Where to go and whom to talk to for treatment of Mental Illness

What is it:

Reaching out for support with mental health can be more challenging than seeking help for physical ailments. Mental illness still carries a stigma, particularly in developing countries. Limited access to Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) further compounds the issue. Taking that first step towards seeking help is important for well-being, even without a clear mental illness concern.

Professionals role and responsibilities in Mental Illness treatment:

• Neurologist: Specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Treats conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Not typically involved in treating mental health issues unless there is a neurological component.
• Psychiatrists: Only psychiatrists can prescribe and manage medications. They have a medical degree (MD in Psychiatry). Common mental illnesses that psychiatrists diagnose include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders.
• Clinical Psychologists: They are M.Phil and/or Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. They cannot prescribe medication. They conduct psychological evaluations involving interviews, questionnaires, and behavioural observations to diagnosis. Common mental health issues that psychologists can diagnose include depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and personality disorders.
• Psychiatric Social Workers: They are qualified in Social Work with BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) and MSW (Master of Social Work) degrees. They are trained to provide therapy, case management and advocacy services to individuals, families and communities affected by mental health issues. They do not prescribe medications.
• Therapist/Counselor: Umbrella terms for professionals like licensed professional counsellors (LPC), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). Provide psychotherapy and counselling for mental health issues, relationship problems, etc. They can not prescribe medications but can work alongside psychiatrists.
• Psychiatric Nurses: These registered nurses who specialise in mental health, working closely with psychiatrists to provide comprehensive care. They may administer medications, monitor patients' progress and offer counselling and support.
• Peer Support Specialists: Individuals with personal experience of mental health challenges provide support and guidance to others going through similar experiences. They offer a unique perspective of hope and can serve as role models for recovery.

Each Mental Health Professional brings a unique skill set and approach to contribute to well-rounded Mental Illness treatment. Choosing a professional depends on personal needs, preferences and the specific mental health condition.

How do I know if I need to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist:

The decision to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist depends on the nature and severity of your mental health concerns.

• See a psychiatrist if:
  You are experiencing severe mental health symptoms like psychosis, mania, or severe depression that significantly impair your daily functioning. You may need medication management for a mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. You have thoughts of harming yourself or others.
• See a psychologist if:
  You are dealing with milder to moderate mental health issues like anxiety, stress, relationship problems, or mild depression. You need counselling, psychotherapy, or behavioural therapy without medication. You require psychological testing or assessment for conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities.

There are some helpline numbers for Mental Illness, operated by the Government of India as well as NGOs or societies. You can reach out to them to seek treatment or advice.

Name	Helpline numbers	Timing	Days	Languages
GOI-Rehabilitation HELPLINE ‘KIRAN’	18005990019	24 by 7	All days of the week	Multilingual
Vandrevala Foundation	9999 666 555	24x7	All days of the week	English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia and Marathi
Tele Manas	14416 or 1-800 891 4416 - Toll-free	24/7	All days of the week	Multilingual
Parivarthan	+91-7676602602	1:00 PM - 10:00 PM	Monday to Friday	All Indian languages except for Telugu, Malayalam

Disclaimer: Patients for Patient Safety Foundation (PFPSF) does not provide counselling services, nor does it own, operate or control the helpline numbers listed above. These numbers are listed for referral purposes only. PFPSF does not guarantee the quality of response or medical advice provided by these helplines and does not endorse them.

PFPSF assumes no responsibility for the services rendered through these helplines and disclaims liability for any damages arising from calls made to these numbers.