FAQs

Frequently asked questions

UANA believes in answering each and every doubt or question that may arise in the minds of clients, patients or organisations seeking help for their mental health condition. In view of this, we have put together a set of 34 frequently asked questions that we have often encountered over the years.

What does a psychiatrist do?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists assess and treat a wide range of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric concerns and can provide medical treatment, psychotherapy, or both, depending on the individual’s needs.

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist is trained to assess psychological, emotional and behavioural concerns and provides evidence-based psychological therapies and interventions. Psychologists work closely with psychiatrists when a combination of medical and psychological care is beneficial.

Do I need to know whether I need a psychiatrist or psychologist before booking?

No. If you are unsure which professional or service would be appropriate, you can contact the centre and discuss your concern so that the appropriate consultation can be guided.

What services does UANA Mind Wellness Centre provide?

UANA provides comprehensive psychiatric, psychological and mental wellness services, including psychiatric consultations, psychotherapy, counselling, child and adolescent services, addiction and de-addiction care, relationship counselling, assessments, corporate wellness and specialised interventions.

What happens during the first consultation?

The first consultation generally involves a detailed discussion of your concerns, symptoms, personal history and relevant circumstances. At UANA, we believe that a patient deserves complete care under one roof. Hence, both the psychiatrist and the psychologist are involved in the first consultation and the line of management is subsequently planned.

Do I have to take medicines if I consult a psychiatrist?

Not necessarily. Medication is recommended only when clinically appropriate. Depending on the concern, treatment may involve medication, psychological therapy, lifestyle and behavioural interventions, or a combination of these.

Will I receive medicines, therapy, or both?

Treatment is individualized. An initial assessment is carried out to understand your concerns comprehensively, and the treatment plan is then tailored to your specific needs. This may include medication, psychotherapy, behavioural interventions, or a combination of approaches.

Can therapy be useful even when I am taking medication?

Yes. Medication and psychological therapy can complement each other for many conditions. Depending on the individual’s needs, a combination of psychiatric and psychological care may provide comprehensive support.

Do you see children and adolescents?

Yes. UANA provides services for children and adolescents, including developmental, behavioural, learning, emotional and psychological concerns. We also have mental health professionals who have specialized in Child and Adolescent Counselling.

Do you provide corporate mental health programmes?

Yes. UANA offers customised corporate mental wellness programmes and Employee Assistance Programme-related services. We have mental health professionals who have specialized in Corporate Counselling and also have professionals in our team who have experience of working in Corporates themselves.

Do you provide career and aptitude assessments?

Yes. Aptitude, personality, interest, career and educational guidance services are available.

Can I consult for problems related to concentration, attention or memory?

Yes. Difficulties with concentration, attention or memory can have several possible causes, including stress, anxiety, mood difficulties, sleep problems, ADHD and other medical or psychological factors. A detailed assessment can help identify the underlying concerns and guide appropriate management.

Can I consult for anxiety or stress even if I don’t have a mental illness?

Absolutely. You do not need to wait until your difficulties become severe. Professional support can be helpful for managing stress, anxiety, emotional difficulties, work-related concerns, relationship difficulties and other challenges affecting your well-being.

Is LGBTQIA+ affirmative care provided at UANA Mind Wellness?

Absolutely. Providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative, respectful and inclusive mental healthcare is a priority at UANA Mind Wellness. We believe that every individual deserves to be heard, understood and cared for with dignity, empathy and without judgment. We do not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Our team strives to create a safe, supportive and confidential environment where every person can feel comfortable seeking help and discussing their concerns openly.

Are consultations confidential?

Yes. All consultations at UANA Mind Wellness are strictly confidential. We respect your privacy and ensure that your consultations, conversations and personal information are handled with care and kept safe and secure.

I don’t have any psychiatric problem, but I have difficulty sleeping. Can I consult UANA Mind Wellness for my sleep problems?

Yes, certainly. You do not need to have a psychiatric disorder to seek help for sleep difficulties. Psychiatrists are medical specialists who assess and treat sleep problems, including insomnia and other sleep-related concerns. A detailed assessment is carried out to understand the factors affecting your sleep, following which an appropriate and individualized treatment plan is recommended.

Do you see elderly patients with confusion or memory problems?

Yes. We provide assessment and treatment for older adults experiencing memory difficulties, confusion, changes in behaviour, sleep disturbances and other emotional or cognitive concerns. Conditions such as dementia, delirium, depression and other causes of cognitive difficulties can be evaluated, with treatment tailored to the individual’s needs.

Do you provide assessment for will-making or testamentary capacity?

Yes. UANA Mind Wellness provides professional psychiatric assessment of testamentary capacity and mental capacity in relation to will-making, where clinically appropriate. The assessment is conducted carefully and independently, with appropriate documentation based on the individual’s mental state and capacity at the time of assessment.

Do you provide treatment for emotional and psychological concerns during pregnancy?

Yes. Emotional and psychological concerns during pregnancy and the postpartum period can be assessed and treated with appropriate care. Anxiety, depression, stress, emotional difficulties and other mental health concerns during this important phase of life are addressed with an individualized approach, keeping the well-being of both the mother and baby in mind.

Can psychiatrists treat addiction?

Yes. Psychiatrists are trained to assess and treat substance use and behavioural addictions. Treatment may include medical management, psychological therapies, relapse-prevention strategies and family-based interventions, depending on the individual’s needs.

What types of addiction can be treated?

Psychiatric treatment can be helpful for a range of substance-related and behavioural addictions, including alcohol and tobacco dependence, dependence on other substances, and behavioural concerns such as problematic gaming or other compulsive behaviours. Treatment is individualized according to the nature and severity of the concern.

Is addiction a weakness or a lack of willpower?

No. Addiction is a complex health condition involving biological, psychological, social and environmental factors. With appropriate professional support and treatment, recovery is possible.

Can a psychiatrist help with sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation?

Yes. Sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, reduced sexual desire and other sexual concerns can have psychological, emotional, relationship-related or medical components. A psychiatrist with expertise in sexual health can assess these concerns and guide appropriate treatment. Where required, collaboration with other medical specialists may also be recommended.

Are all mental health disorders treated at UANA Mind Wellness?

Yes. UANA Mind Wellness provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of psychiatric, psychological and behavioural concerns across different stages of life. Our team provides specialized care for:

  • Psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, delusional disorders and other psychotic disorders.
  • Mood disorders: Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions.
  • Anxiety and related disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety and other anxiety-related conditions.
  • Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: OCD and related conditions.
  • Trauma- and stress-related disorders: Conditions arising in response to significant stress, trauma or adverse life experiences.
  • Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and other eating-related concerns.
  • Addiction and substance-use disorders: Alcohol, tobacco and other substance-use disorders, as well as selected behavioural addictions.
  • Sexual health concerns: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, difficulties with sexual desire, sexual functioning and other psychological or psychiatric aspects of sexual health.
  • Child and adolescent mental health: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, behavioural difficulties, emotional concerns and other developmental and psychiatric conditions.
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders: Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual developmental disorder, specific learning disorders and other neurodevelopmental concerns.
  • Geriatric mental health: Memory problems, dementia, delirium, confusion, behavioural changes and other mental health concerns in older adults.
  • Personality-related concerns: Assessment and management of difficulties related to personality, relationships, emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning.
  • Sleep-related concerns: Insomnia and other psychological or psychiatric conditions affecting sleep.
  • Perinatal mental health: Emotional and psychiatric concerns during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
  • Other psychiatric and psychological concerns: Our team also provides specialized assessment and treatment for a range of other mental health, emotional, behavioural and psychological concerns.

UANA Mind Wellness is also committed to providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative mental healthcare, with a respectful, inclusive and non-judgmental approach to every individual.

Where a concern requires assessment or treatment beyond the scope of psychiatric or psychological care, appropriate referral or collaborative care with other medical specialists may be recommended.

Will I receive specialized treatments such as tDCS or biofeedback?

Where clinically appropriate, specialized interventions such as tDCS, biofeedback and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches may be considered. Their suitability depends on the individual’s assessment, clinical needs and treatment goals.

How is the right treatment decided for me?

Treatment decisions are individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach. A comprehensive assessment by the psychiatrist and psychologist helps understand the individual’s concerns and determine the most appropriate line of management.

How long will I need treatment?

The duration of treatment varies from person to person. It depends on the nature of the concern, its severity, individual response to treatment and therapeutic goals. Your treatment plan is reviewed periodically and adjusted as needed.

Can family members be involved in treatment?

Yes, when appropriate. Family involvement can be valuable, particularly in children and adolescents, addiction-related concerns, relationship difficulties and certain psychiatric conditions. The extent of family involvement is discussed according to the individual’s needs and preferences.

Can I seek help even if I am unsure what exactly is wrong?

Yes. You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what you are experiencing before seeking help. A professional assessment can help understand your concerns and identify the appropriate way forward.

Is mental health treatment only for severe problems?

No. Mental health care can be beneficial at different stages, from early emotional difficulties and stress to more complex psychiatric conditions. Seeking help early can often make it easier to understand and address concerns.

Can I consult a psychiatrist even if I have never taken psychiatric treatment before?

Yes. You can seek a psychiatric consultation even if you have never previously taken psychiatric medication or undergone mental health treatment. An initial assessment helps determine whether treatment is required and what approach would be most appropriate.

Can I seek a second opinion?

Yes. A second opinion can be helpful when you would like greater clarity about a diagnosis, treatment plan or available options. A fresh assessment can help you make an informed decision about your care.

Do you provide online consultations?

Yes. Online consultations are available across India and abroad, subject to applicable professional and regulatory requirements.

Is an appointment required?

Yes. Consultations are by prior appointment. If an appointment is required at the last minute, please feel free to contact our team. We would be happy to help you always.