ATHENA BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH · BY CARE SETTING

Outpatient Psychiatry (OPD) - Flexible, Continuous Care Without Hospital Admission

Expert psychiatric care, therapy, and medication management - without hospitalisation.

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📞 +91 98115 33155 · 💬 Chat on WhatsApp · 📍 Delhi NCR · Guwahati

Flexible Psychiatric Care

What Is Outpatient Psychiatric Care?

Outpatient psychiatry - OPD - means you attend scheduled appointments at a clinic, receive treatment, and go home. There is no overnight admission. You continue living your daily life while receiving clinical support at regular intervals.

OPD is appropriate for a wide range of mental health conditions, from an initial diagnostic evaluation to long-term medication management, from weekly therapy to monthly psychiatrist check-ins. The key variable is severity: OPD works best when your condition can be safely managed without 24-hour supervision.

At Athena, OPD is not a stripped-down version of our inpatient care. It is a fully equipped clinical service - the same psychiatrists, the same psychologists, the same diagnostic rigour - delivered in a flexible outpatient format that puts you in control of your schedule

Is OPD the Right Level of Care for You?

Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right setting depends on the severity of your symptoms, your home environment, and how much structured support you need day-to-day. Use this guide to understand where OPD fits.

Criteria	OPD	Day Care	Inpatient (IPD)
Symptom Severity	Mild to moderate	Moderate to high	Severe / acute crisis
Supervision Needed	No - self-managed between sessions	Daytime structured supervision	24/7 clinical monitoring
Work / Study	Can continue (may adjust pace)	Paused temporarily (4-8 hrs/day at clinic)	Paused for duration
Clinical Contact	1-4 sessions/week	Daily (5-6 days/week)	Daily + continuous nursing
Home Stability	Stable, supportive home	Home is stable but needs daytime structure	Home environment not conducive
Typical Duration	Weeks to months (ongoing)	4-12 weeks (intensive phase)	2-8 weeks (acute phase)

Not sure which level of care you need? Our clinical team offers a 30-minute triage assessment - by phone, video, or in-person - to help you and your family understand the right starting point.

What We Treat

Conditions We Treat on OPD

Athena's OPD psychiatry service treats the full range of mental health and behavioural conditions. The most commonly seen presentations include:

Mood Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Bipolar Disorder (stable / maintenance) Cyclothymia Seasonal Affective Disorder Perinatal / Postpartum Depression Grief and Complicated Bereavement

Anxiety & Stress

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Panic Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder Health Anxiety (Hypochondria) Phobias Adjustment Disorder Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

Your First OPD Appointment - What to Expect

A first psychiatry appointment can feel unfamiliar. Here is exactly what will happen, step by step.

Before the Appointment (5–10 min online)

You'll receive a short pre-consultation form via WhatsApp or email - your primary concern, current medications, and a brief history. Completing this beforehand means the doctor spends your appointment time on you, not paperwork.

The Psychiatric Consultation (45–60 min)

Your first session with an Athena psychiatrist covers: the presenting problem in your own words; psychiatric and medical history; family history (where relevant); mental status examination; risk assessment; and, if a diagnosis is clear, an explanation in plain language. You are encouraged to ask questions. Nothing is concluded without your understanding.

Your Treatment Plan (Last 10 minutes)

Before you leave, the psychiatrist will give you a written summary covering: working diagnosis (if established), recommended treatment approach, any medications prescribed (with clear instructions), the plan for your next appointment, and what to do if symptoms worsen between sessions. You leave with a plan, not a prescription slip.

Clinical Frequency Guide

How Often Will You Need to Come In?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how much of a commitment outpatient treatment requires. The answer depends on your condition, its severity, and which phase of treatment you're in. This guide provides indicative ranges - your treating doctor will personalise these.

Condition	Acute Phase (0–8 weeks)	Stabilisation Phase (2–6 months)	Maintenance Phase (6+ months)
Major Depression (first episode)	Psychiatrist: weekly Therapy: 2×/week	Psychiatrist: 2-weekly Therapy: weekly	Psychiatrist: monthly Therapy: 2×/month
Generalised Anxiety Disorder	Psychiatrist: 2-weekly CBT: weekly	Psychiatrist: monthly CBT: 2×/month	Psychiatrist: 6-weekly Self-directed CBT
Bipolar Disorder (stable)	Psychiatrist: weekly (mood monitoring) Psychoeducation: weekly	Psychiatrist: 2-weekly Group: weekly	Psychiatrist: monthly Group: ongoing
OCD	CBT/ERP: 2×/week Psychiatrist: 2-weekly	CBT/ERP: weekly Psychiatrist: monthly	CBT booster: monthly Psychiatrist: 6-weekly
PTSD (non-acute)	EMDR/TF-CBT: weekly Psychiatrist: 2-weekly	Therapy: 2×/month Psychiatrist: monthly	Therapy: monthly if needed Psychiatrist: 3-monthly
Schizophrenia (stable)	Psychiatrist: weekly Family sessions: 2×/month	Psychiatrist: 2-weekly Family: monthly	Psychiatrist: monthly Depot/medication review
Addiction (early abstinence)	Counsellor: 2–3×/week Psychiatrist: weekly	Counsellor: weekly Psychiatrist: 2-weekly	Support group: weekly Psychiatrist: monthly
Eating Disorder (moderate)	Dietitian: weekly Therapy: 2×/week Psychiatrist: weekly	Therapy: weekly Dietitian: 2-weekly	Therapy: 2×/month Monitoring: monthly

These are clinical guidelines, not contracts. Your treatment frequency will be reviewed at every appointment and adjusted based on how you are responding. Some patients move faster; others need more time at each phase.

What Recovery Looks Like

Your 12-Month OPD Follow-Up Roadmap

Most patients who start OPD at Athena don't just attend appointments - they make measurable progress. Here is what a typical first year looks like for a patient with moderate depression starting OPD treatment.

Week 1

First Appointment

Diagnosis, medication initiation, safety assessment, therapy referral. Clear diagnosis and written treatment plan confirmed.

Week 3–4

First Review

Medication tolerance and early response, therapy progress check. Medication adjusted if needed; therapeutic alliance established.

Month 2

Stabilisation Check

Symptom scoring (PHQ-9 / GAD-7), functional review, therapy milestone. 30–40% symptom reduction expected.

Month 3

Quarter Review

Medication dose review, therapy goals assessed, family update if involved. 50–60% symptom reduction typical.

Month 6

Mid-Treatment Review

Full reassessment: Are goals being met? Most patients in remission or significant improvement; step-down considered.

Month 12

Annual Review

Maintenance plan, relapse prevention, decision on continuing vs tapering. Long-term plan confirmed.

Week 1 — First Appointment

Diagnosis, medication initiation, safety assessment, therapy referral

Clear diagnosis, written treatment plan, next appointment confirmed

Week 3–4 — First Review

Medication tolerance and early response, therapy progress check

Medication adjusted if needed; therapeutic alliance established

Month 2 — Stabilisation Check

Symptom scoring (PHQ-9 / GAD-7), functional review, therapy milestone

30–40% symptom reduction expected; therapy homework in progress

Month 3 — Quarter Review

Medication dose review, therapy goals assessed, family update if involved

50–60% symptom reduction typical; return to routine function begins

Month 6 — Mid-Treatment Review

Full reassessment: Are goals being met? Any diagnostic reconsideration?

Most patients in remission or significant improvement; step-down considered

Month 12 — Annual Review

Maintenance plan, relapse prevention, decision on continuing vs tapering

Long-term plan confirmed; some patients discharge, others continue maintenance

Your Care Team

Who You Will See in OPD

Depending on your treatment plan, you may see one or more of the following specialists during your OPD journey. At Athena, you always have a named psychiatrist and a named therapist - people who know your history.

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Consultant Psychiatrist

Specialisation Areas

Diagnosis, medication management, mental status review, treatment planning, risk assessment

Book with this Specialist →

◎

Clinical Psychologist

Specialisation Areas

CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, Schema therapy, psychological assessment, progress monitoring

Book with this Specialist →

⚑

Psychiatric Social Worker

Specialisation Areas

Family liaison, social support assessment, community referrals, disability documentation support

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Find Us

OPD Clinic Locations

Athena Gurgaon

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40 Beds

Sector 47, Gurugram, Haryana

Psychiatry + Addiction – Exclusive Male Facility

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Athena Luxus

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12 Beds

Ghittorni, New Delhi

Confidential Recovery Programmes

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Athena Noida

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28 Beds

Sector 16 B, Greater Noida, UP

Psychiatry + Addiction

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Athena Guwahati

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100 Beds

Garchuk Road, Guwahati, Assam

Psychiatry + Addiction – NE India Hub

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All Athena OPD clinics are accessible by auto-rickshaw, cab, and metro. Wheelchair access is available at Gurgaon and Delhi locations. Parking available at all sites.

Appointment & Consultation

Booking an Appointment

Appointments can be booked in three ways. All bookings are confirmed within 30 minutes.

Channel	How to Book	Typical Wait Time
📞 Phone	Call +91 98115 33155 (9 AM – 8 PM, Mon–Sat). Our team will confirm a slot with your preferred doctor.	Same-day to 24 hours
💬 WhatsApp	Message 'BOOK OPD' to +91 98115 33155. Send your name, city, and preferred time. Confirmation in under 30 min.	Same-day to 24 hours
🌐 Online	Book at athenabhs.com/book. Select city, specialty, date, and time. Pay consultation fee online to confirm.	Instant confirmation

OPD Consultation Fees

Service	Fee (₹)
Initial Consultation — Consultant Psychiatrist (60 min)	₹2,000 – ₹3,500
Follow-Up Consultation — Consultant Psychiatrist (30 min)	₹1,200 – ₹2,000
Initial Psychology / Therapy Session (50 min)	₹1,500 – ₹2,500
Follow-Up Therapy Session (50 min)	₹1,200 – ₹2,000
Psychological Assessment (2–3 hours)	₹5,000 – ₹12,000 (varies by assessment type)
Insurance / TPA Consultation	Covered under most policies — verify with billing team before appointment

Insurance Note: Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, all registered insurers in India are required to provide coverage for mental health treatment on par with physical health. Athena's billing team will verify your coverage and coordinate with your TPA directly.

Treatment should not wait because of finances. Athena offers flexible EMI options available on all treatment programmes starting at 0% interest for 3 months, and extended plans up to 12 months.

Ask About EMI

What to Bring to Your First OPD Appointment

✓ List of current medications (photos of prescription or pill bottles are fine)

✓ Any previous psychiatric or psychological reports

✓ Insurance card and/or TPA details (if using insurance)

✓ A brief note on your main concerns — helps you feel prepared and ensures nothing is forgotten

✓ A family member or trusted person (optional but encouraged for first visit)

✓ Photo ID for registration

OPD vs Day Care vs Inpatient - Making the Decision

If you are unsure whether outpatient care is appropriate, these questions can help clarify. If your answers suggest a higher level of care, our team will advise honestly - we will never keep you in OPD if inpatient care is what you need.

Question	If Yes...	If No...
Are you safe at home between appointments?	OPD is appropriate	Consider Day Care or IPD evaluation
Can you maintain basic self-care (eating, hygiene, sleep)?	OPD may be appropriate	Day Care or IPD recommended
Have you tried outpatient treatment for this episode without adequate improvement?	Consider stepping up to Day Care	Continue OPD with plan review
Is there active suicidal ideation with intent or plan?	OPD is not sufficient — contact us immediately	OPD with close follow-up
Are you experiencing psychotic symptoms?	IPD evaluation needed — call us now	OPD appropriate
Do you have support at home (family, carers)?	OPD appropriate	Day Care may provide needed structure

Recovery Stories

What Patients and Families Say

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"I'd been struggling with anxiety for years but always thought therapy was for people who were 'really unwell.' My first OPD appointment at Athena changed that. Dr explained my diagnosis so clearly. I left with a plan for the first time."

N.V., Delhi. · Generalised Anxiety Disorder · 2024

"I work long hours and was worried I couldn't commit to treatment. Athena's evening slots and clear follow-up schedule made it possible. My psychiatrist has seen me consistently for 14 months. That continuity matters."

R.P., Gurgaon · Bipolar Disorder (maintenance) · 2023

"I didn't want to come in. My family had to convince me. Four weeks later, I was thinking clearly for the first time in two years. The daily routine - the therapy, the yoga, the psychiatrist every morning — gave me something I didn't know I was missing: structure."

P.K., Gurgaon · Severe Depression · 2024

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You can book an appointment directly — no GP referral is required. You can call, WhatsApp, or book online. If you have been referred by another doctor, please bring that referral letter as it provides useful clinical context, but it is not a requirement.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MBBS + MD Psychiatry) who can prescribe medication and manage the medical aspects of mental health conditions. A clinical psychologist holds a postgraduate qualification in psychology and specialises in therapy and psychological assessment but cannot prescribe medication. In many cases, Athena OPD patients see both — a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist for therapy.

In most cases, same-day or next-day appointments are available. For specific doctors, the wait may be 2–3 days. Emergency or urgent cases are triaged the same day. Call our admissions line and mention urgency — we will prioritise.

Not necessarily. Many first appointments focus on assessment, diagnosis, and creating a treatment plan. If medication is recommended, it will only be prescribed with your informed consent, with clear explanations of what it does, how long before you notice effects, and any side effects to watch for. Medication is never the default — it depends on your diagnosis and severity.

Yes. If your concern is primarily symptom-rating rather than requiring medication management, you can book directly with one of our clinical psychologists for therapy. However, for a new presentation, we typically recommend at least an initial psychiatric evaluation to rule out conditions where medication would significantly accelerate recovery.

At Athena, we use validated symptom-rating scales (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety, and others) at each appointment, so you can see your score over time. We review your goals at each visit. If you are not improving, your doctor will discuss changing the approach — medication adjustment, different therapy modality, or a step up in care level.

Yes. Your medical records are strictly confidential. They are not shared with your employer, school, or any third party without your explicit written consent. The only exception is a risk-to-life situation where clinical duty of care requires disclosure — and even then, we involve you wherever possible.

Every Athena OPD patient has access to our mental health helpline between sessions. If you experience a significant deterioration or a safety concern, you can call or WhatsApp us, and a senior clinician will respond within 2 hours. For psychiatric emergencies, please call 112 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Outpatient Psychiatry (OPD) - Flexible, Continuous Care Without Hospital Admission

What Is Outpatient Psychiatric Care?

Book an Appointment

Is OPD the Right Level of Care for You?

Conditions We Treat on OPD

Mood Disorders

Anxiety & Stress

Other Presentations

Your First OPD Appointment - What to Expect

Before the Appointment (5–10 min online)

The Psychiatric Consultation (45–60 min)

Your Treatment Plan (Last 10 minutes)

How Often Will You Need to Come In?

Your 12-Month OPD Follow-Up Roadmap

Who You Will See in OPD

Consultant Psychiatrist

Clinical Psychologist

Psychiatric Social Worker

OPD Clinic Locations

Booking an Appointment

OPD Consultation Fees

OPD vs Day Care vs Inpatient - Making the Decision

What Patients and Families Say

Frequently Asked Questions