How to Choose the Best Psychiatrist in Kathmandu

Why there is no official "best" psychiatrist

Websites, maps and social media may call a doctor "the best" or "the top psychiatrist in Nepal", but no authority ranks psychiatrists. Reviews and reputation matter, yet they do not tell you whether a doctor is right for your situation. Someone who is excellent with severe illness may not be the person you want for exam stress, and the reverse is also true.

A better question is: who is qualified, and who will listen, explain and work with me? The checklist below helps you answer it.

1. Check registration and training

In Nepal, doctors must be registered with the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). Ask for the NMC registration number and, if you like, confirm it with the Council. A psychiatrist should also hold a postgraduate qualification in psychiatry, such as an MD in Psychiatry or Neuropsychiatry, on top of the MBBS.

Trustworthy clinics publish their doctors' names, degrees and NMC numbers openly. You can see ours on the doctors section of our home page.

2. Look at how the doctor works

• They listen first. A first visit is a conversation about your history, sleep, mood, stress, health and family, not a five-minute prescription.
• They explain. You should understand your diagnosis, why a medicine or therapy is suggested, what side effects to expect and how long it may take.
• They share decisions. Medicine, therapy or both should be discussed with you, including the alternatives.
• They review progress. Good care includes follow-up and changing the plan if it is not working.

3. Make sure the practical side works for you

Care you cannot reach does not help. Before you book, find out the location and opening hours, whether the doctor consults online, the languages spoken (Nepali, English), the fee for a first visit and follow-ups, and how confidentiality is handled. If you live outside Kathmandu or abroad, online care can make a good doctor accessible.

4. Read reviews with care

Google reviews can show how patients felt about waiting time, courtesy and explanations. Read the pattern rather than one glowing or angry comment. Be cautious of anything that promises a cure, a guaranteed result or a "miracle" treatment. Mental health conditions are treatable, but honest doctors do not guarantee outcomes.

Red flags to avoid

• Guaranteed cures, or pressure to start expensive treatment immediately.
• No explanation of the diagnosis or of medicines and side effects.
• Discouraging a second opinion.
• Sharing your information with family, employers or others without your permission.
• No registration number, or unwillingness to state qualifications.

Questions to ask at the first visit

1. What do you think is going on, and what else could it be?
2. What are my treatment options, including without medicine?
3. What are the possible side effects, and how will you monitor them?
4. How long might treatment take, and when will we review it?
5. What should I do if I feel worse between appointments?
6. What will each visit cost?

How Kathmandu Mental Health Clinic fits

We do not claim to be "the best". We do offer clear credentials: our three doctors, Dr. Kushal Kharel (founder, NMC No. 27199), Dr. Sunita Lama (NMC No. 26944) and Dr. Bhishma K.C. (NMC No. 21985), are registered with the Nepal Medical Council, hold an MD in Neuropsychiatry and provide cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can visit us at People's Plaza (New Road) or Kalanki, or consult online in Nepali or English.