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. You can share any documents prior to the consult via email. The first session is 30-60 minutes for a first assessment. (If you are seeking a comprehensive evaluation or have a complex medical history, I recommend selecting the 60-minute session to ensure we have ample time).

Is my information confidential?

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

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 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 primarily provide psychiatric medication management and assessment. I offer supportive therapy and am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which I offer as part of medication management when clinically appropriate. For clients seeking therapy as the primary treatment, I can provide referrals to excellent psychologists in my network.

First consultations are used to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual.

How do I book an appointment?

For in-person (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 your consultation time.
Bookings will be cancelled if payment is not received at least 12 hours before the scheduled appointment.
To cancel, please contact at least 2 hours in advance for a refund.
Rescheduling is free if done 2 hours or more before the session.
Cancellations or reschedules less than 2 hours before the scheduled time are not refundable.

What should I do in a psychiatric emergency?

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

Crisis support options include:

TeleManas: 14416
Vandrevala Foundation Helpline (24/7, toll-free): 1860-2662-345
AASRA (24/7): +91-98204 66726
iCall (Mon–Sat, 8 AM–10 PM): 9152987821
Call 112 for emergency services
Or visit the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Psychiatric emergencies include (but are not limited to):

Self harm or harm to others
Severe mood swings or mania
Substance overdose

This website is for scheduled online consultations only. Psychiatric emergencies are not suitable for online consultation and require in-person assessment at a hospital or emergency facility.