How to Find a Mental Health Doctor in Bangladesh: Complete Guide 2026 | Mindspace

Written by: Mindspace Team

Searching for a mental health doctor in Bangladesh can feel overwhelming—especially when you're already struggling. This comprehensive guide from Mindspace helps you understand your options, find the right professional, and know what to expect.

Whether you're in Dhaka or elsewhere in Bangladesh, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding mental health support.

Types of Mental Health Doctors and Professionals

Understanding the difference between mental health professionals helps you find the right match for your needs.

1. Psychiatrist (মনোরোগ বিশেষজ্ঞ)

What they do:- Medical doctors (MBBS + specialized training)- Can prescribe medication- Diagnose mental health conditions- Treat severe mental illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression)Best for:- Medication management- Severe mental health conditions- Complex diagnosesTypical cost in Dhaka: ৳1,500 - ৳3,500 per consultation

2. Clinical Psychologist (ক্লিনিক্যাল সাইকোলজিস্ট)

What they do:- Hold master's/doctoral degrees in psychology- Provide psychotherapy and counseling- Conduct psychological testing and assessments- Cannot prescribe medicationBest for:- Talk therapy (CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy)- Psychological assessment- Non-medication treatment approachesTypical cost in Dhaka: ৳1,000 - ৳3,000 per session

3. Counseling Psychologist / Counselor

What they do:- Provide counseling for everyday challenges- Help with stress, relationships, career issues- Generally work with less severe concernsBest for:- Life transitions and adjustment issues- Relationship problems- Stress and mild anxiety/depressionTypical cost in Dhaka: ৳800 - ৳2,000 per session

4. Psychotherapist

What they do:- Trained in specific therapy modalities- Provide structured therapeutic interventions- May have various educational backgroundsBest for:- Specific therapeutic approaches (trauma therapy, couples therapy)- Long-term therapeutic workTypical cost in Dhaka: ৳1,000 - ৳2,500 per session

How to Find a Mental Health Doctor in Bangladesh

Step 1: Determine What Type of Professional You Need

Ask yourself these questions:

Question	Suggested Professional
Do I need medication?	Psychiatrist
Do I want talk therapy only?	Psychologist / Counselor
Is this a severe condition (psychosis, bipolar, severe depression)?	Psychiatrist
Is this stress, mild anxiety, or relationship issues?	Counselor / Psychologist
Do I need both therapy and medication?	Psychiatrist + Psychologist (collaborative care)

Step 2: Choose a Search Method

Option A: Online Directories and Platforms

Mindspace Directory- Visit /professionals for verified mental health professionals- Filter by location, specialty, and service typeOther platforms:- Praava Health (praavahealth.com)- Maya Apa (mayaapa.com) — free initial consultations- DocTime (doctime.com.bd)

Option B: Hospital Mental Health Departments

In Dhaka:

Hospital	Department	Contact
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)	Outpatient	Sher-e-Bangla Nagar
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University	Psychiatry	Shahbag
Dhaka Medical College Hospital	Psychiatry	Secretariat Road
Apollo Hospitals Dhaka	Mental Health	Bashundhara
Square Hospital	Psychiatry	Panthapath
United Hospital	Psychiatry	Gulshan
Labaid Hospital	Psychiatry	Dhanmondi

Outside Dhaka:

City	Hospital
Chittagong	Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Sylhet	Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College
Rajshahi	Rajshahi Medical College Hospital
Khulna	Khulna Medical College Hospital

Option C: Private Clinics and Chambers

Many psychiatrists and psychologists maintain private chambers. Benefits include:

- Shorter wait times- More privacy- Flexible scheduling- Often evening/weekend availability

Search tips:- Ask for referrals from your GP- Check Google Maps reviews- Ask in trusted community groups

Step 3: Verify Credentials

Before booking, verify:

- For psychiatrists: MBBS degree + postgraduate training (FCPS, MD, or equivalent)- For psychologists: Master's/doctoral degree in clinical psychology- Registration: Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) for psychiatrists

Red flags to avoid:- No verifiable qualifications- Guarantees of "instant cure"- Pressure to buy supplements or unproven treatments- Unprofessional boundaries

Step 4: Book Your First Appointment

What to prepare:- List of symptoms and concerns- Medical history (medications, past treatments)- Questions you want to ask- Emergency contact informationQuestions to ask during first visit:

What is your assessment of my situation?

What treatment approach do you recommend?

How long might treatment take?

What are the costs and session frequency?

How do we handle emergencies between sessions?

What to Expect in Your First Appointment

With a Psychiatrist

Duration: 30-60 minutes (first visit), 15-30 minutes (follow-ups)What happens:

Discussion of symptoms and history

Mental status examination

Diagnosis (if applicable)

Discussion of treatment options

Medication prescription (if needed)

Follow-up scheduling

With a Psychologist/Counselor

Duration: 45-60 minutesWhat happens:

Introduction and rapport building

Discussion of concerns and goals

Background and history taking

Initial assessment

Discussion of therapy approach

Goal setting and treatment planning

Cost of Mental Health Care in Bangladesh

Typical Costs (2026 estimates)

Service	Government Hospital	Private Hospital	Private Chamber
Psychiatrist consultation	৳50-200	৳1,500-3,500	৳1,500-4,000
Psychologist session	৳100-300	৳1,500-3,000	৳1,000-3,000
Psychological testing	৳200-500	৳3,000-10,000	৳2,500-8,000

Affordable Options

Government facilities:- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — subsidized care- Medical college hospitals — low-cost servicesNGO and nonprofit services:- Kaan Pete Roi (free emotional support helpline)- BRAC counseling services- Various NGO-run mental health programsOnline options:- Maya Apa (free consultations)- Teletherapy platforms (often lower cost)For students:- University counseling centers (free)- Student discount programs at private practices

Online vs. In-Person: Which to Choose?

Online (Telepsychiatry/Teletherapy)

Pros:- Accessible from anywhere- Often lower cost- No travel time- More scheduling flexibility- Greater privacy for someCons:- Technology barriers- Less suitable for severe conditions- May not be able to prescribe all medications- Harder to build rapport (for some)Best for:- Follow-up appointments- Mild to moderate conditions- People in areas without local providers- Those with mobility or scheduling constraints

In-Person

Pros:- Full assessment capability- Better for severe conditions- Stronger therapeutic relationship (for some)- Necessary for certain evaluationsCons:- Travel required- Less flexible scheduling- Wait times- Privacy concerns in waiting roomsBest for:- First-time evaluations- Severe mental health conditions- Psychological testing- People who prefer face-to-face interaction

Tips for a Successful First Appointment

Before Your Appointment

Write down your symptoms: When did they start? How often? How severe?

List your medications: Include supplements and over-the-counter drugs

Note your questions: Don't rely on memory

Bring a trusted person: If it helps you feel more comfortable

Allow extra time: For paperwork and potential delays

During Your Appointment

Be honest: Mental health professionals can only help with accurate information

Ask questions: No question is too basic or too small

Discuss concerns: About medication, costs, confidentiality, etc.

Take notes: Or ask permission to record

Clarify next steps: When to follow up, what to do if symptoms worsen

After Your Appointment

Follow recommendations: Even if you're skeptical, give treatment a fair trial

Track your progress: Note changes in symptoms, side effects, etc.

Communicate: Reach out if something isn't working

Be patient: Mental health treatment often takes time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or psychologist?

If you think you might need medication or have a severe condition (like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression), start with a psychiatrist. For talk therapy and milder concerns, a psychologist or counselor is appropriate. Many people benefit from both.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Mental health professionals in Bangladesh are bound by confidentiality ethics. Information is only shared with your consent, or in rare cases involving risk of harm to yourself or others.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies widely. Some people benefit from a few sessions; others engage in longer-term therapy. Your provider will discuss treatment length with you.

What if I can't afford private care?

- Visit government hospitals (NIMH, medical college hospitals)- Contact NGOs providing mental health services- Use free helplines (Kaan Pete Roi: 01779-554391)- Check university counseling services (for students)

Can I switch mental health doctors if it's not working?

Absolutely. Finding the right fit is important. If you don't feel comfortable or aren't seeing progress after a reasonable time, it's okay to seek a different provider.

Finding Help Through Mindspace

Mindspace is committed to making mental health support accessible in Bangladesh. We provide:

- Professional directory: /professionals — find verified mental health providers- Service information: /services — understand your options- Educational resources: /mental-health-o-pedia — learn about mental health topics- Crisis support guidance: /services — know what to do in emergencies

Conclusion

Finding the right mental health doctor in Bangladesh doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start by understanding what type of professional you need, use reliable search methods, verify credentials, and prepare for your first appointment.

Remember: seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The right professional can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

Need help finding a mental health professional in Bangladesh? Visit Mindspace at mindspacebd.com for our directory of verified providers.