About autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with differences in communication, social interaction and sensory processing. Professionals can carry out assessments and offer support adapted to each person and family, focused on wellbeing, autonomy and the environment rather than on “fixing” the person.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in India
Public health system · Public health system (District Mental Health Programme, Tele-MANAS)
Mental health care is offered in government hospitals and through the District Mental Health Programme, with the national Tele-MANAS tele-counselling service. The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 gives a right to access government-run mental health services. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Clinical psychologists must hold an RCI-recognised qualification (typically M.Phil Clinical Psychology) and be on the Central Rehabilitation Register; ask for the RCI registration number. The general title psychologist is not protected. Search the official register
- National Medical Commission (NMC) and State Medical Councils. Psychiatrists are doctors registered with the NMC or a State Medical Council; their registration can be checked on the Indian Medical Register. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Section 21(4) of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 requires insurers to cover mental illness on the same basis as physical illness, and IRDAI directed compliance in 2018; outpatient therapy is often still excluded in practice.
Urgent help in India
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: rehabcouncil.nic.in, ijme.in
Signs to look out for
Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates and processes the world, not an illness. Signs that may prompt an assessment include differences in social communication, such as eye contact, conversation or understanding unspoken rules; strong, focused interests; a need for routine; and sensory sensitivities to noise, light or textures. In girls and adults these signs are often less obvious.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Assessment is usually carried out by specialised teams or professionals such as clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists or paediatricians. Support focuses on the person’s needs and strengths: speech therapy for communication, occupational therapy for sensory and daily-living needs, educational support, and parent-mediated programmes. Psychologists can help with anxiety, emotional regulation and social situations, using approaches adapted to autistic people.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if an autistic child or adult is at risk of harming themselves or others, goes missing, has a sudden loss of skills, stops eating or drinking, or expresses thoughts of suicide, which can be under-recognised in autistic people. In any situation of risk to life, contact your local emergency services and explain the person’s needs so responders can adapt.
What you can do in the meantime
Predictable routines, visual schedules and advance notice of changes can reduce stress. Pay attention to sensory needs, such as quiet spaces or headphones, and respect the need for recovery time after social activity. Learn about autism from reliable sources, including autistic voices. Connect with family associations or peer groups, and be cautious with programmes that promise to cure autism.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in India cover psychological care?
Mental health care is offered in government hospitals and through the District Mental Health Programme, with the national Tele-MANAS tele-counselling service. The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 gives a right to access government-run mental health services.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in India?
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI): Clinical psychologists must hold an RCI-recognised qualification (typically M.Phil Clinical Psychology) and be on the Central Rehabilitation Register; ask for the RCI registration number. The general title psychologist is not protected.