenting and relationship.
Where | Primus Super Speciality Hospital – 2, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri
Timings | 10 AM – 12 PM (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday)
Consultation Fees | Rs 1,000
Call Them | +91 11 6620 6630
8. VIMHANS
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VIMHANS is a multi-speciality institute providing services in the fields of mental illness, rehabilitation and academic research & training. Set up in 1981 with only 20 beds for drug de-addiction & psychiatric, it started expanding and improving from 1987 and hasn’t stopped till now. They provide a number of services from counselling to dietician services to expressive therapists.
Where | VIMHANS Hospital – No. 1, Industrial Area, Nehru Nagar
Call Them | l +91 11 2980 2980
9. Dr. Priyanka Trivedi
PhD in Psychology, Dr. Priyanka Trivedi is a mental health counsellor and psychotherapist with an experience of 25 years. She has an expertise in areas of interpersonal relationships, pre and post marital issues, parenting, adolescence issues and work-life balance. Dr. Priyanka is a patient listener and is motivated to help her clients regain their sense of well-being so if you’re ever experiencing conflicting thoughts and need someone to blurt out to, make sure you book your appointment with her.
Where | Psychotherapeutic Centre – B 6/1, Opposite Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave
Timings | 8:45 AM – 2:30 PM & 4:45 – 8:00 PM ( Monday-Sunday )
Consultation Fee | Rs 1,500
Call Them | + 91 11 4084 8837
10. Dr. Neerja
A consultant for UNICEF, Dr. Neerja, PhD in Psychology is a clinical psychologist and life coach. She tackles personality issues, adolescent issues, ADHD, anxiety, OCD and depression. She uses techniques such as DBT, Schema and Positive Psychology. She has worked with various NGOs in the field of mental health and has an experience of 16 years.
Where | The Mind Care And Counselling Centre – L-357, Sarita Vihar
Timings | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM & 12:30 – 1:30 PM ( Monday-Friday )
Consultation Fee | Rs 1,000
Call them | + 91 11 4116 9533
11. Dr. Vikas Jain
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Dr. Vikas Jain is MBBS and MD. He has an experience of 31 years in the field of psychology. A renowned psychiatrist, his expertise lies in ADHD, anxiety, personality issues and clinical disorders including Bipolar and Schizophrenia. Hesitant to talk about your mental health to people around you? Consult Dr. Vikas for he’s the one to go to when you need someone to lend an ear.
Where | Perfect Mind – 6/27, West Patel Nagar
Timings | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ( Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday )
Consultation Fee | Rs 1,500
Call Them | + 91 7947 110 849
12. Dr. Owais Akram Farooqui
Dr. Farooqui is a PhD in Clinical Neuro psychology. He is currently working in Metro Groups Of Hospitals and Dharamshila Cancer Hospital as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. Students from several universities are doing their master level projects under his supervision. In his 15 years of experience, he has been invited to deliver lectures on psychological problems in government and private sector on stress, anger and adjustment management.
Where | Pathfinders Clinic – C-05, Ground Floor, Sec 19 Noida
Timings | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM ( Monday-Saturday ) & 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM ( Sunday )
Consultation Fee | Rs 1,500
Call Them | + 91 9821 043 701
So the next time you’re feeling low and need someone to talk to without any judgements, you know where to go!
You think you may be depressed. Over the past few weeks, you’ve been listless. You’re not eating much — and you are sleeping even less. You may not have the energy for the things you usually enjoy doing. You can’t be bothered to return the phone calls of concerned friends and family. These may be symptoms of depression.
You may also feel signs of nervousness, a sense of danger or panic, and you may struggle to think about anything other than your current worries. These may be symptoms of anxiety, and they may be holding you back and keeping you from social interaction.
Regardless if you think you may suffer from depression or anxiety, it may be time to consult a medical professional.
You might ask: “what kind of professional should I consult if I think I may have depression and/or anxiety? A psychologist or psychiatrist? And what is the difference?”
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
When determining what kind of healthcare provider might meet your mental health needs, it is important to understand what services and treatments each professional offers. Psychiatrists and psychologists are not the only healthcare providers that can help with anxiety disorders and depression — primary care providers, nurse practitioners and others may also be able to help.
Psychologists
According to the American Psychological Association, a clinical psychologist provides mental health care specializing in the study of behaviors and mental processes. Psychologists work with cognitive processes, emotional behavior, and help patients integrate skills to improve interaction in their personal social environments.
Psychologists can diagnose mental disorders, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. They determine and conduct treatment through psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) to help those with depression or anxiety. During therapy sessions, psychologists work to get to the root of psychiatric conditions.
Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not obtain a medical degree to treat depression or an anxiety disorder. They typically earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree of doctor of philosophy in psychology [Ph.D.] or doctor of psychology [Psy.D.]. They cannot prescribe medication for people who seek treatment.
Many practicing psychologists complete two years of internship experience before earning their Ph.D. or Psy.D., depending on the states in which they practice.
Psychiatrists
Like psychologists, clinical psychiatrists study, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others. In addition to psychotherapy, psychiatrists may treat the psychiatric disorder by prescribing medication. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.”
Individuals seek help from a psychiatrist for many reasons. Some may experience hidden behaviors including panic attacks, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide. Feelings may be long-term and may never seem to lift. Some people may feel as though everyday life is distorted, and tasks are not manageable.
Psychiatrists perform a variety of treatments including talk therapy and psychosocial interventions. Treatments depend on the needs of the individual patient. Psychiatrists may perform a range of medical laboratory tests to provide an outline of a patient’s mental state.
Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medications, similar to how other clinicians treat high blood pressure or diabetes. The types of medications that may be administered by psychiatrists may include:
- Antidepressants.
Antidepressants may be administered for those diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions.
- Sedatives and anxiolytics.
Sedatives and anxiolytics may be prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Antipsychotics.
Antipsychotics may be used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic symptoms.
- Mood stabilizers.
Mood stabilizers may be prescribed for those with bipolar disorder.
- Stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are
commonly used to treat ADHD.
Because psychiatrists can prescribe medications, they may order the GeneSight test, whereas a psychologist would have to work with a prescribing clinician like a psychiatrist, a primary care provider, or a nurse practitioner.
How Do You Choose a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?
Choosing a Psychiatrist
Choosing a provider is an individual and personal choice. Some individuals may choose to see a psychiatrist as well as a psychologist; others may choose one or the other. You may want to talk to your primary care physician about a referral to determine which type of mental health professional you should see based on your medical history and mental illness. If a patient chooses a psychiatrist, they can review your medical record to understand the full picture.
A psychiatrist can help determine if medication treatment may help with any depressive symptoms that are significantly impacting your body and/or ability to complete daily activities. If you are already taking prescription medications for other conditions, a psychiatrist may consider drug-drug interactions as well.
What to Look for in a Psychiatrist
Those who have never visited a psychiatrist may not know how to find one that suits their specific needs. There are a few factors to keep in mind when you search for a psychiatrist:
- Your condition or concern.
Psychiatrists treat many conditions, but some specialize in areas of focus that may suit your needs. You may want to look for a psychiatrist, who may treat your conditions while matching your specific conditions and concerns.
- Which medications you may or may not need.
You may need a psychiatrist to manage medications while also providing talk therapy options.
- Credentials.
When choosing the best psychiatrist for you, you may want to consider their credentials. Do they have proper education, training, licensing and practice experience? Which areas of mental health do they specialize in? Be sure to research their treatment approaches and philosophy as well.
- Telehealth offerings. If you prefer telehealth appointments or find it difficult to schedule an in-person visit, you may want to search for a psychiatrist who offers telehealth appointments. Psychiatrists registered with GeneSight can also send a GeneSight® at Home sample collection kit directly to you to complete the GeneSight test from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Choosing a Psychologist
“Psychologists who specialize in psychotherapy and other forms of psychological treatment are highly trained professionals with expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and behavior change,” according to the American Psychological Association.
There are multiple ways in which you can find a psychologist. You can talk to your current physician, call your local psychological association, or consult a local college department of psychology for quality practitioners. Other places to search for psychologists who you feel comfortable around include community mental health centers and local churches or synagogues.
The American Psychological Association indicates that comfortability is an important component in finding a psychologist for you.
“Most psychologists agree that an important factor in determining whether or not to work with a particular psychologist, once that psychologist’s credentials and competence are established is your level of personal comfort with that psychologist,” the article states. “A good rapport with your psychologist is critical.”
It is important to note that it may take multiple appointments or sessions with several psychologists before finding the best one to suit your needs.
In an article in Forbes, Marian Margulies, PhD, a psychologist in New York City and a candidate in psychoanalysis at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education at the NYU Medical Center said that, “If you’re not getting to the cause of the pain, you’re essentially chained to the past. Psychotherapy gets to the root.”
Margulies also noted that, “the time to start talking about feelings is as early as possible.”
Seeking therapy from either a psychiatrist or psychologist may give you the help you need to combat symptoms and struggles of depression and anxiety.
