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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about seeing a psychiatrist — what happens, what it costs you in time, and what you are agreeing to. If your question is not here, ask the clinic directly.

No. You can book directly. Many people come without a referral and without a diagnosis — describing what has been happening is enough to start.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MBBS, MD) who can diagnose psychiatric conditions, prescribe medication and manage the medical aspects of treatment. A psychologist provides therapy but does not prescribe. Dr. Surana is a psychiatrist and provides both medical management and therapy-based approaches.

A detailed assessment: what you have been experiencing, how long for, your medical and family history, sleep, and the context around it. Physical causes are ruled out where relevant. Dr. Surana then explains what she thinks is happening and sets out the options before anything is started.

First consultations are longer than follow-ups, because the assessment is thorough. The clinic will confirm expected duration when you book.

Yes. Consultations are confidential, and information is shared outside the session only with your consent — or in the rare circumstances where there is serious and immediate risk to safety, which would be discussed with you.

Not automatically. Whether medication is appropriate depends on the condition and its severity. For many presentations, therapy and practical changes are tried first. Where medication is recommended, the reasoning, benefits and possible side effects are explained before you decide.

Yes, if you would like to. For children and adolescents, parental involvement is usually part of the treatment. For adults, it is your choice.

Yes. Dr. Surana provides age-appropriate evaluations and family-centred care for children and adolescents, including parental guidance and school coordination where useful.

It depends on the condition and how you respond. Some concerns resolve in a handful of sessions; others — particularly those needing ongoing medication management — involve longer-term follow-up. You will be given a realistic picture at the first consultation rather than an open-ended commitment.

Any previous prescriptions, reports or discharge summaries, and a list or the packaging of any medication you currently take, including for physical conditions.

Please call the clinic to ask about current availability for online consultations.

This is one of the most common reasons people delay, and it is worth setting aside. If something is affecting your sleep, work, relationships or daily functioning, that is reason enough for an assessment. Early intervention generally makes treatment shorter and more effective.

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Take the first step toward better mental health

Confidential, expert and empathetic psychiatric care, tailored to your journey.

Serving Powai, Mumbai and the surrounding regions.