Why this decision deserves a little extra care
Choosing to see a psychiatrist is often a harder decision than choosing any other kind of doctor — not because the medicine is more complicated, but because reaching out can feel exposing in a way a stomach ache never does. Stigma, real or imagined, makes people wait months or years before making a call they could have made much sooner. None of that hesitation is unreasonable.
Part of the difficulty is simple arithmetic. India has roughly 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, according to an analysis in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry — far short of the commonly cited benchmark of 3 per 100,000. With so few specialists available, knowing what genuinely signals good care matters even more.
That's exactly why the person and the place you choose matters. The right fit makes that first conversation feel less like a confession and more like relief. A rushed, judgmental, or unclear experience can make someone less likely to ever try again — and the cost of that is real.
This guide isn't about finding a "best" name. It's about knowing what to actually check — quietly, at your own pace, before you ever pick up the phone.
What this guide is — and isn't
What it is
A plain-language explanation of what's genuinely worth checking before you see a psychiatrist — training standards, how a first session typically works, confidentiality practice, and how to tell urgent situations from ones that can wait for a scheduled appointment. Not marketing language from any one clinic.
What it isn't
This is not a ranked list of named psychiatrists in Surat, and it doesn't name, rate or compare other clinics or practitioners. We haven't independently verified claims made on other practices' websites, and it wouldn't be fair to rate professionals whose full record we haven't examined. Instead, this guide gives you the criteria so you can apply them to anyone you're considering — including, but not limited to, Dr. Heena Khanna.
Disclosure
This guide is published on Dr. Heena Khanna's own website, and she is a practising psychiatrist in Surat whose booking details appear on this page. That's a real conflict worth naming plainly — which is exactly why the criteria below are written so you can use them to evaluate any psychiatrist, and why her own credentials are presented factually below rather than as a claim to being "the best."
What to check when choosing a psychiatrist in Surat
Qualifications — MBBS + MD/DNB Psychiatry
A psychiatrist's base qualification is a medical degree (MBBS) followed by postgraduate specialisation — an MD or DNB in Psychiatry — typically 8–9 years of training in total. This medical background matters: it means a psychiatrist can assess physical contributors to how you're feeling (thyroid issues, medication side effects, sleep disorders) alongside the psychological picture. Ask which qualification someone holds and where — the answer should be stated plainly, not vague.
What a first consultation actually looks like
A good first session is unhurried and led by your pace, not a checklist rushed through in ten minutes. Expect a genuine conversation — what's been happening, for how long, what you've already tried — followed by a discussion of what might help next. You shouldn't feel pressured into a diagnosis or a decision about medication in the very first meeting.
Confidentiality — what's shared, and what isn't
Ask, plainly, how a clinic handles confidentiality: does anything get shared with family, an employer or a school, and under what circumstances? A trustworthy practice will tell you clearly that what you say stays private, with narrow, ethics-guided exceptions only where there's a genuine safety concern — and will explain those exceptions upfront rather than leaving you to wonder.
Psychiatrist vs psychologist vs counsellor/therapist
These words get used almost interchangeably, but the training behind them is very different. If you're not sure which you need, a psychiatric consultation is a reasonable place to start — a psychiatrist can assess your situation and point you toward the right kind of ongoing support, including a referral to a psychologist or counsellor if that's the better fit. See the comparison below.
How medication decisions are actually made
If medication comes up, a psychiatrist worth trusting will explain why it's being suggested, what alternatives exist, what side effects to watch for, and how long a trial period looks like before reassessing — not present it as the only option in the first conversation. It's entirely reasonable to ask questions, express hesitation, or ask to try therapy first where that's clinically appropriate.
Cost and insurance clarity
Ask directly what a consultation costs and whether your insurance is likely to apply — cost depends on factors like session length and frequency, so most practices don't publish a fixed price list online. A transparent clinic will give you a clear answer before you commit to anything, and will be upfront about uncertainty on insurance rather than letting you assume more than what's confirmed.
Knowing when something is urgent
Most mental health concerns can wait for a scheduled appointment — but some can't. Know the difference before you need it: thoughts of self-harm or suicide, feeling unable to keep yourself safe, or a sudden, severe change in someone's mental state are reasons to act immediately rather than book a routine slot.
Psychiatrist vs psychologist vs counsellor/therapist — the real differences
These terms sound similar, they all involve talking about mental health, and the distinctions are not widely taught. Here's a plain comparison of training and scope:
| Area | Psychiatrist | Psychologist | Counsellor / Therapist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base qualification | MBBS + MD/DNB Psychiatry | MA/MSc Psychology + MPhil Clinical Psychology (typical) | Varies — diploma to postgraduate; less regulated as a term |
| Can prescribe medication | Yes | No (in India) | No |
| Can give a clinical diagnosis | Yes | Assessment & formulation; medical diagnosis needs a doctor | No |
| Primary focus | Diagnosis, medication where needed, and/or therapy | Structured psychotherapy & psychological testing | Supportive conversation, coping skills |
| Often the right first stop when… | Symptoms are moderate-to-severe, medication may help, or you're unsure what's going on | You have a clear focus and want structured talk therapy | You want a supportive space to talk through a specific, milder difficulty |
This is a general guide, not a substitute for individual advice — and many people benefit from seeing more than one of these professionals together. For a longer explainer, see psychiatrist vs psychologist: who should you see, and when.
If this feels urgent, right now
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or feels unable to stay safe, please don't wait for a scheduled appointment. Govt. of India Tele-MANAS helpline: 14416 (24×7, free).
- Tele-MANAS — 14416 (also 1-800-891-4416) — national, 24/7, English & regional languages
- Emergency — 112, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department
A quick self-scoring checklist — use it on anyone you're considering
Before your consultation, or while you're deciding who to reach out to, run through these. There's no formal score — the point is simply to know what you should be able to answer "yes" to before you commit to a treatment plan:
- Can I find their MBBS + MD/DNB Psychiatry qualification stated clearly?
- Did the first conversation feel unhurried, and did I feel heard rather than rushed to a diagnosis?
- Was confidentiality explained to me plainly, including the (narrow) exceptions?
- If I wasn't sure whether I needed a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counsellor, did someone help me figure that out rather than assume?
- If medication was suggested, was I told why, what the alternatives were, and what to expect?
- Did I get a clear answer about cost and insurance before committing to anything?
- Do I know which number to call if things become urgent, before I actually need it?
About the author of this guide
Dr. Heena Khanna, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
Dr. Heena Khanna is a Consultant Psychiatrist practising at Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat. She holds an MBBS and an MD in Psychiatry, and is a member of the Indian Psychiatric Society and the Indian Medical Association. Her practice covers adult psychiatry — anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, insomnia, stress, and relationship and life-transition difficulties — using evidence-based approaches including CBT and, where appropriate, medication. No referral is required to book a first session.
Disclosure, repeated plainly: Dr. Khanna wrote and publishes this guide on her own website, and consults on the conditions discussed in it. The criteria in this guide are the same ones you should use to evaluate her — not a special case written to favour herself.