How to start a private psychology practice in India

Clinical psychologists must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to practise; the RCI Act makes practising as a clinical psychologist without registration an offence. Keep your registration current and show the number on your website and documents.

Counselling and other psychologists aren’t covered by the RCI register. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 brings many psychology professionals under a new regulator; check the current status of registration under it for your qualification.

If you rent a physical space, check whether your state requires registration under the Shops and Establishments Act or the Clinical Establishments Act.

• A separate bank account for the practice, and your PAN for receipts and payouts.
• Ask a chartered accountant about GST: health care services by recognised practitioners are generally exempt, but some services (coaching, corporate workshops) may not be.
• Professional indemnity insurance covering psychological practice.
• A simple written agreement for clients: fees, cancellation policy, confidentiality and its limits, and how to reach you between sessions.

Work backwards from what you need to earn. Count realistic sessions per week (most full-time therapists see 15 to 25), weeks off, and the sessions that will be cancelled or missed. Then add your costs: rent, software, insurance, supervision, training and payment gateway fees.

Decide up front whether you will offer a sliding scale, package rates or a lower fee for students, and how you will handle late cancellations.

Clients expect to book online, pay by UPI and get a reminder. A booking link removes most of the back-and-forth on WhatsApp. Asking for payment before online sessions sharply reduces no-shows (see how to reduce no-shows). For online sessions, use a platform that works on a phone over mobile data without the client installing an app, and never record without explicit consent.

Write a note after every session in a consistent format (see SOAP, DAP and BIRP notes), record risk every time, and keep everything in one access-controlled place, not on WhatsApp or a personal laptop. As the Data Fiduciary for your clients’ data, you have duties under the DPDP Act: read our DPDP checklist for practices.

Use standard questionnaires such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 at the start and during therapy so you and your clients can see progress.

Before your first client, decide what you will do if someone is at risk: how you assess it, who you call, which psychiatrist and hospital you refer to, and how you build a safety plan. Keep Tele-MANAS (14416) and 112 on your intake form and website.

• Google Business Profile: list your practice with your address (or service area for online-only), hours and booking link. It is free and is how many local clients find a therapist.
• Referrals: introduce yourself to psychiatrists, GPs, paediatricians, gynaecologists, schools and HR teams nearby. Tell them who you work with and how to refer.
• A simple website or booking page saying who you help, how you work, your fees and how to book.
• Talks and workshops in schools, colleges and workplaces.
• Writing about the problems you treat, in plain language and in the languages your clients speak.

Check your professional code on advertising, avoid testimonials that breach confidentiality, and never promise outcomes.

Private practice can be isolating. Regular supervision or peer consultation protects your clients and you, and is expected early in your career.

MindConnect is built for exactly this stage: booking link, UPI or pay-at-clinic payments, online sessions, notes, questionnaires, homework, safety plans and supervision in one place. Start a free trial.