Depression
Assessment, therapy and medication for persistent low mood, loss of interest and related sleep or appetite changes.
Department of Psychiatry · SBMCH
Psychiatry Department at Sri Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Tirupati
Low mood that will not lift, worry that keeps you awake, thoughts you cannot switch off, or a family member whose behaviour has changed: our team offers assessment, therapy and medical treatment for mental health conditions. As a psychiatry hospital in Tirupati attached to a teaching institution, we provide confidential consultations, structured follow-up and support for families.
Is this the right department?
When to See a Psychiatrist in Tirupati
Mental health conditions are common and treatable. Book a psychiatrist consultation in Tirupati if you or someone close to you notices any of the following lasting more than two weeks.
- Persistent low mood, loss of interest in daily activities or constant tiredness
- Excessive worry, restlessness, panic episodes or a racing heartbeat without a physical cause
- Repeated thoughts or rituals you feel unable to stop
- Sleep that has changed a lot, either far too little or far too much
- Hearing or seeing things others do not, or unusual beliefs others find hard to follow
- Marked mood swings, unusually high energy or sharply reduced need for sleep
- Difficulty cutting down on alcohol, tobacco or other substances
- Memory lapses, confusion or changes in behaviour in an older family member
- Changes in a child's mood, attention, learning or behaviour at school or home
Need urgent help?
If you or someone with you is in immediate danger, in severe distress, or thinking about harming themselves, please do not wait. Come to the Emergency department or call us now. You can also reach the national mental health helpline Tele-MANAS on 14416, free and available 24 hours.
Emergency: 0877 6510510
About the department
Psychiatry Department in Tirupati
The Department of Psychiatry at Sri Balaji Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute, Renigunta, provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions in children, adults and older people. A psychiatrist in Tirupati at SBMCH begins with a detailed clinical assessment, then discusses the options with you before any treatment starts.
Care here combines medical treatment with psychological therapies. Depending on what you need, your plan may include medication, individual therapy such as CBT, family sessions, or a combination of these. We also work alongside other hospital departments when a mental health concern appears during treatment for a physical illness.
What you share with the team stays confidential, and is discussed outside the clinical team only with your consent or where the law requires it.
What you can expect
- A private consultation with time to describe what you are going through
- A structured psychiatric assessment, including mental status examination
- A clear explanation of the diagnosis and the treatment choices available
- Therapy, medication or both, matched to your condition and preferences
- Review of how medicines are working, with monitoring for side effects
- Guidance and support for family members and caregivers
- Planned follow-up so treatment can be adjusted over time
Treatments & procedures
Psychiatric Treatment in Tirupati
Select a treatment area to see how our psychiatry team assesses and delivers it.
Clinical Psychiatric Assessment
A detailed psychiatric assessment helps us understand your symptoms, daily functioning and care needs before recommending treatment. Nothing is prescribed until we have a clear picture, and you decide what happens next.
What we provide
- Psychiatric history-taking
- Mental Status Examination (MSE)
- Cognitive assessment
- Structured diagnostic interviews
- Individualised care planning
Medication-Based Treatment
Medicines may form part of treatment for mental health conditions. We explain their purpose and monitor progress, side effects and ongoing needs. Psychiatric medication management at SBMCH includes regular review, so doses are adjusted as your symptoms change.
What we provide
- Antidepressant treatment
- Antipsychotic treatment
- Mood stabilisers
- Anti-anxiety medicines when appropriate
- Treatment for dementia
- Treatment for substance use disorders
- Treatment for childhood disorders
- Regular medication review
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Exposure Response Prevention
CBT helps patients recognise patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to emotional difficulties and develop practical ways to respond. ERP is a structured therapy commonly used for obsessive-compulsive symptoms, where patients gradually face feared situations while learning to reduce compulsive responses.
What we provide
- Identification of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours
- Practical coping strategies
- Structured therapy goals and progress reviews
- Assessment of obsessions and compulsions
- Gradual, planned exposure exercises
- Support in reducing rituals and avoidance
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy & Biofeedback
DBT helps patients develop skills to manage intense emotions, cope with distress and improve relationships. Biofeedback helps patients become more aware of selected physical responses and practise techniques to manage them.
What we provide
- Emotional regulation skills
- Distress-tolerance and mindfulness techniques
- Support with communication and relationships
- Feedback on relevant physiological responses
- Guided relaxation and self-regulation exercises
- Review of progress and symptom management
Interpersonal & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
IPT focuses on the connection between emotional wellbeing, relationships and changes in life circumstances. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps patients explore emotional experiences and recurring patterns that may influence their present difficulties.
What we provide
- Support with relationship difficulties
- Help with grief and life transitions
- Strategies to improve communication
- Exploration of emotions and relationship patterns
- Greater understanding of recurring difficulties
- Support in developing healthier responses
Family Therapy & Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Mental health concerns can affect the whole family. Family therapy provides space to improve understanding and work through difficulties together. MET helps patients explore their readiness for change and develop personally meaningful goals, particularly when addressing substance use.
What we provide
- Support with family communication
- Guidance on responding to mental health concerns
- Collaborative problem-solving and caregiver support
- Discussion of concerns and motivation
- Support with uncertainty about change
- Individualised goals and follow-up
Electroconvulsive Therapy & rTMS
ECT may be considered for selected severe mental health conditions following specialist assessment, and involves anaesthesia and medical monitoring. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted brain areas and may be considered for selected conditions following assessment. Both are discussed with you and your family in detail before any decision is made.
What we provide
- Assessment of suitability and informed consent
- Coordination with the anaesthesia team
- Treatment, recovery monitoring and follow-up
- Review of symptoms and previous treatment
- Suitability assessment and treatment planning
- Monitoring of response and tolerability
Specialist and Treatment-Resistant Options
For illness that has not responded to standard treatment, we review the full treatment history and discuss the evidence, risks and alternatives for further options. These include transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), ketamine-based treatment, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Some of these require referral to an experienced centre, and we coordinate that where appropriate.
Scope of care
- Detailed review of complex, treatment-resistant illness
- Specialist assessment of suitability
- Explanation of potential benefits and limitations
- Supervised treatment with appropriate monitoring
- Follow-up assessment of response
- Specialist referral and coordination where appropriate
Explore by condition
Mental Health Conditions We Treat
As a mental health hospital in Tirupati, we assess and treat the conditions below.
Anxiety & Panic
Anxiety treatment in Tirupati for constant worry, panic episodes and physical symptoms with no physical cause.
OCD
OCD treatment in Tirupati using exposure and response prevention alongside medication where it is needed.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder treatment in Tirupati with mood stabilisers, lithium level monitoring and relapse planning.
Schizophrenia & Psychosis
Schizophrenia treatment in Tirupati with antipsychotic medication, regular review and family support.
Addiction & Substance Use
De-addiction treatment in Tirupati for alcohol, tobacco and other substances, with withdrawal care and relapse prevention.
Child & Adolescent
See a child psychiatrist in Tirupati for emotional, behavioural, attention and developmental concerns.
Memory & Dementia
Memory clinic assessment for forgetfulness, confusion and behaviour changes in older adults, with caregiver guidance.
Sub-specialities
Focused Areas of Care
Our mental health services in Tirupati are organised around these areas, so patients see a team familiar with their type of concern.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Age-appropriate care for emotional, behavioural and developmental concerns in children and young people.
- Emotional and behavioural assessment
- Attention, learning and developmental concerns
- Guidance for parents and caregivers
Geriatric Psychiatry
Mental health care for older adults, considering physical health, memory, daily functioning and family support.
- Mood and behavioural concerns in later life
- Cognitive and functional assessment
- Medication review and caregiver guidance
Addiction Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic
Support for people experiencing difficulties related to alcohol, tobacco or other substances.
- Substance-use and dependence assessment
- Withdrawal assessment and treatment planning
- Motivational therapy and relapse-prevention support
Forensic Psychiatry
Specialist assessment of mental health concerns that intersect with legal or medico-legal matters.
- Psychiatric assessment for relevant referrals
- Clinical documentation and specialist opinion
- Coordination with appropriate services
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
Mental health support for patients receiving treatment in other hospital departments.
- Emotional difficulties associated with physical illness
- Psychiatric assessment of referred inpatients
- Coordinated care with treating teams
Emergency Psychiatry
Prompt assessment of acute mental health crises, with care guided by the patient's immediate needs.
- Severe emotional distress or behavioural disturbance
- Risk assessment and immediate safety planning
- Crisis stabilisation and further care planning
Neuropsychiatry
Assessment of mental health and behavioural concerns associated with neurological conditions.
- Changes in mood, behaviour or cognition
- Psychiatric symptoms associated with neurological illness
- Coordination with neurology and other specialists
Community Psychiatry
Care that supports continuity of treatment and everyday functioning within the community.
- Mental health awareness and education
- Follow-up and rehabilitation planning
- Family and community support
Marital & Psychosexual Clinic
Sensitive assessment of relationship and psychosexual concerns in a respectful clinical setting.
- Marital and relationship difficulties
- Psychosexual concerns
- Counselling and medical referral when indicated
Psychotherapy Services
Psychological therapies help patients understand their difficulties and develop skills suited to their goals.
- Individual psychotherapy
- Cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal approaches
- Family therapy and motivational interventions
Memory Clinic
Assessment of memory concerns and changes in thinking or daily functioning.
- Memory and cognitive screening
- Evaluation of possible contributing conditions
- Follow-up planning and caregiver guidance
Diagnostics & technology
Assessments and Equipment That Support Your Diagnosis
Psychiatric diagnosis rests mainly on clinical assessment. Tests are used to rule out physical causes and to monitor treatment safely, and most are available within the hospital.
- Psychiatric History-Taking
- Mental Status Examination (MSE)
- Structured Diagnostic Interviews
- Psychiatric Rating Scales
- Cognitive & Memory Assessment
- IQ Assessment, When Indicated
- Personality Questionnaires
- CBC, Blood Glucose & HbA1c
- Kidney, Liver & Thyroid Function Tests
- Electrolytes & Lipid Profile
- ECG, When Indicated
- Toxicology Screening
- Serum Lithium Level Monitoring
- CT / MRI Brain, When Indicated
- EEG, When Indicated
- Standardised Psychiatric Rating Forms
- ECT Machine
- Anaesthesia Apparatus (Boyle's Apparatus)
- rTMS Machine
- Biofeedback Machine
- ECG Machine
- EEG Machine
- Bedside Glucometer
- Hematology & Biochemistry Analyzers
- Lithium Testing Analyzer
- Alcohol Breath Analyzer
- Shared Imaging Facilities: Ultrasound, Digital X-ray, CT & MRI
Our psychiatrists
Meet Our Mental Health Specialists in Tirupati
Our psychiatrists hold postgraduate qualifications in psychiatry and are part of the teaching faculty of Sri Balaji Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute.
Dr P Sindhura
Sr. Resident
MD
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Dr Shaik Mastan Shafi
Asst. Prof.
MD
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Dr. D .Aruna
Professor
DNB
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Dr. G. Madhavi
Assoc. Prof.
MD
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Your visit
Visiting the Psychiatry OPD in Tirupati
Here is what a first psychiatric consultation at SBMCH usually looks like, from registration to follow-up. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you.
Register at OPD
Bring a photo ID, any previous prescriptions and discharge summaries, and recent test reports. Call ahead to confirm doctor availability.
Talk to the psychiatrist
The doctor takes a detailed history, carries out a mental status examination and asks about sleep, appetite, work and relationships.
Assessment and tests
Rating scales, cognitive testing or blood tests may be used to understand your symptoms and rule out physical causes.
Treatment & follow-up
You leave with a plan you have agreed to, which may include therapy, medication or both, and a date for your next review.
For families and caregivers
Support for the People Around the Patient
Mental illness affects families too. Many people first come to us because a parent, partner or child has noticed a change and does not know what to do next. Our team will explain what is happening, what treatment involves and how you can help at home.
- Guidance on responding to mental health concerns
- Family therapy sessions where they will help
- Support with medication routines and follow-up
- Advice on relapse warning signs and when to call
Booking and enquiries
Appointments & Emergency: 0877 6510510
Health Check counter: OPD Ground Floor, 'A' Wing, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Monday to Saturday
Sundays & holidays: by prior appointment
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best psychiatrist in Tirupati?
The right psychiatrist depends on your condition, the type of treatment you need and whether a child, adult or older person is being seen. The Department of Psychiatry at Sri Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Renigunta, has MD and DNB qualified psychiatrists who offer assessment, psychotherapy, medication management and de-addiction care in one place, with hospital diagnostics available alongside.
What does a psychiatrist treat?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. This includes depression, anxiety and panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses, addiction, memory and behaviour problems in older adults, and emotional or behavioural concerns in children.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist holds a medical degree with postgraduate training in psychiatry and can prescribe medication, order tests and admit patients. A psychologist is trained in psychological assessment and therapy and does not prescribe medicine. Many patients benefit from both, and treatment plans here often combine therapy with medical care.
Will my consultation be confidential?
Yes. What you discuss with the team is part of your medical record and is kept confidential. It is shared outside the treating team only with your consent, or in the limited situations where the law requires disclosure. The doctor will explain this at the start if you ask.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist at SBMCH?
No referral is needed. You can book a psychiatrist consultation in Tirupati directly by calling 0877 6510510. Patients already under treatment in another department can also be referred internally through consultation-liaison psychiatry.
What should I bring to my first psychiatric consultation?
Bring a photo ID, all current medicines or prescriptions, any previous psychiatric records or discharge summaries, and recent test reports. If someone close to you has noticed changes in sleep, mood or behaviour, it helps to bring them along, since their observations add to the picture.
Is psychiatric medication safe to take for a long time?
Psychiatric medicines are prescribed after assessment and reviewed regularly. Your doctor monitors how well the medicine is working, checks for side effects and orders blood tests where they are needed, such as lithium levels or thyroid and kidney function. Do not stop or change a dose on your own, since some medicines need to be reduced gradually.
Where is Sri Balaji Medical College & Hospital located?
The hospital is on Airport Road, Renigunta, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517520.
Book a consultation
Talk to a Psychiatrist at SBMCH
Call us to book a psychiatrist consultation in Tirupati or to ask about doctor availability. Reaching out is the first step, and the conversation stays confidential.
- Enquiry
- 0877 6510510
- Hospital
- 0877 2266701
- Emergency
- 0877 6510510
- info.sbmch@gmail.com
- Address
- Sri Balaji Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute, Airport Road, Renigunta, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517520
The information on this page is for general awareness and does not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor. Mental health conditions vary between individuals, and treatment decisions depend on personal assessment. Do not start or stop any psychiatric medicine without speaking to your doctor.
Psychiatry OPD
Struggling with your mental health? Talk to a psychiatrist.
Appointments & Emergency: 0877 6510510