The Difference Between a Psychiatrist, a Psychologist, and a Psychotherapist in India: Who Should You See?

What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellor? Discover who to see for therapy, mental illness, or emotional support in India.

6/24/20254 min read

Mental health conversations are becoming more open - but when someone decides to seek help, a big question still remains:

“Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist or therapist?”

“What’s the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?”

Navigating mental health care in India can be confusing, especially when terms like “therapist,” “psychologist,” and “psychotherapist” are often used interchangeably. If you’ve ever wondered who does what, or who is right for you, this guide will clear up the confusion.

The answer depends on what you're struggling with, and the kind of support you need. This guide explains the roles, qualifications, and scope of work of different mental health professionals in India, helping you choose someone who’s right for your unique issue.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Mental Health Professional

Mental health is deeply personal, and finding the right support can make a huge difference in how you heal and grow. In India, mental health care involves several types of professionals — each with different qualifications, roles, and scopes of practice.

This guide breaks down the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist — including counselling psychologists — so you can make an informed decision about who to see.

Understanding the Roles: Psychologist vs Psychiatrist vs Therapist

In the Indian context, four key professionals dominate mental health care:

  • Clinical Psychologist

  • Counselling Psychologist

  • Psychotherapist

  • Psychiatrist

Let’s explore each one.

Clinical Psychologist

Who They Are?

Clinical psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses and psychological disorders that lies on moderate to severe such as depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more.

Qualifications:

What They Do?

  • Psychological assessments and formal diagnoses

  • Evidence-based therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT, trauma-focused therapy

  • Work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practice

  • Choose a Clinical Psychologist If You:

  • Need a diagnosis for a clinical condition (e.g., depression, OCD, PTSD)

  • Want formal psychological testing

  • Are looking for structured therapy approaches

Counselling Psychologist: For Life Stress, Relationships, Trauma & Personal Growth

Who They Are:

Counselling psychologists help people deal with emotional challenges, grief, trauma, self-esteem issues, or relationship problems. Their focus is more on psychosocial and emotional wellness rather than clinical diagnosis.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree (MA/MSc) in Counselling Psychology

  • Additional certifications in therapy modalities such as:

    • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

    • Art Therapy

    • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

    • Somatic Therapy

    • Narrative Therapy

For example, therapists like Manvi Sahni and Krisha Gala, trained in counselling psychology, also specialize in trauma-informed and creative therapies.

What They Do:

  • Offer talk therapy and supportive counselling

  • Help with stress, life transitions, inner conflict, and trauma

  • Focus on growth, resilience, and emotional regulation

Choose a Counselling Psychologist If You:

  • Are dealing with relationship issues, stress, grief, or identity concerns

  • Prefer a more exploratory, person-centered approach

  • Don’t require a clinical diagnosis

Psychotherapist: A General Term - Check Background

Who They Are:

The term “psychotherapist” is widely used but not regulated in India. It refers to professionals trained in various types of psychotherapy but may not necessarily hold a psychology degree.

A psychotherapist may be:

  • A clinical or counselling psychologist

  • A psychiatrist trained in therapy

  • A person with certification in specific approaches (e.g., Gestalt, Jungian, or bodywork)

Qualifications:

Vary widely. Always check:

  • Educational background (ideally in psychology or mental health)

  • Supervised training and certifications

  • Experience and client reviews

What They Do:

  • Offer long-term, insight-based therapy

  • May work with issues like childhood trauma, personality development, or emotional blocks

  • Use approaches such as psychoanalysis, integrative therapy, or body-mind therapy

Choose a Psychotherapist If You:

  • Are looking for deep, long-term personal work

  • Feel connected to their approach and training

  • Have verified their credentials and references

Psychiatrist: For Medication & Medical Management

Who They Are:

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and psychiatric medication. They are trained to understand how mental health disorders relate to the brain, body, and nervous system.

Qualifications:

  • MBBS followed by MD or DNB in Psychiatry

  • Registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or state medical council

What They Do:

  • Diagnose mental illnesses

  • Prescribe medications for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and anxiety

  • May offer brief supportive therapy or work in collaboration with psychologists

Choose a Psychiatrist If You:

  • Need or are considering psychiatric medication

  • Have symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or severe anxiety

  • Want integrated treatment (therapy + medication)

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist

Choosing the right mental health professional depends on several factors:

1. Educational Background

  • A psychologist should have a formal degree (MA/MPhil/PhD) in psychology.

  • Psychiatrists must have a medical degree.

  • Avoid practitioners without verified credentials.

2. Therapeutic Training

  • What methods are they trained in? (e.g., CBT, EMDR, trauma therapy)

  • Are they supervised or affiliated with professional bodies?

3. Experience & Fit

  • Have they worked with issues like yours?

  • Do you feel safe and heard during sessions?

  • It's okay to change therapists if the fit isn't right.

Cost of Therapy in India

Therapy in India ranges widely in cost, depending on the professional’s qualifications and experience:

Intern / Trainee ₹400 – ₹800, Early-career Psychologist₹800 – ₹1,500, Experienced Therapist ₹1,500 – ₹3,500, Senior Specialist ₹3,500 – ₹5,000+

Some therapists offer sliding scale fees, especially for students or low-income individuals.

Free Helplines for Emotional Support

While therapy is the most effective long-term solution, emotional support helplines can be helpful in times of crisis or distress. These services are free and confidential, but they are not substitutes for therapy.

Trusted Helplines in India:

  • iCall (TISS): +91 9152987821

  • Vandrevala Foundation: 1860 266 2345 / 1800 233 3330

  • Snehi Mental Health Helpline: +91 9582208181

  • Fortis Mental Health Helpline: +91 8376804102

  • Live Love Laugh: Find a helpline on their website

FAQs: Therapist vs Psychiatrist vs Psychologist

Q1: What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?
A psychologist offers therapy and assessments but cannot prescribe medicine. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and diagnose psychiatric conditions.

Q2: Should I go to a psychologist or psychiatrist for depression?
If you're seeking therapy, start with a psychologist. If your symptoms are severe or need medication, consult a psychiatrist. Often, both work together.

Q3: What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
All psychologists are therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists. Some therapists may be social workers, counsellors, or certified practitioners without a psychology degree.

Q4: Who should I see first - a therapist or psychiatrist?
Start with a therapist unless your symptoms are extreme. If therapy alone isn’t enough, the therapist may refer you to a psychiatrist for medication.

Q5: How do I find a psychologist near me?
Look for psychologists listed on verified platforms like Kasi Care, Pracflow, TherapyRoute, MantraCare or contact local clinics.