India, Oct. 7 -- Every year, 10th October is celebrated as World Mental Health Day. This day underscores how we need mental health efforts at both individual and societal level so that the right care becomes accessible and affordable for all in a timely way. However, over the last five years, I have felt that when it comes to psychotherapy, the field appears to be in the midst of a crisis in India.

There was little awareness about mental health when I began my practice in the early 2000s. Over the years that has changed significantly and the stigma around seeking help for mental and emotional issues has reduced considerably and many more people are seeking help now, which is great. But this has also led to a blurring of the distinction b...