Frequently Asked Questions

First time booking a consultation? Here are some frequently asked questions:

How do online consultations work?

Online consultations are conducted via secure video call (Google Meet/Zoom). After booking, you'll receive a meeting link via email. Please ensure you're in a private, quiet space with good internet connection.

What should I prepare for my first consultation?

Please have ready: any previous medical records, current medications, and a list of concerns you'd like to discuss. The first session is 30-60 minutes for comprehensive assessment.

Is my information confidential?

Yes, absolutely. All consultations are completely confidential and follow medical ethics guidelines.

What conditions do you treat?

I work with and manage all mental health conditions, including - Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Spectrum Disorders (including OCD, Postraumatic Stress Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias, etc), Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders, Eating Disorders including Anorexia/Bulimia/Orthorexia, Dissociative Disorders, and I work with a large number of people with neurodivergence, i.e. Autism, ADHD/Adult Attentional Deficit Disorder, etc. I strive to be queer affirmative and also work with people with Gender Incongruence/Gender Identity Disorder.

My specialization is in Perinatal Mental Health, which means I am uniquely equipped to help treat Pregnancy and Postpartum related mental health concerns including Postpartum Depression/Postpartum Anxiety, OCD, Psychosis, etc; but I typically work with clients of all genders/ages.

Can you prescribe medications? Do you offer therapy as well?

Yes, as a qualified psychiatrist (MD Psychiatry), I can prescribe medications when clinically appropriate.

I offer supportive therapy and am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/trauma-informed therapy, although I primarily practice CBT. At present I do not primarily take up clients who are only looking for therapy. I work with a team of psychologists offline as well as a strong referral network online for therapy referrals as per the patient's needs.

First consultations are primarily to assess what treatment modality will suit the patient best.

How do I book an offline appointment or an online appointment?

For offline appointments: Please call the numbers given below for offline appointments. I work in Hyderabad - in Kokapet area from 2-6 PM daily, and at Aster Prime Hospital on Mon/Wed/Sat from 9-11 AM.

For online appointments, please use the links "Book a first appointment" or "Book a follow-up appointment" as appropriate. You will be redirected to a link to complete the payment for confirming online appointments.

What is your payment policy?

Please refer to the booking policy here: https://www.notion.so/draanashah/Booking-Policy-9c7cdc7570ff4c3fa35011dc84d306a2

Points to note:

Payments should be completed at least 12 hours before consult timing
The user's session booking will be cancelled if payment is not received at least 12 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
To cancel, please contact at least 2 hours in advance of the scheduled session for a refund.
Cancellations within 2 hours will not be refunded.
To reschedule, please contact at least 2 hours in advance of the scheduled session for free reschedule.
Reschedules within 2 hours will not be refunded.

What should I do in a psychiatric emergency?

If you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please seek immediate help:

24/7 Crisis Helplines:

TeleManas: 14416
Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 (24/7, toll-free)-
AASRA: +91-98204 66726 (24/7)
iCall: 9152987821 (Mon-Sat, 8 AM - 10 PM)

Call 112 for emergency services OR Visit your nearest hospital emergency room

Psychiatric Emergencies Include:

Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
Severe mood swings or mania
Violent or aggressive behavior
Substance overdose

This website is for scheduled appointments. I am not available for unscheduled emergency consultations. Please use the resources above for immediate crisis support.