Best Psychiatrists in Chandigarh

Psychiatrists in Chandigarh at a glance

Quick facts about Chandigarh and its healthcare system. Hospital, bed and doctor figures are estimates scaled from state and national data, because no public source counts them city by city.

With around 1.4 million (14 lakh) people (2025 estimate, from Census 2011 scaled forward with a growth factor, so treat it as approximate), Chandigarh is number 59 among the 100 largest cities in this directory and sits in the Mid (1-2M) size band. At the assumed growth of 2.2% a year, it would reach about 1.5 million by 2030, so demand for psychiatrists and every other speciality is likely to keep rising.

Scaling Chandigarh's 4.70 beds per 1,000 people (the India-wide figure is about 1.39) to the city's population gives roughly 6,500 hospital beds in Chandigarh, including about 330 ICU beds, spread across an estimated 15 hospitals (about 10 public and 5 private). That is about 213 residents for every bed and around 430 beds per hospital on average. On these estimates the city is already at or above the WHO's often-quoted benchmark of 3 beds per 1,000 people.

The same national ratio of one practising doctor per 811 people suggests about 1,700 practising doctors across all systems of medicine in Chandigarh, supported by around 3,100 nurses and midwives. Mental health is the thinnest part of this workforce: the national average is only about 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 people (WHO Mental Health Atlas 2014), so a population this size would have only a few dozen if it matched that average. Specialist head-counts are not published city by city, so these figures show scale, not how many psychiatrists practise in Chandigarh.

On health outcomes, Chandigarh's infant mortality rate is 6 per 1,000 live births (2024), well below the national figure of 24, and modelled life expectancy is about 74.7 years against roughly 72 for India; these are state-wide measures, not city measurements. About 33% of hospital beds in Chandigarh are private, so most people weigh private psychiatrists against government outpatient departments. This page lists 1 psychiatrist for Chandigarh.

General information compiled from public sources (MoHFW, SRS 2024, CDDEP / One Health Trust, UN WPP 2024, Census 2011); estimates, not official counts, and not medical advice. Listings marked "Online Verified" come from public online sources: please confirm details with the provider.

What psychiatrists in Chandigarh treat

A psychiatrist (mental health doctor) in Chandigarh typically helps with the following problems. Not every clinic offers every service, so ask before you go.

Also searched as: mental health doctor, depression doctor, de-addiction specialist, anxiety specialist.

When to see a psychiatrist in Chandigarh

• Low mood, loss of interest or hopelessness lasting more than two weeks
• Constant worry, panic attacks or fear that disrupts daily life
• Unusual thoughts, hearing voices or extreme mood swings
• Alcohol or drug use that you cannot cut down
• A child with sudden changes in behaviour or school performance

How to choose a psychiatrist in Chandigarh

1. Check the qualification: MBBS with MD (Psychiatry), DPM or DNB (Psychiatry).
2. Verify registration with the NMC / State Medical Council register (psychologists register with the Rehabilitation Council of India, not the NMC) and note the registration number.
3. Ask what the consultation includes and whether tests, follow-ups and procedures are charged separately.
4. Look for clear, itemised communication about costs; avoid anyone who guarantees a cure.
5. Check practical details: location, clinic hours, appointment system, and whether emergency back-up exists if something goes wrong.

Healthcare in Chandigarh: the bigger picture

Using state-level data scaled to its population, Chandigarh is estimated to have about 6,500 hospital beds across roughly 15 hospitals, including around 330 ICU beds. Chandigarh state averages about 4.7 hospital beds per 1,000 people, above the India-wide figure of roughly 1.4. About 33% of beds in Chandigarh are in the private sector, so many patients choose between private clinics and government hospitals depending on cost and the kind of care needed.

Major hospitals and teaching institutions often associated with Chandigarh include PGIMER and GMCH-32. Availability of Psychiatrist services varies by department and by day, so check outpatient timings directly before visiting. (This list is general knowledge, not a complete or verified directory, and includes both public and private institutions.)

For context on health outcomes in Chandigarh: the state infant mortality rate is 6 per 1,000 live births (2024), lower than the national figure of 24, and modelled life expectancy is about 74.7 years, above the national estimate of 72. These are state-wide figures, not city measurements.

Mental health professionals are in short supply across India. At the national average of about 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 people (WHO Mental Health Atlas 2014), a population like Chandigarh's would have only around 4 psychiatrists - a rough national-average figure, not a count - so it can help to book early and to ask about follow-up and counselling support.

Before you visit: what to carry

• Write down your symptoms and when they began
• Note sleep, appetite and energy changes
• List all current medicines