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DIAGNOSIS

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WHAT IS DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT?

Illustration of diagnostic assessment

WHAT IS DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT?

Understanding and finding clarity about mental health disorders can make a big difference in your well-being. We've made sure this process is as simple as possible. Our team of RCI Registered Clinical Psychologists use an objective and evidence-based process to provide you with a diagnosis or to rule out any disorders.

We use standardized tests & assessments and follow the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) guidelines to give you official diagnoses for mental health disorders.

If you're considering a diagnostic assessment, here are some things you can expect:

CLARITY

If you're unsure whether you're dealing with a mental health disorder, a diagnostic assessment can help you gain clarity.

OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS

Receiving an official diagnosis from a trained & qualified mental health expert is a pivotal step in understanding and navigating through the disorder.

RE-EVALUATION

If you've previously received a diagnosis but have doubts or questions, a diagnostic assessment with one of our Clinical Psychologists can offer a fresh perspective.

DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Here's a comprehensive step-by-step overview of how we conduct the diagnostic assessment process.

1

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STORY

In the first session, we'll spend time understanding your concerns. This includes a detailed history-taking session and a mental status examination. It typically lasts for 1 hour.

2

PSYCHOMETRIC TEST

The second session is all about checking symptoms through testing. We use a set of standardized psychometric assessments that are evidence-based and widely recognized. This session typically lasts for about 1 to 2 hours*. These assessments, combined with the information from the first session, provide a clearer picture of your mental health.

3

REPORT

After the assessment sessions, our team compiles a comprehensive report based on your diagnostic evaluation. The report includes a summary of findings, diagnoses (if any), and recommendations for further treatment or support. This report is shared with you to facilitate informed decision-making about your mental health journey.

*Please note that the duration of each session may vary depending on your specific concerns, symptoms, and the number of tests used.

Founder Divija Bhasin

DIVIJA BHASIN
FOUNDER

At The Friendly Couch, we understand that starting therapy is a big step. To help you get started, we've designed our process to be as simple as possible. Our team will help you choose a therapist that aligns with your preferences. Our mission is to make your journey towards mental well-being as straightforward and supportive as possible.

OUR PROCESS

Quotation mark

From the start, she has made me feel incredibly comfortable and introduced me to a safe space where I was able to be vulnerable. She made me feel very validated and heard for all the distress I had been experiencing. Overall, I'm very thankful for you. I had a positive experience, and I hope we get more psychologists like you in the field.

Someone we made happy

Which therapist should I choose?

( UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE )

Illustration depicting the difference between therapists

CHOOSE THE RIGHT THERAPIST?

( UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE )

We understand that often mental health professionals seem similar and picking the right one can be confusing. The psychologists on our team have distinct roles and we're here to help you understand and guide you in choosing the correct therapist for your requirements. All the Psychologists on our team are hired after an intensive review and interview process. You can trust the Psychologists on our team to be non-judgmental and professional.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES

A direct guide to help you choose between the type of therapist that you might be looking for.

COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Checkmark icon Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.
  • Checkmark icon Master's Degree in Psychology.
  • Checkmark icon Optional: Additional diplomas and certifications for specialization.

EXPERIENCE

  • Checkmark icon All the Counselling Psychologists at The Friendly Couch have completed a minimum of 500+ sessions before joining our team.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Checkmark icon BA/BSc in Psychology/Clinical Psychology.
  • Checkmark icon MA/MSc in Psychology/Clinical Psychology.
  • Checkmark icon MPhil in Clinical Psychology (RCI-recognized institute) with additional certifications.
  • Checkmark icon RCI Registration

EXPERIENCE

  • Checkmark icon Minimum 2 years of RCI-recognized MPhil training and 500+ sessions completed before joining our team.

HELPFUL QUESTIONNAIRE

A direct guide to help you choose between the type of therapist that you might be looking for.

COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST

IF YOU

  • Checkmark icon Are looking to work on mental health challenges with anxiety, problems with relationships, procrastination, or trauma.
  • Checkmark icon Would like to work on your general well-being.
  • Checkmark icon Have never been diagnosed with a disorder and do not believe you have one.
  • Checkmark icon Would like to learn better ways of dealing with challenges in life.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

IF YOU

  • Checkmark icon Would like to check if you have a disorder such as ADHD, OCD, Autism, Borderline Personality Disorder, and others, and get an official diagnosis.
  • Checkmark icon Have been diagnosed with a disorder in the past and are seeking a new perspective.
  • Checkmark icon Are looking to work on concerns like self-harm, suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts, etc.
  • Checkmark icon Are looking to work on severe mental health challenges that are impacting your daily life.
  • Checkmark icon Would like to understand harmful patterns in your life and learn better ways of coping.
Quotation mark

Love what you are doing. I was able to accept that I need therapy only after watching your reels. You truly made me realize that it's okay not to agree with the so-called definition of 'normal.' That it is in my power to define my 'normal.' Thank you.

Someone we made happy

COMMON QUESTIONS


You are welcome to prepare some points if you wish, but there is no obligation to do so before the session.


We typically recommend starting with a counseling psychologist if you're new to therapy. If you require specialized assistance, you can be transferred to a clinical psychologist through our internal process. However, if you have already been diagnosed, are seeking a diagnosis, have suicidal thoughts, or suspect you may have a disorder, we strongly advise opting for a clinical psychologist.


Therapy is a process, and expecting a cure in one session is not realistic. The initial session focuses on building a therapeutic relationship and understanding your main concerns. Just as problems don't manifest overnight and evolve over time, the healing process also requires time and cannot be completed in a single session. Each individual is unique, and their healing journey will unfold at its own pace.


It's important to note that our therapists are not crisis counselors and cannot communicate with you outside of scheduled sessions. This policy is in place to prevent dependency and to uphold their professional boundaries and timings.


We do not offer chat-based therapy. Chat therapy is not included in the training of academic psychologists, and effective therapy cannot be adequately conducted through messages or chat. We strongly advise against opting for therapy services via chat, as this method is not scientifically proven for counseling and may not provide the intended benefits.


There is no age limit for consulting a psychologist on our team. For minors (under 18), we require a consent letter or acknowledgment from an adult regarding the minor's therapy. The consenting adult does not necessarily have to be a parent or guardian but should be someone capable of providing consent and acknowledging the client's participation in therapy. If you are able to provide a consent letter, please let us know, and we will provide the necessary details for inclusion in the letter.


Of course, it is not mandatory to get an official diagnosis. Although it can be helpful to be assessed in certain circumstances, it is possible to get therapy without a diagnosis.


All the Clinical Psychologists who conduct diagnosis have an active CRR number which can be checked on the RCI Website.


We only provide psychotherapy as a form of treatment currently. To get medication, please reach out to a trusted psychiatrist near you.


Please visit the Diagnosis page for more information.

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