The rise of online psychiatry consultation platforms has transformed mental health care access in Bangladesh. Whether you're in Dhaka or a remote district, you can now connect with qualified psychiatrists from your home.
This comprehensive Mindspace guide covers the best online psychiatry platforms available in Bangladesh, how to book consultations, what to expect, and how to choose the right service for your needs.
Why Online Psychiatry Consultations Matter in Bangladesh
The Access Challenge
- 350+ psychiatrists serve a population of 170+ million- 65% of psychiatrists practice in Dhaka- 92.3% treatment gap for mental health conditions- Travel barriers for people outside major cities
The Telehealth Solution
Online psychiatry consultations address these challenges by:
- Eliminating travel time and cost- Providing access to specialists regardless of location- Offering more flexible scheduling- Reducing stigma (private consultations from home)- Enabling faster access to care
Top Online Psychiatry Consultation Platforms in Bangladesh
1. Praava Health
Overview: Premium digital health platform with comprehensive mental health services.Mental Health Services:- Online psychiatry consultations- Psychology/counseling sessions- Follow-up appointments- Prescription servicesKey Features:| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video consultations | Yes |
| Psychiatrists available | 10+ |
| Languages | Bengali, English |
| Prescription delivery | Yes |
| App available | iOS, Android |
| Medical records | Digital health records |
2. DocTime
Overview: One of Bangladesh's largest telemedicine platforms with growing mental health services.Mental Health Services:- Psychiatry consultations- General physician consultations (for referrals)- Follow-up careKey Features:| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video consultations | Yes |
| Audio consultations | Yes |
| Psychiatrists available | 15+ |
| Languages | Bengali, English |
| 24/7 availability | General doctors (psychiatrists by appointment) |
3. Maya Apa (মায়া আপা)
Overview: Bangladesh's leading digital health platform offering free and paid mental health services.Mental Health Services:- Free text-based consultations- Video consultations with psychiatrists- Counseling services- Mental health content and resourcesKey Features:| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free consultations | Yes (text-based) |
| Video consultations | Yes (paid) |
| Anonymity | Yes |
| Languages | Bengali, English |
| App available | iOS, Android |
| Community | Q&A platform |
4. Sebaghar
Overview: Telemedicine platform connecting patients with specialists across Bangladesh.Mental Health Services:- Psychiatry consultations- Psychology services- Online prescriptionsKey Features:| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video consultations | Yes |
| Audio consultations | Yes |
| Psychiatrists available | 5+ |
| Prescription services | Yes |
5. Telenor Health (Tonic)
Overview: Health service by Grameenphone offering various telemedicine services.Mental Health Services:- Doctor consultations (including mental health)- Health information- Medicine deliveryKey Features:| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio consultations | Yes |
| Accessibility | Via 789 (GP users) |
| 24/7 general doctors | Yes |
| Languages | Bengali |
6. Sheba.xyz Health
Overview: Multi-service platform with healthcare vertical including mental health.Mental Health Services:- Video consultations- Home visits (in Dhaka)- Follow-up careKey Features:| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video consultations | Yes |
| Home visits | Yes (Dhaka) |
| App available | Yes |
7. Hospital-Based Telemedicine
Many major hospitals now offer online psychiatry consultations:
| Hospital | Platform | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Hospitals | Apollo 247 app | 10678 |
| Square Hospital | Square Health Portal | 10616 |
| United Hospital | Telemedicine service | 10666 |
| Labaid | Online consultation | 10606 |
Comparison: Online Psychiatry Platforms
| Platform | Price Range | Video | Free Option | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praava Health | ৳1,500-2,500 | Yes | No | Premium integrated care |
| DocTime | ৳800-1,500 | Yes | No | Wide availability |
| Maya Apa | ৳0-1,500 | Yes | Yes (text) | Free initial consultation |
| Sebaghar | ৳500-1,200 | Yes | No | Budget-friendly |
| Tonic (GP) | ৳50-200 | Audio | No | Affordable, accessible |
| Sheba.xyz | ৳500-1,500 | Yes | No | Home visit option |
How to Prepare for an Online Psychiatry Consultation
Before Your Appointment
Technical setup:- Stable internet connection (WiFi preferred)- Quiet, private space- Charged device with camera and microphone- Platform app downloaded and tested- Backup phone number in case of technical issuesInformation to prepare:- List of current symptoms and concerns- When symptoms started and how they've changed- Current medications (including supplements)- Past mental health treatment history- Family history of mental health conditions- Questions you want to askDuring Your Consultation
What to expect:After Your Consultation
- Prescriptions: Most platforms send e-prescriptions via app or email- Medication: Order through platform's pharmacy or local pharmacy- Follow-up: Schedule as recommended (typically 2-4 weeks initially)- Records: Save consultation notes and prescriptions- Emergency: Know what to do if symptoms worsen before follow-up
What Online Psychiatrists Can and Cannot Do
Can Do Online
✅ Diagnose common mental health conditions✅ Prescribe most psychiatric medications✅ Provide follow-up care and medication adjustments✅ Offer psychoeducation✅ Refer for additional services✅ Issue medical certificates (platform-dependent)
May Require In-Person Visit
⚠️ Severe psychotic episodes⚠️ Active suicidal crisis (requires immediate care)⚠️ Initial diagnosis of complex conditions⚠️ Certain controlled medications (regulations vary)⚠️ Comprehensive psychological testing⚠️ Patients requiring physical examination
Cost Comparison and Insurance
Typical Costs (2026)
| Service Type | Online | In-Person (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | ৳800-2,500 | ৳1,500-4,000 |
| Follow-up | ৳500-1,500 | ৳1,000-2,500 |
| Prescription | Included | Included |
Insurance Coverage
Some corporate health insurance plans now cover telemedicine consultations. Check with:- Your employer's HR department- Your insurance provider- The platform (some work directly with insurers)
Reducing Costs
- Use Maya Apa for free initial text consultations- Choose audio-only when video isn't necessary- Ask about package deals for multiple sessions- Check for student or low-income discounts- Use government hospital telemedicine services
Privacy and Confidentiality
Platform Responsibilities
Reputable platforms should:- Use encrypted video connections- Store health records securely- Have clear privacy policies- Train staff on confidentiality- Comply with applicable regulations
Your Responsibilities
- Use private space for consultations- Don't share login credentials- Use secure internet connections (avoid public WiFi)- Understand platform privacy policies- Ask about data storage and sharing
Questions to Ask About Privacy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is online psychiatry as effective as in-person?
Research shows that online psychiatry is equally effective for most conditions, with high patient satisfaction rates. Some conditions (severe psychosis, complex diagnoses) may benefit from initial in-person evaluation.
Can online psychiatrists prescribe medication?
Yes. Online psychiatrists can prescribe most psychiatric medications in Bangladesh. Prescriptions are typically sent electronically and can be filled at pharmacies.
What if I have an emergency during or after an online consultation?
For mental health emergencies, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call emergency services. Discuss emergency protocols with your psychiatrist during your appointment.
How do I choose the right online psychiatry platform?
Consider: cost, available doctors, technology requirements, privacy policies, prescription/pharmacy services, and user reviews. Start with platforms that offer free initial consultations if unsure.
Can I get a medical certificate for mental health leave through online consultation?
This varies by platform and employer acceptance. Discuss with the platform and your HR department. Some platforms offer medical certificates for online consultations.
What internet speed do I need for video consultations?
Most platforms work well with 3-5 Mbps connection. If your internet is unstable, many platforms offer audio-only options.
Mindspace: Your Guide to Mental Health Support
At Mindspace, we're committed to making mental health support accessible across Bangladesh. Our resources include:
- Professional directory: /professionals — find psychiatrists and psychologists- Service information: /services — understand your options- Educational resources: /mental-health-o-pedia — learn about mental health
Conclusion: Taking the First Step
Online psychiatry consultation platforms have made mental health care more accessible than ever in Bangladesh. Whether you're in Dhaka or a remote area, help is now just a video call away.Mindspace recommends:- For free initial guidance: Maya Apa- For premium care: Praava Health- For affordable options: DocTime- For GP users: Tonic (789)The hardest step is often the first one. These platforms make that step easier—from the privacy of your home, on your schedule, at various price points.
Looking for more mental health resources in Bangladesh? Mindspace connects you with professionals, services, and information. Visit mindspacebd.com to learn more.