- 1Online therapy by secure video works well for most common difficulties.
- 2Sessions can be planned around your local working day.
- 3Working with an Indian therapist means less explaining and more understanding.
- 4Privacy at your end matters as much as at ours.
- 5You can choose English or Hindi, and Marathi with Dr. Neha.
Why some people abroad prefer an Indian therapist
Local therapists abroad can be excellent. Still, many clients tell therapists everywhere that they feel tired of explaining the basics: joint family expectations, the weight of parents' sacrifices, arranged introductions, the pressure to succeed, or the guilt of living far from ageing parents. Working with someone who understands this context can let you get to the heart of things sooner.
Finding a time that works
India is ahead of most countries where Indians live, which often works well:
US East Coast: Indian evening (around 5 pm to 11 pm IST) falls in your morning to early afternoon.
US West Coast: Indian late evening falls in your early morning, so weekend sessions are often easiest.
UK and Europe: Indian afternoon and evening fall in your morning and midday.
Middle East: India is 1.5 to 2.5 hours ahead, so evenings work for both.
Singapore and Australia: you are ahead of India, so Indian mornings fall in your afternoon.
Daylight saving time shifts these windows by an hour for part of the year. We agree each session time with you in advance so there is no confusion.
Making the session private
At our end, sessions take place in a private room on a secure platform. At yours, a few things help:
- Choose a space where you cannot be overheard. A parked car or a quiet walk with headphones works for some people.
- Use headphones, and turn off notifications.
- If you share a home, agree a "do not disturb" signal.
- Use a stable internet connection, and keep a phone nearby in case the call drops.
Does online therapy really work?
For most common difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood, stress, grief and relationship problems, research suggests online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions. Some people find it easier to open up from their own space.
Online therapy is not the right fit in an emergency, or for some severe conditions that need in-person or medical care. If that applies, we will help you find local support.
Couples and families across borders
Online sessions make it possible to include people in different places: a couple living in two countries, or an adult child abroad and parents in India. Joint sessions can help families talk about difficult topics such as returning home, care for parents, marriage and expectations.
Myths, corrected
"Online therapy is second best."
For many people it is the best option, because it fits life as it really is.
"My problems are not serious enough."
You do not need a crisis to begin. Feeling stuck is reason enough.
"Talking to someone from home will feel judgmental."
A good therapist does not take sides with family or culture. The aim is to help you find your own way.
Talk to us
At The Good Place, we have worked with people since 2001, and we see clients from across India and around the world. Sessions are by secure video at times that suit your time zone, with the same therapist each time.
If you are thinking about harming yourself or feel unsafe, please do not wait for an appointment. Call your local emergency number. In India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24 hours) or 112.
What to take away
Distance does not have to mean going without support. With a little planning around time and privacy, online therapy can bring you understanding from someone who knows where you come from.
Sources behind this guide (2)
- American Psychological Association: research on telehealth and in-person therapy outcomes. apa.org
- NHS: Talking therapies. nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/
This article is for education and self reflection. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace professional care.