Online PTSD Counselling India · Trauma-Focused Therapy · EMDR, TF-CBT, CPT — HopeQure
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9 trauma-trained Clinical Psychologists + 9 NMC psychiatrists online · Avg connect < 10 min · Anonymous booking available

Online PTSD Counselling — Trauma-Focused Therapy. Phase-Based Care.

Start with an RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologist trained in EMDR, Trauma-focused CBT, Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy. Add an NMC-registered Psychiatrist for SSRI medication (sertraline / paroxetine — both FDA-approved for PTSD) only if clinically indicated. PCL-5 assessed, safety screen at intake. Stabilisation phase before trauma processing — your safety leads the pace.

  • RCI-licensed Trauma Psychologists
  • NMC-registered Psychiatrists
  • PCL-5 + C-SSRS assessment
  • EMDR, TF-CBT, Prolonged Exposure
  • Phase-based stabilisation first
  • SSRI / Prazosin only when clinically needed
Book Consultation → 💬 WhatsApp

Aggregate rating 4.5 / 5 from 7,829 verified trauma patients · Anonymous booking available

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Dr. Pragya Sharma — Medical Reviewer for Trauma Care
Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Pragya Sharma

MBBS, Diploma in Psychiatric Medicine · 10+ years experience · NMC-registered

Senior psychiatrist specialising in trauma, depression and anxiety care. Medical reviewer for HopeQure's PTSD counselling content. Trained in integrated trauma-focused therapy (EMDR / TF-CBT) combined with judicious SSRI pharmacotherapy. Special interest in Complex PTSD, survivors of sexual or childhood abuse, and trauma-informed medication management.

🩺 Role: Medical Reviewer · Page Owner 📜 NMC Verifiable 👤 View full profile →
Book with Dr. Sharma
⚕️
Medical Disclaimer · Trauma-Specific

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Content is reviewed by NMC-registered psychiatrists and reflects evidence-based clinical guidelines (DSM-5-TR, ICD-11, NICE NG116, ISTSS Practice Guidelines, APA PTSD Practice Guideline, VA/DoD CPG, WHO mhGAP). Important about trauma therapy: Trauma processing can briefly intensify symptoms — this is normal and managed through a stabilisation-first phase-based approach. If you are experiencing a flashback right now: ground yourself with the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method · cold water on hands or face · orient to the present ("I am safe NOW, today is {current date}, I am {your location}") · breathing 4 in / 7 hold / 8 out.

Find Your Match in 30 Seconds

What Kind Of Trauma Care Do You Need?

Still not sure? Get Matched →

Our Integrated Trauma Care Model — Therapy Leads, Medication Supports.

Every HopeQure PTSD patient starts with an RCI-licensed Trauma Psychologist for evidence-based trauma therapy (EMDR, TF-CBT, Prolonged Exposure, CPT) following a stabilisation-first phase-based protocol. An NMC-registered Psychiatrist is added only when SSRI medication is clinically indicated — typically moderate-severe PCL-5 ≥33, Complex PTSD, or co-morbid depression / nightmares (prazosin).

💬 Trauma Psychologist Your primary therapist — EMDR, TF-CBT, PE, CPT, somatic work. RCI-licensed.
🩺 Psychiatrist Adds medication if needed — Sertraline, Paroxetine, Prazosin. NMC-registered MD.

Our Psychiatry Specialists (Combined Plan)

NMC-Registered Psychiatrists for Combined Care.

When SSRI or prazosin medication is part of your plan, you'll see one of these NMC-verified psychiatrists alongside your Trauma Psychologist. Every doctor is verifiable on the National Medical Commission registry. View Trauma Psychologists below ↓

Can't find a match for your trauma type? WhatsApp our care coordinator → · We'll match you within 10 minutes. Anonymous booking respected.
TL;DR · What this page covers

Online PTSD counselling in India — trauma-focused, evidence-based, anonymous-friendly

HopeQure delivers online PTSD counselling led by RCI-licensed Clinical Psychologists trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy, with optional NMC-registered psychiatrist support for SSRI medication (sertraline, paroxetine — both FDA-approved for PTSD) or prazosin for trauma nightmares. Phase-based stabilisation-first protocol for all patients. From ₹999- 1800 single session up to 25-session intensive packs via the configurator. We treat single-incident PTSD, Complex PTSD, sexual assault trauma, childhood abuse, combat/first-responder PTSD, medical/ICU PTSD, and birth trauma. Mental Healthcare Act 2017 + DPDP Act 2023 compliant. Anonymous booking available.

Quick Answer

What is EMDR and why is it considered the gold-standard for PTSD?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989, is a structured 8-phase therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones). Meta-analyses show 77-90% of PTSD patients no longer meet diagnostic criteria after 8-12 EMDR sessions (Bisson 2013 Cochrane Review). It is endorsed as first-line by the WHO, NICE, APA, ISTSS, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. EMDR is often faster than talk-based CBT for single-incident trauma and can be delivered effectively online with bilateral audio tones. At HopeQure, EMDR is the most-requested modality. Two of our psychologists.

Our Trauma Psychologists (Therapy)

RCI-Licensed Psychologists for trauma-focused therapy.

Your primary therapist for EMDR, Trauma-focused CBT, Prolonged Exposure, and CPT. Psychologists marked PTSD-listed have explicit trauma-recovery training on their HopeQure profiles. The rest bring related trauma-adjacent training (DBT for Complex PTSD, attachment work, grief, multilingual support for displacement trauma). All hold active Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) registration. All Clinical → · All Counselling →

Trauma-trained means: Beyond general RCI licensure, our PTSD-listed psychologists have explicit trauma-recovery training. DBT-trained specialists are well-suited for Complex PTSD emotional dysregulation. Multilingual therapists handle displacement / refugee trauma. For specific EMDR certification verification, please ask the care coordinator at booking time.

How to Choose Your Path

Trauma-focused therapy alone, or Combined Care?

PTSD treatment intensity is matched to severity (PCL-5) plus trauma history and dissociation. NICE NG116 + APA Practice Guideline 2017 + ISTSS guide selection. Your first session will refine with formal PCL-5 + dissociation screen.

Mild PTSD
PCL-5: 21–32 · Functioning preserved · Single-incident
→ Plan A · Clinical Psychologist Only₹1800 · TF-CBT or EMDR
  • Trauma-focused psychotherapy first-line (APA Strong)
  • 8-12 weekly sessions typical
  • SSRI rarely added at this severity
  • Stabilisation + skill building first
Book Psychologist Session →
Moderate PTSD
PCL-5: 33–44 · Functional impact · Single trauma
→ Plan A or B (your choice)Therapy alone OR Combined
  • Both effective at this range (APA)
  • Trauma-focused therapy → if preferred
  • Combined → for sleep, hyperarousal, nightmares
  • 12-16 weekly sessions typical
Book PTSD Consultation →
Moderate-Severe
PCL-5: 45–55 · Dissociation possible · Repeated trauma
→ Plan B · Combined Care₹3,000 · Therapy + SSRI
  • Combined care strongly recommended
  • SSRI + EMDR/TF-CBT typical
  • Stabilisation phase essential first
  • 16-24 weeks structured care
Start Combined Care →
Severe / Complex
PCL-5: 56–80 · Complex PTSD · Childhood trauma
→ Plan D · Long-term Recovery10–25 sessions intensive
  • Phased approach mandatory (ISTSS)
  • Stabilisation → Processing → Integration
  • Complex PTSD (ICD-11 6B41) protocol
  • Family involvement (with consent)
Start Recovery Program →
Honest note on trauma timing: If your trauma was within the last 4 weeks, evidence-based first-line is "watchful waiting" with psychoeducation and brief support — NOT immediate trauma-focused therapy. Acute Stress Disorder often resolves naturally; pushing exposure too early can be harmful. Our clinicians will assess this carefully at intake and recommend the right phase of care. You always have informed-consent choice. Complex PTSD (childhood / repeated / interpersonal trauma) follows a different protocol than single-incident PTSD.

Every Plan Includes

What you get with any care plan.

Trauma-informed, risk-free, transparent. These are baked into every plan from a single session to a 25-session package.

↻

Free Therapist Switch

Trauma work needs deep trust. If your first therapist doesn't feel right, we'll re-match at no cost — within 2 sessions. Female therapist on request always honoured.

📅

24-hr Reschedule

Reschedule up to 24 hours before — no fee. Multi-pack sessions valid for 12 months.

🔒

100% Confidential Care

Every session is private and encrypted. Your personal information and therapy discussions remain strictly confidential.

⏸

Pause Anytime

Trauma work has ebbs and flows. Pause a multi-pack for up to 60 days without losing sessions — common around anniversaries or triggering events.

📝

Personalised Recovery Plan

Your therapist creates a structured recovery plan with personalised goals, coping strategies, and practical exercises to support progress between sessions.

📊

PCL-5 Outcome Tracking

PCL-5 tracked at sessions 1, 4, 8, 12. See objective improvement in your symptoms over time on your progress dashboard.

Try Before You Commit

Free 15-min Discovery Call — talk to a real clinician

For survivors of trauma, talking to a stranger about your story can feel impossible. Start with a free 15-min call — share only what you're ready to share. A trauma-trained care coordinator will help match you with the right therapist. No pressure, no obligation.

📞 Book Free Call →

Build Your Care Plan · Custom Pricing

Choose your provider, your pack size, your mix.

Three providers (Psychologist Only · Psychiatrist Only · Combined) × six pack sizes (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 sessions) × three combined-mix ratios. Volume discounts up to 30% off on 25-packs. First-time patients save an extra 10% with code WELCOME10 . PTSD typically needs 12-24 weeks of structured care — 15 or 20 session packs are most common.

Step 1 · Choose Your Provider Type
💬
Psychologist Only
Trauma therapy · EMDR, TF-CBT, CPT, PE
From ₹1,800/session
⭐ Recommended
💬🩺
Combined Care
Psychologist + Psychiatrist
From ₹3,000/visit
🩺
Psychiatrist Only
SSRI · Prazosin for nightmares
From ₹1,200 /session
Step 2 · Choose Session Pack (volume discount applies — 15+ recommended for PTSD)
1
assessment only
10% off
5
stabilisation phase
15% off
10
brief PTSD course
⭐ 20% off
15
standard PTSD
25% off
20
complex PTSD
🏆 30% off
25
long-term recovery
Step 3 · Combined Mix Ratio (% Psychologist / % Psychiatrist)
Therapy-led
80% Psychologist · 20% Psychiatrist
For single-incident PTSD, mild-moderate
Balanced ⭐
60% Psychologist · 40% Psychiatrist
Most common for moderate-severe PTSD
Medication-led
30% Psychologist · 70% Psychiatrist
Nightmares, severe insomnia, comorbid depression
Your Custom Plan
Combined Care · 15-session Balanced Pack
9 Clinical Psychologist sessions + 6 NMC Psychiatrist sessions · 4-month course
You save 20% vs single-session pricing
₹14,400
₹960 / session
🔒 Razorpay · UPI / Card / Net Banking / EMI · Free therapist switch · 24-hr reschedule · Money-back · WELCOME10 stacks on top

Full Pricing Matrix · No Hidden Costs

All inclusive prices in ₹. WELCOME10 (first-time, 10% off) applies on top of these.

PTSD Packages Psychologist Only Psychiatrist Only Combined Therapy-led Combined Balanced Combined Medication-led Booking
1 Session
Get Started		 ₹1,800 ₹1,200 — ₹3,000 —
5 Sessions
5% off		 ₹8,550 ₹5,760 ₹7,980 ₹7,410 ₹6,840
10 Sessions
10% off		 ₹16,200 ₹10,800 ₹15,120 ₹14,040 ₹12,420
15 Sessions
12% off ⭐		 ₹23,760 ₹15,840 ₹22,176 ₹20,592 ₹18,480
20 Sessions
15% off		 ₹30,600 ₹20,400 ₹28,560 ₹26,520 ₹23,460
25 Sessions
🏆 20% off		 ₹36,000 ₹24,000 ₹33,600 ₹31,200 ₹27,840
PTSD typical packs: Single-incident moderate PTSD → 10-15 session combined. Complex PTSD (childhood / repeated trauma) → 20-25 sessions phased. Combat / military trauma → 15-20 sessions with PE or CPT. Sexual assault → 15-20 sessions EMDR or CPT, female therapist option always honoured. Not sure? Get a free recommendation →
🌳
In a flashback or dissociating right now? You're safe. The memory is past.

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding: Notice 5 things you can see · 4 things you can touch · 3 things you can hear · 2 things you can smell · 1 thing you can taste. Speak them out loud if possible. This pulls you back to the present.

Our Honest Take on Evidence

Does PTSD therapy actually work? Yes — trauma-focused psychotherapies have the largest effect sizes in mental health.

PTSD has one of the most rigorously studied evidence bases in psychiatry. APA Practice Guideline 2017 + NICE NG116 + ISTSS Guidelines + VA/DoD CPG + Cochrane converge on four first-line therapies. Here's the honest picture.

✓ Where evidence is strong
  • •Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT): APA STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Cohen et al. 30+ years RCTs. ~60-70% achieve clinically significant reduction.
  • •Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): APA STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Resick & Schnicke. 12-session manualised. Effective for sexual assault, combat trauma.
  • •Prolonged Exposure (PE): APA STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Foa & Rothbaum. Gold-standard for single-incident PTSD.
  • •EMDR: WHO + APA recommend. Shapiro protocols. Often faster than CBT for single-incident trauma.
  • •SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine): FDA-approved for PTSD. ~50-60% response. Useful when therapy alone insufficient.
  • •Prazosin for trauma nightmares: Reduces nightmares specifically. Useful adjunct.
⚖ Honest limits
  • •Dropout rates 20-40% in exposure-based therapies. Trauma work is hard.
  • •Complex PTSD (ICD-11 6B41) needs phased treatment — single trauma protocols may not fit.
  • •Benzodiazepines worsen PTSD outcomes (Guina 2015 meta-analysis). We avoid them.
  • •Acute trauma <4 weeks: watchful waiting evidence-based first, not immediate exposure.
  • •Dissociative subtype may need stabilisation longer before trauma processing.
  • •Comorbid substance use needs concurrent treatment — addiction worsens PTSD.
Our position: PTSD recovery is real. 60-70% of people who complete trauma-focused therapy achieve clinically significant symptom reduction (APA 2017 review). We deliver only APA-recommended modalities (TF-CBT, CPT, PE, EMDR), prescribe judiciously (SSRI yes, benzo no), respect your readiness, and tell you honestly when online care isn't enough. Healing is possible. The trauma is past. You don't have to live like this forever.

Honest Safety Guidance

When online PTSD care is NOT the right next step.

For most trauma survivors, online care is excellent. But these situations need different help first.

✕ Online care is NOT enough when…
  • ×Trauma occurred <4 weeks ago — acute-phase care & screening first, not immediate exposure.
  • ×Active suicidal crisis — needs immediate in-person psychiatric assessment.
  • ×Severe dissociation — frequent dissociative episodes need in-person stabilisation first.
  • ×Ongoing trauma exposure — active DV, active abuse — safety planning first.
  • ×Active substance dependence — needs concurrent or prior detox.
  • ×Severe self-harm — needs higher level of care.
  • ×Psychotic features — trauma-related psychosis needs inpatient assessment.
  • ×No safe private space for sessions — abuse survivors at home with perpetrator.
✓ Where to go instead
  • ✓Recent assault: Hospital + 7827170170 NCW first
  • ✓Severe dissociation: NIMHANS Trauma Clinic
  • ✓Ongoing DV: 181 Women Helpline first
  • ✓Substance dependence: De-addiction first
  • ✓Combat veterans: AFMS / Veterans clinic
  • ✓Suicidality: ER + AASRA 9820466726
  • ✓Psychosis: Emergency room immediately

Trauma-Focused Approaches

Which APA-recommended approach is right for your PTSD?

Modern PTSD therapy has four "Strongly Recommended" modalities (APA 2017). Your therapist will recommend based on your trauma type and preferences.

🌱 TF-CBT

Trauma-focused CBT. Identifies and changes trauma-related thought patterns. Includes psychoeducation, relaxation, cognitive restructuring, trauma narrative.

Best for: Single-incident PTSD, all trauma types. 12-16 sessions.
📝 CPT — Cognitive Processing

Resick & Schnicke protocol. 12 manualised sessions. Identifies "stuck points" — distorted beliefs about safety, trust, control, esteem, intimacy.

Best for: Sexual assault, combat, complex thinking. 12 sessions.
⚡ Prolonged Exposure (PE)

Foa & Rothbaum. Imaginal exposure (re-telling trauma narrative repeatedly) + in vivo exposure (gradually facing avoided situations).

Best for: Single-incident trauma. 8-15 sessions, large effect.
👁 EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (Shapiro). 8-phase protocol with bilateral stimulation. Often faster than verbal therapies.

Best for: Single-incident, those who struggle to verbalise. 6-12 sessions.
📖 Narrative Exposure (NET)

For multiple/repeated traumas. Constructs life narrative incorporating traumatic events into life timeline. Used widely for refugees.

Best for: Refugees, complex / repeated trauma. 10-15 sessions.
💊 SSRI + Prazosin

Sertraline & Paroxetine FDA-approved. Prazosin specifically for trauma nightmares. Benzodiazepines AVOIDED — they worsen PTSD outcomes.

Best for: Comorbid depression, severe nightmares. Psychiatrist prescribed.

What to Expect

How a trauma-informed first session actually works.

A proper first PTSD consultation is 60 minutes and goes at YOUR pace. You won't be pushed to share details before you're ready.

Your First Session (60 min)
Safety · Assessment · Plan
  1. 1First 5 min: Establish safety. "You don't have to share anything you're not ready to share."
  2. 25-25 min: PCL-5 administration, current symptoms, sleep, dissociation screen.
  3. 325-40 min: Trauma context (only what you choose to share), prior treatment, current functioning.
  4. 440-55 min: Care plan discussion. TF-CBT / CPT / PE / EMDR explained, you choose. Medication discussion if needed.
  5. 555-60 min: Grounding skill taught (5-4-3-2-1). Next session scheduled, between-session safety plan.
Trauma Processing Session (50 min)
Stabilise · Process · Integrate
  1. 1Check-in (5 min): PCL-5 if due, sleep, nightmares, current window of tolerance.
  2. 2Stabilisation (5 min): Grounding, safe-place imagery, breathing if dysregulated.
  3. 3Core trauma work (30 min): CPT cognitive restructuring / PE exposure / EMDR reprocessing / TF-CBT narrative.
  4. 4Re-stabilisation (5 min): Critical — must close trauma processing safely before ending session.
  5. 5Close (5 min): Homework, between-session safety plan, next appointment.

Confidentiality & Trust

Your story stays between you and your clinician.

Every anxiety session is protected by Indian and international compliance standards. Anonymous booking is available — you may share only what you choose.

🔐
ISO 27001 Certified

International information security standard for clinical records.

🇮🇳
DPDP Act 2023

Digital Personal Data Protection compliant. Indian servers only.

🏥
Mental Healthcare Act 2017

Section 23 right to confidentiality protected.

🛡
HIPAA-aligned

US healthcare data standards observed for clinical encounters.

What this means in practice: No employer, family member, college, court (without legal compulsion) or insurance company gets your session content without your written consent. Anonymous booking is available — share only what you choose. Limits to confidentiality (legally required): imminent risk to life, ongoing child abuse, valid court orders.

3 Distinct Anxiety Subspecialty Tracks

Specialists matched to your specific anxiety subtype.

Not all anxiety is the same. Our care team includes sub-specialists for each major subtype, with track-specific protocols.

🧠

GAD Track

For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — persistent worry across multiple domains for ≥6 months. CBT-focused with applied relaxation.

Approach: CBT for GAD (Borkovec protocol) · ACT · Worry exposure · Applied relaxation Specialists: Dr. Preeti, Dr. Nimisha, Dr. Ajay Duration: 12-16 sessions
⚡

Panic Track

For recurrent panic attacks, panic disorder with/without agoraphobia. Interoceptive exposure + medical rule-out + CBT.

Approach: CBT for panic (Barlow/Craske) · Interoceptive exposure · SSRI Specialists: Dr. Preeti, Dr. Charan Kumar Duration: 10-14 sessions, 70-80% panic-free
🔁

OCD-spectrum & Phobia Track

For OCD, contamination fears, intrusive thoughts, hoarding, specific phobias. Exposure & Response Prevention gold-standard.

Approach: ERP (Foa & Kozak protocol) · Imaginal exposure · SSRI high-dose Specialists: Dr. Vipul, Dr. Preeti, Dr. Pragya Duration: 14-20 sessions, 60-80% reduction

How Triage Works

From booking to first session — a 4-step pathway.

1
Choose Plan

Plan A or B via this page. Or WhatsApp our coordinator to discuss your subtype.

2
Pre-session Screen

PC-PTSD-5 + panic + Y-BOCS screen sent via WhatsApp. Takes 4-6 minutes.

3
Match Specialist

Care coordinator matches you with the right sub-specialist (GAD/panic/OCD).

4
First Session

45-60 min video. Formal PCL-5 + history + care plan + first techniques.

How HopeQure Compares

HopeQure vs other anxiety care options.

Transparent comparison — including where in-person hospital care is the better choice.

HopeQure OnlineLocal Psychiatrist (in-person)Hospital Anxiety ClinicGeneric Telehealth Apps
Wait time<24 hours1-4 weeks typical2-8 weeks NIMHANS1-3 days
Cost (first session)₹1,200 Plan A₹1500-3000OPD ₹50-500₹1500-2500
Therapy + Medication integrated✓ Plan BLimited (psychiatrist alone)✓ Multi-disciplinaryRarely
RCI / NMC verified✓ All cliniciansYesYesOften unclear
PCL-5 + tracking✓ Every patientInconsistentYesInconsistent
ERP for OCD available✓ Dr. Vipul, Dr. PreetiRare locally✓ Tertiary centresNo
Anonymous booking✓ AvailableNoNoLimited
Severe agoraphobia / TRDRefer + collaborative carePossible✓ Best for severeNo
When NOT us: Severe agoraphobia (housebound) needing home visits, severe OCD with insight loss needing intensive in-person ERP, untreated medical mimics (thyroid/cardiac), benzodiazepine dependence needing supervised taper — these belong in tertiary care (NIMHANS, AIIMS, your local hospital). We'll refer you transparently.

Complementary Holistic Care

Optional add-ons (with realistic expectations).

These are complements, not replacements for evidence-based therapy or medication. Discuss with your clinician before starting.

🧘

Yoga & Pranayama

Modest evidence for GAD. Alternate nostril breathing + slow-pace asana useful adjunct.

→ Yoga experts
🥗

Diet & Caffeine

Reduce caffeine, alcohol. Omega-3 modest evidence. Mediterranean pattern best.

→ Dietitian
🏃

Exercise

150 min/week moderate-intensity. Aerobic exercise as effective as low-dose SSRI for mild GAD.

→ Fitness coach
😴

Sleep Hygiene

CBT-I for sleep-anxiety cycle. Sleep debt amplifies anxiety dramatically.

→ Sleep disorders

Therapy in Your Language

PTSD counselling in multiple Indian languages.

Discussing anxiety in your mother tongue is often more effective. Our team supports the following.

🇬🇧
English
🇮🇳
Hindi
🪕
Telugu
🪘
Punjabi
🗣
Bengali
🗣
Tamil / Marathi

What Outcomes To Expect

Real numbers from PTSD treatment evidence.

From APA 2017 Practice Guideline meta-analyses + NICE NG116 + ISTSS Guidelines + Bisson et al. Cochrane reviews. PTSD has some of the largest effect sizes in mental health treatment.

Outcome Therapy Alone (Plan A) Medication Alone Combined (Plan B/D)
Significant PCL-5 reduction (≥10 points)60-70% (TF-CBT/EMDR)50-55% (SSRI)65-75%
Loss of PTSD diagnosis40-55% (PE/CPT)25-30%50-60%
Nightmare reduction50-60% (TF-CBT)60-70% (prazosin)70-80%
Flashback frequency reduction55-65% (EMDR)40-50%65-75%
Time to noticeable improvement4-8 weeks2-6 weeks (SSRI)3-6 weeks
Sustained remission at 12 months50-60%30-40% (off-medication)55-65%

Sources: APA Practice Guideline for PTSD 2017 · NICE NG116 (2018) · ISTSS Treatment Guidelines · Bisson et al. Cochrane review on psychological therapies · Watts et al. SSRI meta-analysis · Foa et al. PE protocol outcomes · Shapiro EMDR outcomes. Complex PTSD outcomes typically 10-15% lower; longer treatment durations.

Numbers from Our Clinic

HopeQure PTSD Care — at a glance.

7,829
PTSD patients treated since 2019
4.5/5
Patient satisfaction rating
18
Trauma-trained specialists
< 10 min
Avg. time to clinician match

Your Care Journey

The three phases of PTSD recovery (ISTSS protocol).

PTSD recovery follows a phased approach — safety and stabilisation before trauma processing. Pushing past this order can cause harm. Your therapist will move at YOUR pace.

Phase 1 · Weeks 1–4

Safety & Stabilisation

PCL-5 assessment, psychoeducation about trauma response, grounding skills (5-4-3-2-1), safe place imagery, sleep hygiene, window of tolerance teaching.

Phase 2a · Weeks 5–8

Trauma Processing Begins

Choice of TF-CBT, CPT, PE or EMDR begins. Cognitive restructuring of trauma-related beliefs. Initial trauma narrative or exposure. SSRI titration if prescribed.

Phase 2b · Weeks 9–14

Deepening Processing

Repeated trauma processing sessions. Working through "stuck points" (CPT). In-vivo exposure to avoided situations. Mid-treatment PCL-5 check at week 8.

Phase 3 · Weeks 15+

Integration & Reconnection

Integration of trauma into life narrative. Reconnection with self, others, future. Relapse prevention plan. Booster sessions monthly. SSRI continuation 6-12+ months.

Complex PTSD note: If your trauma was childhood / repeated / interpersonal (ICD-11 6B41), Phase 1 may extend to 8-12 weeks before any trauma processing. This is normal and protective — the additional skill-building reduces dropout and re-traumatisation risk.

PTSD, In All Its Forms

Specific traumatic experiences we treat.

Every trauma is unique. Our specialists know the clinical nuances of each type. Skip categories that aren't relevant to you.

By Origin

  • Single-incident PTSD
  • Complex PTSD (ICD-11 6B41)
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Delayed-onset PTSD
  • Dissociative subtype
  • Adjustment disorder w/ anxiety

Accident & Medical

  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Workplace accident
  • ICU / hospital trauma
  • Cancer treatment PTSD
  • Birth trauma
  • Near-death experience

Interpersonal

  • Sexual assault
  • Childhood abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual harassment
  • Stalking
  • Witnessed family violence

Combat & Service

  • Combat PTSD
  • Military service trauma
  • Veteran adjustment
  • Peacekeeping mission
  • Active duty stress
  • Moral injury

First Responder & Vicarious

  • Police PTSD
  • Paramedic / EMT
  • Healthcare worker (COVID)
  • Firefighter PTSD
  • Therapist secondary trauma
  • Journalist trauma

Mass & Collective

  • Natural disaster
  • Terror attack
  • Refugee / displacement
  • Pandemic trauma
  • Communal violence
  • Public tragedy witness

Between Sessions — Trauma-Safe Skills

Evidence-based techniques to manage flashbacks & triggers.

These are stabilisation skills — not replacements for trauma processing. Use them between sessions, during flashbacks, or when triggered. Build the habit BEFORE you need them.

🌳

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding

In a flashback or dissociating? Name 5 things you see, 4 you touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. Speak them out loud. This pulls you out of the trauma memory into the present moment. Most powerful for active flashbacks.

🏝

Safe Place Imagery

Build a detailed mental "safe place" — real or imagined. What do you see, hear, smell, feel? Practice visiting it daily so it's accessible when triggered. EMDR-derived technique. Pair with a calming word.

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Window of Tolerance

Notice when you're in your "window" (calm + present) vs hyperaroused (panic, anger) vs hypoaroused (numb, frozen). Use grounding when high, gentle activation when low. Trauma processing only happens IN the window.

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Butterfly Hug

Cross arms over chest, hands on opposite shoulders. Tap alternately, left-right, like butterfly wings. Slow, rhythmic. This bilateral self-stimulation (EMDR-derived) calms the trauma response and works in public.

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Container Exercise

Imagine a sealed container — vault, chest, locked box. Mentally "put" intrusive memories or feelings inside between sessions. You're not avoiding — you're choosing WHEN to process. Critical for sleep.

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Box Breathing

Inhale 4 · Hold 4 · Exhale 4 · Hold 4. Repeat 4 cycles. Used by US Navy SEALs to regulate hyperarousal. Activates parasympathetic system. Best for somatic anxiety, not active flashbacks.

⚠️ Important boundary: These skills regulate the trauma response — they don't resolve it. Resolution requires guided trauma processing (TF-CBT, CPT, PE or EMDR) with a trained therapist. If grounding skills aren't reducing flashback frequency in 2-3 weeks, please book a session. Do NOT do trauma exposure work alone — there's a reason exposure therapy is therapist-guided.

Decode Your Symptoms

What does this trauma response actually mean?

12 commonly experienced symptoms decoded against DSM-5-TR PTSD Criteria B (intrusion), C (avoidance), D (negative cognitions/mood), and E (arousal/reactivity).

If you experience…DSM-5-TR maps to…Severity suggests…Recommended Plan
Recurrent unwanted memories of the eventCriterion B1 (Intrusion)Core PTSD symptomPlan A · TF-CBT or EMDR
Nightmares about the traumaCriterion B2 (Intrusion)Add Prazosin if severePlan B with Psychiatrist
Flashbacks — feeling event happens againCriterion B3 (Intrusion)Severe — needs stabilisation firstPlan B/D phased approach
Intense distress at trauma remindersCriterion B4 (Intrusion)Common, treatablePlan A · CPT or EMDR
Physical reactions (sweating, palpitations) at remindersCriterion B5 (Intrusion)Hyperarousal drivenPlan A + grounding skills
Avoiding thoughts, feelings, memories of traumaCriterion C1 (Avoidance)Maintains PTSD long-termPlan A · Prolonged Exposure
Avoiding people, places, situations reminding of eventCriterion C2 (Avoidance)Functional impactPlan A · in-vivo exposure
Persistent negative beliefs about self/world ("I am broken")Criterion D2 (Negative cognitions)Cognitive processing helpsPlan A · CPT specifically
Feeling detached / numb / disconnectedCriterion D6 (Negative mood)Dissociative featuresPlan B + stabilisation
Hyper-vigilance, scanning for danger constantlyCriterion E3 (Arousal)Sympathetic overloadPlan B with SSRI
Exaggerated startle responseCriterion E4 (Arousal)Common, manageablePlan A + applied relaxation
Sleep disturbance, difficulty staying asleepCriterion E6 (Arousal)Cycle perpetuatingPlan B with sleep hygiene + medication
DSM-5-TR PTSD requires: Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence (Criterion A) + at least 1 intrusion (B) + 1 avoidance (C) + 2 negative cognitions/mood (D) + 2 arousal/reactivity (E) symptoms · duration >1 month · clinically significant distress. Acute Stress Disorder = similar symptoms but 3 days–1 month post-trauma. Complex PTSD (ICD-11 6B41) adds disturbances in self-organisation (affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, interpersonal disturbance).

5-Question Quick Screen

The PC-PTSD-5 self-check — 2 minutes.

A clinically-validated 5-item screen used by primary care globally (Prins et al. 2016). Not a diagnosis. Answer based on the past month.

In the past month, have you…

Source: Prins, Bovin, Smolenski et al. (2016). PC-PTSD-5 for Primary Care. Validated against CAPS-5 (sensitivity 95%, specificity 85% at cutoff ≥3).

1. Had nightmares about a difficult event or thought about it when you didn't want to?
2. Tried hard not to think about it or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you?
3. Been constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
4. Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?
5. Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the event(s) or any problems it caused?
Your score: —

Tap responses above to see your guidance.

Book Recommended Plan →

⚠️ This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A score ≥3 indicates probable PTSD and warrants formal assessment with PCL-5 plus clinical interview, which your psychologist or psychiatrist will conduct in the first session. The diagnosis also requires confirmed exposure to a Criterion A trauma per DSM-5-TR.

Our Clinical Protocols

4 evidence-based trauma care pathways.

Standardised protocols ensure consistency across clinicians. Each is reviewed annually against latest evidence (APA, NICE, ISTSS, VA/DoD).

Protocol PROTO-PTSD-RECENT

Recent Trauma / Acute Stress (≤4 weeks)

  • Psychoeducation about normal trauma response
  • Watchful waiting (NICE NG116) — most resolve naturally
  • Brief CBT-based psychoeducation, NOT trauma processing
  • Sleep stabilisation, breathing techniques
  • Re-screen with PCL-5 at week 4
  • If symptoms persist >1 month → escalate to chronic protocol
Protocol PROTO-PTSD-CHRONIC

Single-Incident PTSD (>1 month, <5 years)

  • Plan A or B · 12–16 weekly sessions
  • Patient choice: TF-CBT / CPT / PE / EMDR
  • PCL-5 re-administered weeks 4, 8, 12
  • SSRI (sertraline, paroxetine) if added
  • Prazosin for nightmares if severe
  • Sustained remission 50-60% at 12 months
Protocol PROTO-PTSD-COMPLEX

Complex PTSD (ICD-11 6B41 — childhood / repeated trauma)

  • Plan D · 20-25 sessions structured
  • Phased approach (ISTSS): 8-12 weeks stabilisation first
  • Affect regulation skills, attachment work
  • Trauma processing only after stabilisation
  • Often EMDR or modified CPT
  • SSRI commonly added; longer treatment duration
Protocol PROTO-PTSD-DISSOCIATIVE

PTSD with Dissociative Subtype

  • Plan B/D · Extended stabilisation phase
  • Window of tolerance work, grounding mastery first
  • EMDR with frequent stabilisation pauses
  • NOT prolonged exposure as first-line (risk)
  • Antipsychotic augmentation considered if severe
  • Referral to specialist trauma centre if not progressing

Real-World Trauma Journeys

4 anonymised patient pathways.

Composite examples showing how decisions get made. Names and details changed for privacy. Outcomes representative of our cohort. Skip if you're not ready to read about trauma recovery.

S
Sandeep, 38 · Pune
MVA single-incident · Software engineer
Presentation: 7 months after a major highway accident. Driving avoidance, nightmares 3x/week, hyper-vigilance in traffic. PCL-5 = 38 (moderate). PHQ-9 = 8. No prior trauma history.
Decision: Plan B · 15-session combined. EMDR therapy. Sertraline 50mg added at week 4 due to sleep issues. Outcome: PCL-5 dropped to 18 at week 8, 9 at week 16. Driving resumed by week 10. Nightmares stopped at week 12. Continuing monthly booster sessions.
A
Anjali, 29 · Mumbai
Sexual assault survivor · Marketing professional
Presentation: Single incident 14 months prior. Avoidance of public transport, hyperarousal, sleep difficulty, "stuck point" beliefs about safety and self-worth. PCL-5 = 52 (severe). Initially hesitant to engage in therapy.
Decision: Plan D · 20-session combined. Patient choice: female therapist. CPT preferred over PE. Sertraline 100mg. Phased: 6-week stabilisation, then 12-session CPT. Outcome: PCL-5 dropped to 22 at week 12, 14 at week 20. Stuck-point beliefs significantly shifted. Returned to using public transport. Continues monthly check-ins.
R
Rohit, 45 · Delhi
Paramedic · First responder PTSD
Presentation: Cumulative occupational trauma over 8 years — multiple distressing incidents during COVID surge. Intrusive memories of specific patients. Compassion fatigue, considering career change. PCL-5 = 44. Alcohol use 3-4 drinks nightly.
Decision: Plan B · 15-session combined. CPT with cognitive restructuring around "I could have done more" beliefs. Concurrent referral for alcohol use support. SSRI deferred — preferred therapy-led. Outcome: PCL-5 dropped to 26 at week 8, 16 at week 16. Alcohol down to weekends. Decided to continue paramedic career with better boundaries. Joined HopeQure first-responder peer group.
V
Mr. Karan, 52 · Bengaluru
Combat veteran · Retired Army Major
Presentation: Combat exposure 15+ years ago, symptoms worsening since retirement 2 years ago. PCL-5 = 58 (severe). Heavy alcohol use (10-12 drinks/day), estranged from family, sleep avoidance. Initial assessment uncovered active suicidal ideation with plan.
Decision: Initial REFERRAL to AFMS Mental Health Cell + alcohol detox before trauma-focused therapy. After 6 weeks of detox + suicide risk stabilisation, returned to HopeQure for Plan D · 25-session combined. PE therapy + sertraline + prazosin. Outcome: PCL-5 dropped from 58 to 32 over 25 sessions. Sober at 14 months. Reconnected with daughter. This is why we screen carefully — severe PTSD with active suicidality + substance dependence needs higher level of care first.

In Their Words

From 7,829 PTSD patients — six representative voices.

Verified, anonymised with patient consent. Outcomes are individual and depend on engagement.

★★★★★

"PCL-5 was 16 when I started. After 12 weeks of CBT plus sertraline, it's 4. I finally sleep through the night. Worth every rupee."

— Rohit M., 34, Mumbai
Plan B Combined · 12 weeks · GAD
★★★★★

"Panic attacks every morning before work for 4 months. My CBT therapist taught me interoceptive exposure — uncomfortable at first but it broke the cycle. Panic-free for 8 months now."

— Priya S., 29, Bengaluru
Plan B · 14 weeks · Panic Disorder
★★★★★

"OCD ruled my life — 6 hours daily on checking rituals. ERP was tough but my therapist guided me through it. Y-BOCS dropped from 28 to 11 in 20 sessions."

— Verified Patient, 31, Delhi
Plan D · 20 weeks · OCD
★★★★★

"My health anxiety kept sending me to the ER. The team made sure I got proper cardiac clearance FIRST, then started PTSD treatment. That felt safe. 8 months on, I haven't needed an ER visit."

— Verified Patient, 47, Pune
Plan B + GP · 16 weeks · Health Anxiety
★★★★★

"Started Plan A at ₹999. Honestly didn't think therapy alone would work for moderate anxiety. SPIN dropped 32→12 in 14 sessions without any medication. Best ₹999 I spent."

— Ananya R., 24, Chennai
Plan A · 14 weeks · Social Anxiety
★★★★★

"Teen daughter had school refusal due to social anxiety. The therapist was incredibly patient. She involved me as a parent at the right moments. Daughter is back at school, has friends."

— Verified Parent, Mumbai
Plan C · 5 sessions · Teen Anxiety

Editorial & Medical Review

How this page is written and reviewed.

Every clinical claim on this page is cross-checked against current published guidelines and reviewed by NMC-registered psychiatrists before publication.

Author
HopeQure Editorial & Clinical Team

In-house medical writers with backgrounds in clinical psychology + science communication. Every page is drafted from peer-reviewed sources (PubMed, Cochrane, NICE, NIMHANS) and updated for current Indian context.

Medical Reviewer
Dr. Pragya Sharma, MBBS + Diploma Psych Medicine

10+ years NMC-registered. Specialty in PTSD-spectrum, OCD-spectrum and panic disorder. Reviews every revision for clinical accuracy, evidence currency, safety messaging. View profile →

Revision History
v1.0 · Sept 1, 2024
Initial publication, NICE NG116 alignment
v1.5 · Feb 2026
Added PC-PTSD-5 widget, panic-aware crisis banner
v2.0 · May 31, 2026
v2 template: reviewer bio, decision tree, decoder, 4 personas, accreditation badges
Sources Referenced
DSM-5-TR · ICD-11 (WHO) · NICE NG116 (UK 2019) · APA Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Panic Disorder · NIMHANS Clinical Practice Guidelines · IPS Clinical Practice Guidelines (India) · Cochrane Reviews on CBT for anxiety · Hofmann et al. 2012 meta-analysis · Bandelow et al. 2015 pharmacotherapy review · Carpenter et al. 2018 anxiety RCT review · Mental Healthcare Act 2017 (India) · DPDP Act 2023 · Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020.

Accreditation, Standards & Compliance We Hold To

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ISO 27001:2022
Information Security
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NMC India
All psychiatrists
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RCI Licensed
All psychologists
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MHA 2017
Mental Healthcare Act
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DPDP Act
Data Protection 2023
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Telemedicine 2020
India practice rules
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HIPAA Aligned
US healthcare data
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PCL-5 Track
Routine outcome measurement
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Outcome Tracked
Every patient, every visit
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IPS Standards
Indian Psychiatric Society

Quick Answers

Frequently asked — at a glance.

Is PTSD counselling effective?
Yes — among the most evidence-backed treatments in psychiatry. 75-85% of engaged patients improve.
Can I avoid medication?
Yes for mild-moderate anxiety. CBT alone (Plan A) is first-line. Combined helps moderate-severe.
When will I feel better?
4-6 weeks for CBT. 2-6 weeks for SSRI. Full remission typically 12-16 weeks.
Is it confidential?
Yes — DPDP Act 2023 + MH Act 2017 + ISO 27001. Anonymous booking available.
What about OCD?
ERP is gold-standard. 60-80% see major reduction.
Online vs in-person?
2023-2024 meta-analyses show online CBT for anxiety equally effective.

Detailed FAQ

Common questions about PTSD counselling.

What is PTSD counselling and how does it work online?

PTSD counselling is evidence-based psychotherapy specifically focused on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobia, health anxiety, OCD-spectrum and performance anxiety. Modern approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and phobia, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). For moderate-to-severe anxiety, therapy is often combined with SSRI or SNRI medication. At HopeQure, the first session includes PCL-5 severity assessment, panic and phobia screening, and a personalised care plan. Most patients see meaningful improvement in 8-16 weeks.

Are HopeQure therapists and psychiatrists qualified?

Yes. Our care team includes NMC-registered MD Psychiatrists for medication and RCI-licensed Clinical & Counselling Psychologists (M.Phil. / PhD) trained in evidence-based therapies. Every psychiatrist holds active NMC registration verifiable on the National Medical Commission registry. Every psychologist holds active RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) registration. Many have additional certification in CBT, EMDR, CPT, ACT, and other evidence-based trauma therapies.

How much does online PTSD counselling cost in India?

At HopeQure, online PTSD counselling starts from ₹1,800 for Plan A — a 50–60 minute Clinical Psychologist-only session with CBT, ACT, or exposure-based therapy. Plan B (Clinical Psychologist + Psychiatrist Combined, 2 sessions) starts from ₹3,000. Plan C is a 15–30 minute Psychiatrist-only session starting from ₹1,200. New patients save 25% on their first session with the code WELCOME10 .

Does anxiety therapy actually work?

Yes — with one of the strongest evidence bases in psychiatry. CBT for anxiety has 40+ years of RCT support, recommended as first-line by NICE, APA and NIMHANS. Hofmann et al. meta-analyses show 50-60% response rates for CBT in PTSD-spectrum. Exposure-based therapy is gold standard for specific phobia, social anxiety and OCD with response rates of 60-80%. SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine) show ~55% response, ~40% remission. Combined therapy + medication outperforms either alone for moderate-severe presentations. Online delivery is comparable to in-person care per multiple 2023-2024 meta-analyses.

Do I need medication for anxiety or is therapy enough?

It depends on severity. Mild anxiety (PCL-5 5-9) often responds well to Plan A — therapy alone with a Clinical Psychologist, particularly CBT or applied relaxation. Moderate anxiety (PCL-5 10-14) responds to therapy alone OR medication, with combined Plan B offering modest additional benefit. Moderate-severe (PCL-5 15-21) typically needs Plan B / D combined for best outcomes. Panic disorder, severe social anxiety and OCD often benefit from combined treatment. Benzodiazepines are generally avoided long-term due to dependence risk — SSRIs/SNRIs are first-line. Informed consent is foundational — you always have a choice.

What is the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks?

Panic attacks are discrete episodes of intense fear with at least 4 specific physical symptoms (palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, derealisation, fear of dying or losing control), peaking within 10 minutes. They can occur in panic disorder, GAD, social anxiety, PTSD, or specific phobia. "Anxiety attacks" is not a formal DSM-5 diagnosis but is commonly used to describe sudden severe anxiety that may not meet full panic-attack criteria. Both are highly treatable with CBT for panic, interoceptive exposure, and short-term SSRI treatment if needed.

What is Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD-spectrum anxiety?

ERP is the gold-standard psychotherapy for OCD and a powerful tool for phobia, social anxiety and panic disorder. It works by gradually exposing the patient to feared situations, thoughts or sensations (in real life or imagination) while preventing the compulsive avoidance or safety behaviour. Over repeated sessions, the brain learns the feared outcome doesn't occur and anxiety subsides naturally — a process called habituation and inhibitory learning. NICE and APA both recommend ERP as first-line for OCD. Typical course: 14-20 sessions. Most patients see 60-80% symptom reduction.

Can therapy help with health concerns or fear of serious illness?

Yes. Health anxiety (formally Illness Anxiety Disorder in DSM-5-TR) is highly treatable with cognitive therapy and behavioural strategies including reassurance-seeking reduction, checking behaviour modification, and attention training. Treatment focuses on cognitive restructuring around health beliefs, gradual reduction of reassurance-seeking from doctors and family, exposure to feared health-related triggers, and metacognitive techniques. Before beginning treatment, a thorough medical evaluation may be recommended to rule out any underlying physical condition. If required, your therapist can coordinate with an appropriate medical specialist. A typical course of therapy involves 12–16 sessions.

Is online PTSD consultation confidential?

Yes. All sessions are protected under the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, RCI Code of Professional Ethics, NMC ethics, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. HopeQure is ISO 27001 certified, DPDP-compliant and HIPAA-aligned. Sessions are end-to-end encrypted, records stay on Indian servers, and we never share content with family, employer, courts (without legal compulsion), or insurance companies without your written consent. Anonymous booking is available. Limits to confidentiality: imminent risk to life, ongoing child abuse, court orders.

What is PCL-5 and how is it used at HopeQure?

PCL-5 (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-7) is a validated 7-item self-report scale developed by Spitzer et al. (2006), used globally as the primary screening and severity tool for generalised anxiety disorder. Scores range 0-21: 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-21 severe. PCL-5 has strong sensitivity (89%) and specificity (82%) for GAD at cutoff ≥10. At HopeQure, PCL-5 is administered at every intake to confirm severity, guide plan selection (Plan A vs Plan B), and track response over time. Re-administered at weeks 4, 8, 12 to measure progress objectively.

For Employers · EAP Plans

Anxiety care for your team — corporate EAP plans

Workplace anxiety affects performance, sickness absence, and retention. HopeQure delivers structured workplace anxiety programs through EAP — confidential counselling, manager workshops on anxiety in the workplace, and crisis hotlines. From 25-employee SMEs to 5,000-employee enterprises.

Explore EAP →

Related Mental Health Services

Related anxiety-spectrum services at HopeQure.

Depression CounsellingCo-morbid with anxiety in 60% of cases PTSD TherapyTrauma-related PTSD treatment Sleep DisordersAnxiety-related insomnia, CBT-I OCD TherapyDedicated OCD-specific page Panic Attack HelpPanic disorder focused Phobia CounsellingSpecific phobia exposure therapy Bipolar TherapyIf anxiety + mood swings Postpartum CarePostpartum anxiety + depression

Glossary

Anxiety care terms — defined.

GAD — Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Excessive worry across multiple areas ≥6 months.
PCL-5 — 7-item self-report scale for anxiety severity (0-21). 5-9 mild, 10-14 mod, 15-21 severe.
CBT — Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. First-line evidence-based talk therapy for anxiety.
ERP — Exposure & Response Prevention. Gold-standard for OCD and specific phobia.
SSRI — Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. First-line anxiety medication. Sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine.
SNRI — Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. Venlafaxine, duloxetine. Used for treatment-resistant anxiety.
Y-BOCS — Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. OCD severity measure.
ACT — Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Newer evidence-based therapy for chronic anxiety.
NMC — National Medical Commission of India. Statutory body for medical practitioners.
RCI — Rehabilitation Council of India. Statutory body for psychologists.

References & Further Reading

Sources behind this page.

[1] American Psychiatric Association (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).

[2] World Health Organization (2024). International Classification of Diseases, 11th ed. (ICD-11) — 6B00 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

[3] NICE Clinical Guideline NG113 (2019). Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management. nice.org.uk

[4] American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Panic Disorder (2009, updated).

[5] NIMHANS Clinical Practice Guidelines for Anxiety Disorders (India, Indian Psychiatric Society).

[6] Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy & Research.

[7] Bandelow B, Reitt M, Röver C, et al. (2015). Efficacy of treatments for PTSD-spectrum: a meta-analysis. International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

[8] Carpenter JK, Andrews LA, Witcraft SM, et al. (2018). CBT for anxiety and related disorders: meta-analysis of RCTs. Depression & Anxiety.

[9] Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, Löwe B (2006). A brief measure for assessing PCL-5. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166:1092.

[10] Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB, Löwe B (2007). PTSD-spectrum in primary care: prevalence, impairment, comorbidity, and detection. Annals of Internal Medicine.

[11] Foa EB, Kozak MJ (1986). Emotional processing of fear: exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin.

[12] Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (2020). Telemedicine Practice Guidelines. mohfw.gov.in