Your Journey to Mental Wellness Starts Here

Your first session is primarily an assessment where Dr. Shalima will:

• Get to know you and your concerns
• Gather relevant information about your personal history
• Discuss your goals for therapy
• Answer any questions you may have
• Begin outlining a potential treatment approach

This initial session helps establish rapport and determine if we're a good fit for your needs. It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapy process.

Standard therapy sessions at Shalima's Mind Clinic last approximately 50 minutes. Initial assessment sessions may run longer (up to 75 minutes) to allow for comprehensive information gathering. For certain treatments or specific needs, we also offer extended sessions of 75-90 minutes, which are determined on a case-by-case basis and discussed during your initial consultation.

The number of therapy sessions varies widely depending on several factors:

• The nature and severity of your concerns
• Your personal goals for therapy
• Your pace of progress
• The type of therapy approach being used

Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions) focused on specific issues, while others may prefer longer-term support. Dr. Shalima will discuss treatment recommendations and expected duration during your early sessions, with regular reassessment of your progress and needs.

Yes, research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. Our secure telehealth platform provides the same quality of care with added convenience. Many clients actually prefer online sessions due to:

• Eliminated travel time and transportation concerns
• Increased comfort of familiar surroundings
• Greater scheduling flexibility
• Access to care regardless of location

Dr. Shalima has extensive experience providing online therapy and adapts therapeutic techniques effectively for the virtual environment. The most important factor is finding the right therapist match for your needs, whether online or in-person.

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy. Dr. Shalima adheres to strict professional and ethical standards regarding privacy. What you share in therapy remains confidential with a few important exceptions:

• If there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult
• When required by a court order or other legal proceedings
• If you provide written consent to share information

During your first session, you'll receive detailed information about confidentiality and its limitations, and you're welcome to ask questions about privacy at any time during your treatment.

If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call emergency services (dial 108 in Kerala) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

For urgent but non-life-threatening situations outside of regular business hours:

• National Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019
• Kerala State Mental Health Helpline: 1056
• Send a message through our secure patient portal for a response during the next business day

Current clients will receive information about emergency protocols specific to their care. We take all mental health crises seriously and will provide appropriate follow-up care.