Outpatient Psychiatry (OPD)
Most people who need psychiatric care don't need to be hospitalised. They need a good doctor, a consistent treatment plan, and a clinical team that knows their history. That is what outpatient psychiatry at Athena provides - expert care that fits around your life.
What is Outpatient Psychiatric Care?
Outpatient psychiatry - OPD - means you attend scheduled appointments at a clinic, receive treatment, and go home. There is no overnight admission. You continue living your daily life while receiving clinical support at regular intervals.
OPD is appropriate for a wide range of mental health conditions, from an initial diagnostic evaluation to long-term medication management, from weekly therapy to monthly psychiatrist check-ins. The key variable is severity: OPD works best when your condition can be safely managed without 24-hour supervision.
At Athena, OPD is not a stripped-down version of our inpatient care. It is a fully equipped clinical service - the same psychiatrists, the same psychologists, the same diagnostic rigour - delivered in a flexible outpatient format that puts you in control of your schedule.
Is OPD the Right Level of Care for You?
Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right setting depends on the severity of your symptoms, your home environment, and how much structured support you need day-to-day. Use this guide to understand where OPD fits.
| Criteria | OPD | Day Care | Inpatient (IPD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom Severity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to high | Severe / acute crisis |
| Supervision Needed | No - self-managed between sessions | Daytime structured supervision | 24/7 clinical monitoring |
| Work / Study | Can continue (may adjust pace) | Paused temporarily (4 - 8 hrs/day at clinic) | Paused for duration |
| Clinical Contact | 1 - 4 sessions/week | Daily (5 - 6 days/week) | Daily + continuous nursing |
| Home Stability | Stable, supportive home | Home is stable but needs daytime structure | Home environment not conducive |
| Typical Duration | Weeks to months (ongoing) | 4 - 12 weeks (intensive phase) | 2 - 8 weeks (acute phase) |
Not sure which level of care you need? Our clinical team offers a 30 - minute triage assessment - by phone, video, or in-person - to help you and your family understand the right starting point.
Conditions We Treat on OPD
Athena's OPD psychiatry service treats the full range of mental health and behavioural conditions. The most commonly seen presentations include:
| Mood Disorders | Anxiety & Stress | Other Presentations |
|---|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder | Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | ADHD (adult and adolescent) |
| Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) | Panic Disorder | OCD and related disorders |
| Bipolar Disorder (stable / maintenance) | Social Anxiety Disorder | PTSD and complex trauma (non-acute) |
| Cyclothymia | Health Anxiety (Hypochondria) | Schizophrenia (stable maintenance) |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder | Phobias | Eating disorders (mild–moderate) |
| Perinatal / Postpartum Depression | Adjustment Disorder | Personality disorders (ongoing therapy) |
| Grief and Complicated Bereavement | Insomnia and sleep disorders | Addiction (mild–moderate, abstinence maintenance) |
Your First OPD Appointment - What to Expect
A first psychiatry appointment can feel unfamiliar. Here is exactly what will happen, step by step.
Before the Appointment (5 – 10 min online)
You'll receive a short pre-consultation form via WhatsApp or email - your primary concern, current medications, and a brief history. Completing this beforehand means the doctor spends your appointment time on you, not paperwork.
The Psychiatric Consultation (45 – 60 min)
Your first session with an Athena psychiatrist covers: the presenting problem in your own words; psychiatric and medical history; family history (where relevant); mental status examination; risk assessment; and, if a diagnosis is clear, an explanation in plain language. You are encouraged to ask questions. Nothing is concluded without your understanding.
Your Treatment Plan (Last 10 minutes)
Before you leave, the psychiatrist will give you a written summary covering: working diagnosis (if established), recommended treatment approach, any medications prescribed (with clear instructions), the plan for your next appointment, and what to do if symptoms worsen between sessions. You leave with a plan, not a prescription slip.
How Often Will You Need to Come in?
One of the most common questions patients ask is how much of a commitment outpatient treatment requires. The answer depends on your condition, its severity, and which phase of treatment you're in. This guide provides indicative ranges - your treating doctor will personalise these.
| Condition | Acute Phase (0 – 8 weeks) | Stabilisation Phase (2 – 6 months) | Maintenance Phase (6+ months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Depression (first episode) | Psychiatrist: weekly Therapy: 2×/week | Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly Therapy: weekly | Psychiatrist: monthly Therapy: 2×/month |
| Generalised Anxiety Disorder | Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly CBT: weekly | Psychiatrist: monthly CBT: 2×/month | Psychiatrist: 6 - weekly Self-directed CBT |
| Bipolar Disorder (stable) | Psychiatrist: weekly (mood monitoring) Psychoeducation: weekly | Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly Group: weekly | Psychiatrist: monthly Group: ongoing |
| OCD | CBT/ERP: 2×/week Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly | CBT/ERP: weekly Psychiatrist: monthly | CBT booster: monthly Psychiatrist: 6-weekly |
| PTSD (non-acute) | EMDR/TF-CBT: weekly Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly | Therapy: 2×/month Psychiatrist: monthly | Therapy: monthly if needed Psychiatrist: 3 - monthly |
| Schizophrenia (stable) | Psychiatrist: weekly Family sessions: 2×/month | Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly Family: monthly | Psychiatrist: monthly Depot/medication review |
| Addiction (early abstinence) | Counsellor: 2 – 3×/week Psychiatrist: weekly | Counsellor: weekly Psychiatrist: 2 - weekly | Support group: weekly Psychiatrist: monthly |
| Eating Disorder (moderate) | Dietitian: weekly Therapy: 2×/week Psychiatrist: weekly | Therapy: weekly Dietitian: 2 - weekly | Therapy: 2×/month Monitoring: monthly |
These are clinical guidelines, not contracts. Your treatment frequency will be reviewed at every appointment and adjusted based on how you are responding. Some patients move faster; others need more time at each phase.
Your 12-Month OPD Follow-Up Roadmap
Most patients who start OPD at Athena don't just attend appointments - they make measurable progress. Here is what a typical first year looks like for a patient with moderate depression starting OPD treatment.
| Milestone | Clinical Focus | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (First appointment) | Diagnosis, medication initiation, safety assessment, therapy referral | Clear diagnosis, written treatment plan, next appointment confirmed |
| Week 3 – 4 (First review) | Medication tolerance and early response, therapy progress check | Medication adjusted if needed; therapeutic alliance established |
| Month 2 (Stabilisation check) | Symptom scoring (PHQ-9 / GAD-7), functional review, therapy milestone | 30 – 40% symptom reduction expected; therapy homework in progress |
| Month 3 (Quarter review) | Medication dose review, therapy goals assessed, family update if involved | 50 – 60% symptom reduction typical; return to routine function begins |
| Month 6 (Mid-treatment review) | Full reassessment: Are goals being met? Any diagnostic reconsideration? | Most patients in remission or significant improvement; step-down considered |
| Month 12 (Annual review) | Maintenance plan, relapse prevention, decision on continuing vs tapering | Long-term plan confirmed; some patients discharge; others continue maintenance |
Who You Will See in OPD
Depending on your treatment plan, you may see one or more of the following specialists during your OPD journey. At Athena, you always have a named psychiatrist and a named therapist - people who know your history.
| Specialist | What They Do in OPD | How Often You'll See Them |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant Psychiatrist | Diagnosis, medication prescribing, mental status review, treatment planning, risk assessment | Weekly to monthly depending on phase |
| Clinical Psychologist | Individual therapy (CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, Schema), psychological assessment, progress monitoring | Weekly or 2×/week in acute phase; 2×/month in maintenance |
| Psychiatric Social Worker | Family liaison, social support assessment, community resource referrals, disability documentation support | As needed; typically 1 – 2 sessions in early phase |
| Specialist Therapists | Occupational therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, nutritional counselling, addiction counselling | Added to care plan based on clinical need |
OPD Clinic Locations
| City | Address | OPD Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurgaon | Sector 47, Gurugram, Haryana | Mon - Sat | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Delhi | Ghittorni, New Delhi | Mon - Sat | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Noida | Sector 16 B, Greater Noida, UP | Mon - Fri | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Guwahati | Garchuk Road, Guwahati, Assam | Mon - Sat | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
All Athena OPD clinics are accessible by auto-rickshaw, cab, and metro. Wheelchair access is available at Gurgaon and Delhi locations. Parking available at all sites.
OPD Consultation Fees
| Service | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation - Consultant Psychiatrist (60 min) | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 |
| Follow-Up Consultation - Consultant Psychiatrist (30 min) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 |
| Initial Psychology / Therapy Session (50 min) | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Follow-Up Therapy Session (50 min) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 |
| Psychological Assessment (2–3 hours) | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 (varies by assessment type) |
| Insurance / TPA Consultation | Covered under most policies - verify with billing team before appointment |
What to Bring to Your First OPD Appointment
✓ List of current medications (photos of prescription or pill bottles are fine)
✓ Any previous psychiatric or psychological reports
✓ Insurance card and/or TPA details (if using insurance)
✓ A brief note on your main concerns - helps you feel prepared and ensures nothing is forgotten
✓ A family member or trusted person (optional but encouraged for first visit)
✓ Photo ID for registration
OPD vs Day Care vs Inpatient - Making the Decision
If you are unsure whether outpatient care is appropriate, these questions can help clarify. If your answers suggest a higher level of care, our team will advise honestly - we will never keep you in OPD if inpatient care is what you need.
| Question | If Yes... | If No... |
|---|---|---|
| Are you safe at home between appointments? | OPD is appropriate | Consider Day Care or IPD evaluation |
| Can you maintain basic self-care (eating, hygiene, sleep)? | OPD may be appropriate | Day Care or IPD recommended |
| Have you tried outpatient treatment for this episode without adequate improvement? | Consider stepping up to Day Care | Continue OPD with plan review |
| Is there active suicidal ideation with intent or plan? | OPD is not sufficient - contact us immediately | OPD with close follow-up |
| Are you experiencing psychotic symptoms? | IPD evaluation needed - call us now | OPD appropriate |
| Do you have support at home (family, carers)? | OPD appropriate | Day Care may provide needed structure |
What Patients Say
"I'd been struggling with anxiety for years but always thought therapy was for people who were 'really unwell.' My first OPD appointment at Athena changed that. Dr [Name] explained my diagnosis so clearly. I left with a plan for the first time." - N.V., Delhi. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, 2024
"I work long hours and was worried I couldn't commit to treatment. Athena's evening slots and clear follow-up schedule made it possible. My psychiatrist has seen me consistently for 14 months. That continuity matters." - R.P., Gurgaon. Bipolar Disorder (maintenance), 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
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