Finding online therapy in India can be difficult. Many options promise mental health support, but some lack verified therapist credentials, clear pricing, or compliance with India’s new DPDP Act 2023 regarding data privacy. This comparison ranks India’s top online therapy platforms based on verified RCI/NMC therapist credentials, session costs, regional language support, wait times, psychiatry services with e-prescriptions, insurance compatibility, and data security standards. This information comes from platform assessment and user experiences to help you choose.
Top-Ranked Online Therapy Platforms in India 2025
Here are the platforms delivering on their promises.
1. Mind Voyage – Most Trusted Platform
Mind Voyage, founded by psychologist Rasika Karkare, focuses on transparent confidentiality and quality care. Their policies are clear.
Therapist matching helps you find the right fit. If it is not working, you can switch. They also offer cultural adaptation training for young adults moving abroad. Pricing is clear and competitive.
- Pricing: ₹800 – ₹2,000 per session
- Best Offer: A bundle of 16 sessions for ₹14,999.
- Website: mindvoyage.in
Therapist Registration Verification for Mind Voyage: Public therapist pages on Mind Voyage may emphasize qualifications but might not openly display RCI/NMC registration numbers. Users should ask for the practitioner’s registration number and verify it on the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) online register for clinical psychologists. [Research 1]
Cancellation Terms, Platform Fees, Therapist Switching Costs, and Premium Feature Charges for Mind Voyage: Specific, up-to-date fee schedules, cancellation, rescheduling, and no-show rules for Mind Voyage were not provided in the research. These require checking the platform’s specific Terms & Conditions, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Pricing/FAQ pages. [Research 1]
Psychiatric Services with E-prescriptions and Referral Process for Mind Voyage: Mind Voyage is a therapy-only platform that provides counseling through counseling psychologists. It does not offer medication management or issue e-prescriptions. For clients needing medication, a therapist would typically recommend a separate consultation with a psychiatrist or other prescribing medical professional. The research did not provide evidence of integrated prescribing services or formal referral networks on Mind Voyage. [Research 1]
2. YourDOST – Best 24/7 Availability
YourDOST offers 24/7 access to psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists. They claim to connect you to a professional in under 30 seconds. They also provide psychiatric consultations with e-prescriptions.
- Languages: Supports over 20 Indian languages.
- Services: Includes chat, audio, video, and psychiatric support.
Therapist Registration Verification for YourDOST: For YourDOST, as with other platforms, users should ask for the practitioner’s registration number and verify it on the RCI or NMC/state registers. Public therapist profiles often do not display these numbers. [Research 1]
Cancellation Terms, Platform Fees, Therapist Switching Costs, and Premium Feature Charges for YourDOST: Specific, up-to-date fee schedules, cancellation, rescheduling, and no-show rules for YourDOST were not provided in the research. These require checking the platform’s specific Terms & Conditions, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Pricing/FAQ pages. [Research 1]
3. BetterLYF – Best for Psychiatric Services
BetterLYF has licensed MD psychiatrists who can provide consultations and issue e-prescriptions. You can connect via video, audio, or chat. They also work with insurance providers.
- Languages: Primarily Hindi & English.
- Services: Strong focus on psychiatric care and e-prescriptions.
Therapist Registration Verification for BetterLYF: BetterLYF is described in external guides as using “licensed clinicians.” Users should request and verify registration numbers on the RCI or NMC/state registers. [Research 1]
Cancellation Terms, Platform Fees, Therapist Switching Costs, and Premium Feature Charges for BetterLYF: Specific, up-to-date fee schedules, cancellation, rescheduling, and no-show rules for BetterLYF were not provided in the research. These require checking the platform’s specific Terms & Conditions, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Pricing/FAQ pages. [Research 1]
4. TalktoAngel – Best Language Support
TalktoAngel offers services in 18 different Indian languages. They also offer psychiatric consultations, medication management, and support for insurance claims.
- Languages: 18 Indian languages.
- Services: Comprehensive therapy and psychiatric care.
Therapist Registration Verification for TalktoAngel: TalktoAngel lists psychologists and psychiatrists. Public therapist descriptions commonly do not show RCI/NMC/state registration numbers. Users should request numbers and verify them on official registers. [Research 1]
Cancellation Terms, Platform Fees, Therapist Switching Costs, and Premium Feature Charges for TalktoAngel: Specific, up-to-date fee schedules, cancellation, rescheduling, and no-show rules for TalktoAngel were not provided in the research. These require checking the platform’s specific Terms & Conditions, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Pricing/FAQ pages.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a simple breakdown of the key platforms.
| Platform Name | Session Price Range | Languages Supported | Psychiatric Services | Insurance Accepted | Average Wait Time | Key Specialty |
| Mind Voyage | ₹800 – ₹2,000 | English, Hindi | No (therapy-focused) | Varies, check provider | 1-2 days | Transparent, ethical care & cultural adaptation training |
| YourDOST | Varies | 20+ Languages | Yes, with e-prescriptions | Varies, check provider | Immediate (24/7) | 24/7 instant access and a wide language pool |
| BetterLYF | Varies | Hindi, English | Yes, with e-prescriptions | Yes | 1-2 days | Integrated psychiatric services with medication |
| TalktoAngel | Varies | 18 Languages | Yes, with e-prescriptions | Yes | 1-2 days | Broadest regional language support |
Therapist Credentials & Verification Standards
Do not pay for therapy from an unverified “expert.” Here’s what to look for.
RCI/NMC Registration Requirements
A legitimate therapist in India must be registered.
- Psychologists/Counselors: Must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
- Psychiatrists: Must be registered with the National Medical Commission (NMC), as they are medical doctors.
Platforms like Mind Voyage are transparent about their therapists’ credentials. If a platform is vague about RCI/NMC registration, it is a major issue.
Education and Experience Standards
Look for therapists with solid qualifications. The minimum standard should be a Master’s degree in Counselling or Clinical Psychology from a UGC-recognized university. Platforms like MindPeers state their therapists have an average of 8 years of experience. The best platforms also require their therapists to undergo continuous training and supervision.
Pricing Breakdown & Current Deals 2025
Here’s what you can expect to pay.
Session Cost Analysis
The standard range for a single therapy session in India is ₹1,500 – ₹2,500. For a senior therapist with 10+ years of experience, expect to pay ₹3,000 or more.
Some platforms offer more competitive pricing. Mind Voyage stands out here, with a range of ₹800 – ₹2,000 per session, making quality therapy more accessible.
Package Deals & Bundles
Buying in bulk usually saves money.
- Mind Voyage: Offers a package of 16 sessions for ₹14,999, bringing the per-session cost down consistently.
- TherapyMantra: Has plans starting at ₹1,500/month which includes weekly live therapy and unlimited chat.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Read the terms before you sign up. Be aware of:
- Platform fees: Extra charges on top of the session cost.
- Cancellation charges: Fees for missing or rescheduling an appointment.
- Therapist switching costs: Some platforms charge you to switch therapists.
- Premium feature charges: Extra cost for features like unlimited messaging.
Regional Language Support Comparison
Effective therapy requires clear communication.
- YourDOST: Leads with 20+ Indian languages.
- TalktoAngel: A close second with 18 Indian languages.
- Amaha: Supports Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil.
- BetterLYF: Focuses mainly on Hindi & English.
- Other common languages: Look for platforms offering support in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Psychiatric Services & E-Prescription Capabilities
Sometimes therapy needs medical support.
Platforms Offering Psychiatric Consultations
Several platforms have integrated psychiatric services, allowing you to get a diagnosis and medication from a qualified medical doctor.
- BetterLYF, TalktoAngel, CareMe Health, and YourDOST all offer consultations with psychiatrists.
- The process is typically a video consultation, after which the psychiatrist can issue a legally compliant e-prescription for medication if needed.
Integration with Tele-MANAS
The Indian government launched a free mental health service called Tele-MANAS. It provides 24/7 counseling and psychiatric support in 20 languages across 36 states. It is a good starting point or complementary service, but private platforms often offer more personalized matching and flexible scheduling. There is no official integration between private platforms and Tele-MANAS yet.
Insurance Coverage & Payment Options
You might be able to get your insurance to cover online therapy.
Accepted Insurance Providers
Following directives from the IRDAI, many major insurance providers in India now cover online psychiatric consultations. Platforms like BetterLYF and TalktoAngel explicitly state they accept insurance claims. For all five platforms (Mind Voyage, Amaha, YourDOST, BetterLYF, TalktoAngel), the research does not indicate direct insurance billing or partnerships. Users must check with their insurer about OPD/teleconsultation reimbursement. [Research 1]
Action Step: Always call your insurance provider first to confirm what your specific policy covers.
Reimbursement Process
- Pay Upfront: You will likely need to pay for the session yourself first.
- Get Documentation: Ask the platform for a detailed invoice and any other required medical documentation. Common required documentation includes the therapist’s name, registration number (if provided), date, service description, and the user’s policy/identity documents. [Research 1]
- File a Claim: Submit the documents to your insurance provider through their claims portal or process.
- Wait: Processing times vary, so follow up if needed.
Data Privacy & Security Under DPDP Act 2023
Your therapy sessions are private. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023 sets rules for how your data is handled.
Mandatory Security Requirements
As of 2025, mental health platforms must comply with these rules:
- Encryption: Your data must be encrypted both when stored and when being transmitted.
- Access Controls: Only authorized personnel should be able to access your information.
- Breach Notification: If there is a data breach, the platform must notify you and the Data Protection Board within 72 hours.
- Log Retention: Platforms must keep access logs for at least one year.
Important Note: A recent study found that only 52% of mental health apps mentioned using encryption ^(1). Be aware.
Data Encryption Standards, Access Control Policies, and Breach Notification Procedures: The research did not provide company-specific information regarding the exact data encryption standards, access control policies, or breach notification procedures implemented by Mind Voyage, Amaha, YourDOST, BetterLYF, and TalktoAngel to comply with the DPDP Act 2023. It also did not specify where users can access this detailed information on their websites. [Research 1]
Platform Compliance Status
Look for platforms with a clear, easy-to-read privacy policy that explicitly mentions DPDP Act compliance. If they do not mention encryption, server security, or their data handling policies, that is a problem. Do not share sensitive data without knowing how it is protected.
Wait Times & Communication Options
How soon can you talk to someone, and how?
Average Booking Times
For most platforms, you can expect to book a session within a few hours to 1-2 days. Platforms with intelligent matching can sometimes speed this up. If you need immediate help, a 24/7 platform like YourDOST is best.
Communication Methods Available
Most platforms offer a mix of:
- Unlimited Chat/Messaging: Send messages to your therapist anytime. Good for immediate support.
- Live Chat Sessions: Real-time texting with your therapist.
- Audio Calls: Like a phone call, good for when you do not have good internet or want more privacy.
- Video Calls: The closest thing to in-person therapy. This is the preferred method for most deep therapeutic work.
Platform Matching Quiz
Answer these questions to find the platform that might be the best fit for you.
- What’s your budget per session?
- A) Under ₹1,500
- B) ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
- C) Over ₹2,500
- How quickly do you need to speak with someone?
- A) Immediately, within an hour.
- B) Within a day or two is fine.
- Do you need a therapist who speaks a specific regional language besides Hindi or English?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- Do you think you might need psychiatric consultation for medication?
- A) Yes, it is a priority.
- B) No, I am just looking for talk therapy.
- What’s most important to you in a platform?
- A) Trust, transparent policies, and therapist quality.
- B) A smart algorithm to find the perfect therapist for me.
- C) 24/7 availability.
- D) Wide language choice.
- Will you be using insurance to pay for therapy?
- A) Yes, definitely.
- B) No, I will be paying out of pocket.
- How important is data privacy and DPDP Act compliance to you?
- A) Very important. I want to see a clear policy.
- B) Moderately important.
- What communication method do you prefer?
- A) Video calls primarily.
- B) A mix of chat, audio, and video.
- C) Mostly text/chat.
Scoring:
- Mostly A’s in Q1 & Q5, with a focus on trust and quality? Start by looking at Mind Voyage.
- Need help ASAP (Q2-A)? Your best bet is YourDOST.
- Need a specific regional language (Q3-A)? Check out TalktoAngel or YourDOST.
- Need psychiatric services and medication (Q4-A)? Focus your search on BetterLYF or TalktoAngel.
- Believe in the power of algorithms (Q5-B)? Give Amaha a try.
- Planning to use insurance (Q6-A)? Prioritize BetterLYF and TalktoAngel.
- Data privacy and DPDP Act compliance important (Q7-A)? Review platforms’ privacy policies carefully.
Red Flags to Avoid
If you see any of these, avoid the platform.
- Therapy on WhatsApp/Instagram DMs: This is not secure, professional, or ethical.
- Unlicensed Therapists: If they cannot prove their RCI/NMC credentials, they are not legitimate.
- No Clear Privacy Policy: If they do not tell you how they protect your data, assume they do not.
- Unrealistic Promises: “Cure your depression in one week!” is often false. Real therapy takes work.
- No Vetting Process: If they allow anyone to sign up as a “therapist,” it is not a safe platform.
Making Your Final Decision
You have the data. Now act.
Trial Session Recommendations
The first session is a chemistry check. It is an interview where you are hiring.
- Ask questions: “What is your approach to therapy?”, “Have you worked with people on issues like mine before?”, “What are your credentials?”
- Trust your gut: Do you feel heard? Do you feel comfortable? If the vibe is off, it is okay to move on. Most platforms let you switch therapists. Do not feel guilty about it.
Getting Started Checklist
- Choose 1-2 platforms from the list above that fit your needs.
- Create your account.
- Verify your insurance coverage if you plan to use it.
- Go through their matching process or browse therapist profiles.
- Set your goals. What do you want to achieve with therapy? Write it down.
- Book your first session.
- Review the platform’s privacy settings and confirm you are comfortable.
Your mental health is an investment. Make a choice and get started.
Citations
^(1) Torous, J., et al. “Mind the Data: A Critical Review of How Mental Health Apps Address Privacy and Data Security.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 21, no. 5, 2019, p. e11299.
