Wanting to try counselling before you spend money on it is reasonable. You are not sure it will help, you are not sure you will like the counsellor, and the fee is one more thing to think about. A free first session is one way to take the first step with less at stake.
This page explains where free options exist in India, what a free first session is and is not, and how to find one on Leshya.
Counsellors who help with anxiety
See fees and open times. Book when you feel ready.
Chhavi Baid
5.0(1)Counselling psychologist3 yrsSurat, IndiaOnline sessions on video call and in-person sessions in Surat
Expertise
Languages
EnglishHindiGujaratiEarliest slot: Tomorrow, 6:00 pm
from ₹350 / session
Book a session
Palak Kathuria
Trauma informed Counselling Psychologist2 yrsOnline sessions on video call
Expertise
Languages
HindiEnglishPunjabiEarliest slot: Tomorrow, 5:15 pm
from ₹300 / session
Book a session
Siddhi Saraf
Clinical psychologistSurat, IndiaOnline sessions on video call and in-person sessions in Surat
Expertise
Languages
EnglishHindiEarliest slot: Tomorrow, 5:50 pm
from ₹2,000 / session
Book a sessionWhat a free intro session is
Some counsellors offer a free introductory session to new clients. It is usually a short first conversation. You say what has been on your mind, the counsellor explains how they work, and you both get a feel for whether it is a good fit. Each counsellor decides whether to offer one and how long it is.
It is a way to meet, not a full course of counselling. If you decide to continue, later sessions are paid at the counsellor's fee. That fee should be clear to you before you agree.
What to expect from it
Expect a calm, low-pressure conversation. You do not need to prepare a story or have the right words. A few things are worth bringing: what made you look for support now, what you hope would change, and any questions about how sessions work, how often you would meet and what it costs after the intro.
You can say no at the end. If the fit does not feel right, trying another counsellor is normal, and a free intro with someone else costs you nothing extra.
A free intro is not meant to solve everything in one go. It gives you a sense of the person and a first small step.
Free public options in India
Tele MANAS is the government of India's mental health helpline, on 14416. If you are in distress and want to talk to someone now, you can call it. Check telemanas.mohfw.gov.in for its current hours, languages and what it offers, since those details are best taken from the source.
Some colleges and universities run counselling cells for their students, and some hospitals and NGOs run low cost or free services. Availability, waiting times and the kind of support differ by place, so ask the institution directly.
A helpline and a counselling session are different things. A helpline is there when you need someone to talk to. A counsellor sees you over several sessions and gets to know your situation.
How to find a free intro on Leshya
On Leshya, each counsellor sets their own fee, and you see it on their profile before you book. Where a counsellor offers a free intro session, it shows as a Free chip on their card and on their profile, so you can spot it while you browse.
A free session confirms without a payment step. You can book as a guest with a name and an email; you confirm the email with a 6-digit code first, and you do not need an account. Not every counsellor offers a free intro, so if you do not see the chip on one profile, look at others.
If a free intro is not available
Counselling fees vary widely. If money is the main worry, read what counselling usually costs in India and look for a counsellor whose fee fits what you can manage. Fees and session lengths differ from one counsellor to another, so compare a few offerings.
You can also write down what you want to work on before the session. A clear starting point makes the time you pay for go further.
If you need help right now
Leshya is not emergency care. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, call Tele MANAS on 14416 or your local emergency number. You do not have to wait for a booking.
If you're thinking about harming yourself, please talk to someone right now. Tele MANAS is free, confidential and always open: call 14416. You matter.
The counselors here can help with ongoing support, but right now a call is faster.
Common questions
There are free options, such as a government helpline (Tele MANAS, 14416), some college counselling cells and some NGO services. Availability differs by place. Some counsellors also offer a free first session.
