How to choose a psychiatrist in Kathmandu: 8 things to check

Many people search for the best psychiatrist in Kathmandu. No website can honestly tell you who is best for you. But you can check a few things that make good care much more likely. Here is a short checklist, written by a psychiatrist.

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Yujal Man Singh, MD Psychiatry (NMC 9988), Level 3 Certified TEAM-CBT Therapist. Updated 12 October 2026.

1. Check the registration

Every doctor in Nepal must be registered with the Nepal Medical Council (NMC), and a psychiatrist should be registered as a specialist in psychiatry. You can look up a doctor’s registration on the NMC website.

2. Check the training

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MBBS) with a postgraduate degree in psychiatry, such as MD. Psychologists and counsellors are different professions with different training, and they do not prescribe medicine. See psychiatrist or psychologist to decide which one you need.

3. A first visit that takes time

A good first appointment is a full assessment, not a five-minute prescription. Expect questions about your symptoms, sleep, health, family, past and what you want to change. See what happens at a first appointment.

4. Clear explanations

You should leave knowing what the doctor thinks is going on, what the options are (therapy, medicine or both), how long treatment may take, and the common side effects of any medicine.

5. Therapy, not only medicine

For depression, CBT works about as well as antidepressant medicine in the short term, and for some people combining the two works better (Cuijpers and colleagues, World Psychiatry, 2023). Ask whether the psychiatrist offers therapy, or can refer you to someone who does.

6. Progress is measured

Ask how you will both know whether treatment is working. Filling in short mood questionnaires at each visit, and acting on the results, improves outcomes, most of all for people who are not getting better (de Jong and colleagues, Clinical Psychology Review, 2021).

7. You feel heard

The working relationship between you and your clinician is one of the most consistent predictors of how well treatment goes (Flückiger and colleagues, Psychotherapy, 2018). If you feel judged or rushed, it is fine to look for someone else.

8. Privacy and practical things

Ask about confidentiality, fees, how to reach the clinic between visits, and whether online sessions are possible if you live far away or abroad.

How to read online reviews

Google reviews can help, but read what people say, not only the star rating. Comments about being listened to, clear explanations and real change tell you more than a number.

If you need help now

If you are in danger or thinking of ending your life, do not wait for an appointment. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. In Nepal, call the suicide prevention helpline 1166.

About the author

Dr. Yujal Man Singh is a psychiatrist (MD, NMC 9988) and Level 3 Certified TEAM-CBT Therapist at Mind Matters Nepal, Kuleshwor, Kathmandu. If you would like to see him, in person or online, message on WhatsApp (+977 9851347591) or use the booking form.

References

• Cuijpers P, et al. Cognitive behavior therapy vs. control conditions, other psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and combined treatment for depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis including 409 trials with 52,702 patients. World Psychiatry, 2023. PubMed
• de Jong K, et al. Using progress feedback to improve outcomes and reduce drop-out, treatment duration, and deterioration: a multilevel meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 2021. Journal
• Flückiger C, et al. The alliance in adult psychotherapy: a meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy, 2018. PubMed