Clinical Psychology FAQs
Frequently asked questions about online therapy.
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What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist is an RCI-licensed mental health expert (M.Phil or PhD Clinical Psychology) who diagnoses and treats mental health disorders through psychological assessment and evidence-based talk therapy — CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, psychodynamic therapy. Unlike a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist does not prescribe medication but provides in-depth therapy for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, personality disorders and relationship concerns.
Is online therapy with a clinical psychologist effective?
Yes. Multiple meta-analyses including a 2023 Lancet Digital Health review of over 50,000 patients show online psychotherapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD and OCD. Online sessions also have higher attendance rates and lower dropout than in-clinic therapy.
Clinical psychologist vs counselling psychologist vs psychiatrist — what is the difference?
A clinical psychologist (M.Phil/PhD, RCI-licensed) diagnoses and treats clinical mental disorders with evidence-based therapy. A counselling psychologist supports adjustment issues, relationships, stress and personal growth. A psychiatrist (MD) is a medical doctor who diagnoses mental illness and prescribes medication. For most severe or moderate conditions, the gold standard is a clinical psychologist for therapy plus a psychiatrist if medication is indicated.
How much does an online clinical psychologist consultation cost in India?
At HopeQure, online clinical psychology sessions start from ₹899 for a 60-minute consultation. A combined Clinical Psychologist + Psychiatrist plan is ₹2,400, a 5-Session Mental Wellness Package is ₹5,399, and a 10-Session Complete Therapy Transformation Program is ₹9,499. Choose the plan that best matches your mental health goals and treatment needs.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
Evidence-based therapy is usually structured. NICE and APA guidelines recommend 8–20 sessions for most conditions: mild-moderate depression and anxiety often resolve in 8–12 sessions of CBT; PTSD typically needs 12–16 sessions of trauma-focused CBT or EMDR; OCD needs 12–20 sessions of exposure and response prevention (ERP); personality disorders need longer-term DBT (12 months+).
Will my therapy sessions be confidential?
Yes. All sessions are protected under RCI ethical standards and the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. HopeQure is ISO 27001 certified, DPDP Act 2023 compliant and HIPAA-aligned. Sessions are end-to-end encrypted, records stay on Indian servers, and we never sell or share data. Confidentiality is broken only in narrow legally-required circumstances (imminent risk to self or others).
Are HopeQure clinical psychologists RCI-licensed?
Yes. Every clinical psychologist on HopeQure holds an M.Phil or PhD in Clinical Psychology with active Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) registration — the only legally recognised licensing body for clinical psychologists in India.
When should I see a clinical psychologist vs a counsellor?
See a clinical psychologist if you have: persistent symptoms beyond 2 weeks affecting work/sleep/relationships, suspected clinical diagnosis (depression, anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD), trauma history, self-harm thoughts, or have not responded to general counselling. See a counsellor for everyday stress, adjustment, mild relationship issues, career confusion or personal growth.
What therapy approaches do HopeQure clinical psychologists use?
HopeQure clinical psychologists deliver evidence-based therapies aligned with NICE, APA and WHO mhGAP guidelines: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP for OCD), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and psychodynamic therapy.
Can I get a diagnosis and prescription from a clinical psychologist?
A clinical psychologist can diagnose mental health conditions using standardised assessments and ICD-11/DSM-5-TR criteria, and can recommend whether medication may help — but prescriptions are issued by psychiatrists. HopeQure's combined Clinical Psychologist + Psychiatrist plans pair both, so you get therapy and medication review in one coordinated care plan.