The Telehealth Revolution in India
Telehealth has transformed mental health access in India. With over 70% of Indians now online and smartphone penetration exceeding 80%, offering virtual therapy opens doors to clients in tier-2/3 cities, NRIs, and those with mobility constraints.
NMC & Regulatory Guidelines
Understanding the legal framework for telehealth in India
Important: Telehealth guidelines primarily apply to medical practitioners (psychiatrists). Psychologists and counselors should follow RCI guidelines and industry best practices.
NMC Telemedicine Guidelines (2022)
Registered medical practitioners can prescribe medicines online. Must verify patient identity and maintain records. Applicable to MBBS doctors with valid NMC registration.
View NMC GuidelinesRCI Guidelines for Psychologists
RCI-registered psychologists can provide psychological counseling via telehealth. No specific telehealth restrictions, but standard ethical guidelines apply.
View RCI WebsiteCross-State Practice
Practitioners can serve clients across states in India. No specific license needed for each state. However, must comply with client's state regulations if any.
Essential Documentation
Before starting telehealth, ensure you have these documents in place:
Informed Consent
Written consent specifically for telehealth sessions. Must cover: technology risks, privacy concerns, limitations of online therapy, emergency protocols.
Privacy Policy
Updated privacy policy covering: data collection, storage (Indian servers recommended), third-party sharing, client rights under PDP Act.
Session Records
Maintain detailed records of: session date/time, duration, mode (video/audio), client ID, brief notes, prescriptions (if any).
Emergency Protocol
Documented plan for: client crises, technology failures, emergency contacts, local hospital references for client's city.
Telehealth Tech Stack
Essential tools for providing secure online therapy
Video Platform
- • Zoom Healthcare (HIPAA compliant)
- • Google Meet (with encryption)
- • Doxy.me (free, HIPAA ready)
- • WhatsApp Video (casual, less secure)
Scheduling & Practice
- • Therasoft India (recommended)
- • Calendly
- • Appointy
- • TherapyNotes
Security
- • End-to-end encryption (must)
- • Indian servers (data residency)
- • 2FA for all accounts
- • Secure payment gateway
Recommended: Indian Platforms
For compliance with Indian data laws, consider using platforms with servers in India: Therasoft, Practo, Lybrate or self-hosted solutions like Jitsi.
Telehealth Pricing Guide
How to price your online sessions competitively
| Session Type | New Practitioner | Experienced | Senior/Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Call (45-60 min) | ₹800 - ₹1,200 | ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 - ₹5,000 |
| Audio Call (30-45 min) | ₹500 - ₹800 | ₹1,000 - ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 |
| Chat/Text Session | ₹300 - ₹500 | ₹500 - ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 |
Tip: Online sessions are typically priced 20-30% lower than in-person sessions. However, many therapists now charge the same rate, citing equivalent value and professional overhead.
Disclaimer: The pricing ranges mentioned above are based on online surveys conducted in major metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad) in early 2026. Actual rates vary based on your experience, specialization, location, and target clientele. These are indicative figures and should be verified with current market research.
Digital Personal Data (PDP) Act Compliance
New data protection requirements for telehealth
Key Requirements:
- Explicit consent for data processing
- Data stored in India (preferably)
- Client right to data deletion
- Breach notification within 72 hours
- Data retention policy
Action Items:
- Update intake forms with PDP consent
- Review data storage providers
- Create data deletion process
- Appoint data protection officer (if large practice)
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