Choose an online counselling platform that tells you who reviews its counsellors and what that review covers, shows each counsellor's fee before you pay, and states its refund and privacy terms in plain words. Then read the counsellor's own profile, because the platform lists the counsellor, but the counsellor is the one you will talk to.
The checklist below works for any platform in India. The last section shows how Leshya answers each point, so you can judge it the same way.
Who reviews the counsellors, and what does "verified" mean
Many platforms use the word "verified". Ask what it means there. Does a person read each application? Which documents are checked: a degree, a diploma, a registration number? Is the check done once, or again when a profile changes? A platform that explains this on its site is easier to trust than one that only shows a badge.
Is the fee shown before you book
You should see the price of a session on the counsellor's profile before you enter any details. Look for the session length too, since a fee only makes sense next to the time it buys. If a platform asks you to sign up or fill a form before it shows a price, treat that as a reason to compare with another.
RCI registration, where it applies
Registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) applies to clinical psychologists and some other rehabilitation professions. Not every good counsellor holds it, and not every counsellor needs it. If a profile shows an RCI registration, you can check it yourself. Go to rciregistration.nic.in, open the CRR Register, and search by the number or the name on the profile. Confirm that the name and the qualification match.
Ask the platform whether it checks the number against the RCI register or only displays what the counsellor entered. Both can be reasonable, but you should know which one you are looking at.
Session mode and language
Check whether sessions are by video, audio or in person, and how the link reaches you. Then check the language. You will say more, and say it more truthfully, in the language you think in. A good platform lets you filter counsellors by language, not only by concern.
Payment and refund terms
Read what happens to your money if you cancel, if you reschedule, or if the counsellor does not join. The terms should be written down before you pay, not agreed by message afterwards. It also helps to know when the counsellor receives the payment, because a platform that holds it until after the session gives you more room if something goes wrong.
Privacy, and whether you need an account
Find out who can see your booking and payment details, and what the platform says about what you share in a session. You should also be able to book without creating an account. Some people want to try one session before they commit their details to another service.
Crisis support
Online counselling platforms are for planned sessions. They are not emergency services, and a good one says so. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call Tele MANAS on 14416. It is free, confidential and open around the clock.
How Leshya answers each point
Review: Every counsellor on Leshya is reviewed by a person before their profile goes live; independent counsellors upload proof of a relevant degree or diploma. RCI registration is shown where the counsellor holds one; Leshya does not verify it against the RCI register.
Fee: each counsellor sets their own price, and you see it on their profile before you book. Language: you can browse by concern, language and price.
Payment: you pay when you book, through Leshya. Leshya holds the payment and releases it to your counsellor after the session, once a short review window has passed. Cancellation and refund terms are shown on the counsellor's profile and before you book, and the refund policy has the details.
Account: you can book as a guest with your name and email, and your booking details arrive by email. An account is optional. Privacy: what you share with your counsellor stays between you, with exceptions for a serious risk of harm or a court requirement, and the privacy policy explains who can see booking and payment details.
Crisis: Leshya is for planned counselling, and the site points to Tele MANAS on 14416 for anyone who needs help right now.
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
Ask the platform who reviews counsellors and which documents they check. Then read the counsellor's profile for their qualification, and if they show an RCI number, search for it on rciregistration.nic.in under CRR Register.
