We’re living through trying times. In 2019, India unfortunately contributed to 24% of the world’s suicides. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the mental health scenario across the globe, with a sharp increase in common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. However, an unintended consequence of social distancing and stay-at-home orders was better access to teletherapy services. Teletherapy comprises online mental health services, such as via videocalling a mental health professional. Individuals who once refused to enter a therapist’s clinic or a psychiatrist’s office could now schedule appointments in the safety and comfort of their homes, without having to face the stigma associated with seeking help for their mental health. In fact, attrition (people dropping out of therapy due to various reasons, including scheduling and logistics) also reduced.

Honestly, it’s amazing that individuals are being able to get the help they need, when they need it. However, one of the concerns that I as a psychologist (clinical) and other mental health professionals have is the authenticity of individuals who offer such telehealth services. In a recent piece, India’s mental health challenge was described as being able to find a “real” therapist (and an affordable one). For more on the latter point, see my earlier articles (here, here, and here) on mental health insurance and why we desperately need it to cover outpatient treatments like psychotherapy (if dialysis can be covered, why not therapy by empanelled psychologists?). Coming back to the former -- how to find a real therapist in a setting where life coaches, counsellors, and healers abound -- here is a practical checklist to guide your decision:

Does my prospective therapist have a postgraduate degree in clinical or counselling psychology?

This is crucial because currently, in India, there is no legislature (yet) that governs the licencing of mental health professionals, except for clinical psychologists. This is governed by the Rehabilitation Council of India, and only individuals who have completed their MPhil or PhD in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-recognized university can call themselves a clinical psychologist. However, in March 2021, the National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals Bill was passed by the Indian Parliament, which will facilitate the licensure of counsellors and psychologists as “Behavioral Health Sciences Professionals.”

How many years of experience do they have?

Please ask your prospective therapist this in case it is not disclosed in their intake form. That’s right -- real psychologists have a detailed intake form where they introduce themselves, indicate their professional experience, as well as set the ground rules for therapy. This is especially useful for those who have never visited a psychologist before.

What kind of therapy do they practise?

That’s right -- there’s no one kind! Different therapies exist and an individual therapist is usually trained in at least 2 to 3 types. For instance, I practise Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in addition to Client-Centered Rogerian Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy based on the client’s needs. We do not expect clients to know what kind of therapy they would benefit from the most, but it’s the job of the psychologist to disclose this information.

What if they do not disclose this information when I ask?

DO NOT start therapy. The therapist-client relationship is based on mutual trust and respect; if someone is reluctant or unwilling to share their professional experience with you, please consider this to be a red flag.

What if I find someone on social media (like Instagram) and they’re also an influencer?

First, ask the previous 4 questions about this person. If they respond with adequate information, go ahead and request a session! Social media hosts both legitimate mental health professionals (some of whom are also influencers) as well as influencers with no psychology background, claiming to be therapists. It is important to make an informed decision about who you seek to consult as your future mental health depends on it.

Should I follow my therapist on social media?

You can if you choose to; however, your therapist should not follow you back. Therapy boundaries need to be established and maintained from both ends.

My therapist doesn’t have an online presence. How do I know they’re real?

Some therapists may choose not to be listed on aggregated platforms such as this one or this one. In case you received the therapist’s contact details from someone else, you can always ask them for more information about the therapist.

Therapy is really expensive. What else can I do?

You’re right. Therapy is quite expensive with sessions ranging from anywhere between INR 500 to INR 5000. Some psychologists deploy a sliding scale for their clients -- ask them this! If you are unable to access paid therapy and you do need assistance, here are some free mental health helplines courtesy of the Live Love Laugh Foundation.

Hopefully, this brief checklist will help you sort the wheat from the chaff and allow you to begin your therapeutic relationship with confidence. In case you have any other questions regarding how to find a real therapist, please write to me at dr.hansikakapoor@gmail.com.

Hansika Kapoor