---
title: "When to See a Psychiatrist for Anxiety"
url: https://drvohras.com/guides/when-to-see-a-psychiatrist-for-anxiety
language: en-IN
author: "Dr Vohra's"
updated: 2026-10-21
license: "Page text: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)."
---

# When to See a Psychiatrist for Anxiety

This is the markdown version of https://drvohras.com/guides/when-to-see-a-psychiatrist-for-anxiety, a page of Dr Vohra's, a psychiatry and psychology clinic in New Delhi. It is information, not medical advice; the clinic's contact details are at the end.

See a psychiatrist for anxiety when it has lasted more than a few weeks and is affecting sleep, work, study or relationships; when there are panic attacks or avoidance of everyday places; when you are drinking or using substances to cope; when low mood has joined the anxiety; or when therapy alone has not helped. A psychologist is a good first contact for mild to moderate anxiety and for CBT. At Dr Vohra's you can start with either; the two coordinate.

Dr Vohra's · Updated 21 October 2026

## Signs it is time

Anxiety that arrived after a specific event and is easing on its own usually does not need a psychiatrist; anxiety that is getting worse or spreading does.

- Worry most days for six months or more that you cannot switch off
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, breathlessness, tension, stomach problems, repeatedly checked by doctors and found normal
- Panic attacks
- Avoiding travel, crowds, meetings, or social situations
- Sleep broken by worry
- Alcohol, sleeping pills or cannabis to calm down
- Low mood, hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm alongside the anxiety

## What the psychiatrist will do

Identify which anxiety disorder is present (generalised anxiety, panic, social anxiety, phobia, health anxiety, OCD), check for depression and for medical mimics (thyroid, caffeine, stimulants, some medicines), and propose a plan: CBT with a psychologist as first line, medication (usually an SSRI) if symptoms are severe or therapy has not been enough, and a follow-up date. Most anxiety disorders improve substantially within two to three months of treatment.

## Frequently asked questions

- **Will I be put on medication straight away?**: Not necessarily. For mild to moderate anxiety, CBT alone is often the recommendation. Medication is suggested for severe symptoms or when therapy is not enough.
- **Can I see a psychiatrist online for anxiety?**: Yes. Online evaluation and follow-ups work well for anxiety, across India in English and Hindi.
- **How do I book at Dr Vohra's?**: Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. In person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online across India.
- **What if this is an emergency?**: Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 (24x7, free) or 112. Dr Vohra's is not an emergency service.

## Book a consultation

Call [+91 99992 49223](tel:+919999249223), email [help@drvohras.com](mailto:help@drvohras.com), or visit us at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008. Online consultations are available across India in English and Hindi.

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## Sources

- [NIMH: Anxiety Disorders](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders)

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, call Tele-MANAS [14416](tel:14416), KIRAN [1800-599-0019](tel:18005990019) or Emergency services [112](tel:112). Tele-MANAS and KIRAN are 24x7 and free anywhere in India. Dr Vohra's is not a crisis or emergency service.