Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How Never Alone works, from your first WhatsApp message to a consultation.

Getting Started

What is Never Alone?
Never Alone is a mental wellness companion that fits in your pocket. You start with a simple chat on WhatsApp, complete a short AI-guided screening built with AIIMS Delhi, and are then connected with real, verified psychologists and psychiatrists for ongoing, human-centred support.
How do I get started?
Just say hello to Never Alone on WhatsApp. There's no app to download and no account to create — you complete a brief, evidence-based screening on chat and we take it from there.
Do I need to download an app?
No. Everything starts on WhatsApp, an app you already have. Video consultations happen over a secure link — no separate app or complicated sign-up required.
What happens during the AI screening?
Our AI chatbot, developed with AIIMS Delhi, asks a short series of evidence-based questions to understand what you're going through — things like stress, sleep, and mood. It's quick, private, and helps match you with the right kind of support.
Which languages are supported?
Support is available in English and Hindi, and our wider clinical team covers several other Indian languages too.

Our Care Team

Are the psychologists and psychiatrists real, verified professionals?
Yes. Every psychiatrist is a licensed MBBS, MD doctor, and every psychologist is a qualified mental health professional. Our clinical approach is guided by an advisory committee from institutions including AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and IHBAS. You can read about them on our About page.
What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MBBS, MD) who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. A psychologist provides therapy and counselling but doesn't prescribe medicine. If you're unsure which you need, our screening on WhatsApp helps point you in the right direction.
Can an online psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Yes, when it's clinically appropriate. Our psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe in line with India's Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020), and you receive a digital prescription. A few categories of medication may need an in-person review, which your doctor will explain.
Can I choose which doctor or therapist I see?
Yes. You can browse our psychiatrists and therapists, see their qualifications and areas of focus, and choose who you'd like to consult when booking your appointment.

Chat Consultations

What is a chat-based consultation?
A private, text-only consultation with a verified psychologist, held right inside WhatsApp. You type, they respond — no video call, no scheduled time slot, and nothing new to download.
How is it different from the free screening?
The screening is our AI-guided questionnaire, developed with AIIMS Delhi, that helps understand what you're going through. A chat consultation is a real conversation with a qualified psychologist. You'll always be told who you're speaking with, along with their qualifications.
Is it live?
No, it's asynchronous. You write when it suits you and your psychologist replies when they're next available, so you don't need to be free at a particular time or sit waiting for a response.
How quickly will my psychologist reply?
Usually within two to three hours during working hours. Messages sent outside those hours are answered during the next working period. These are typical times rather than guarantees.
How long does a consultation last?
Up to two days from the moment it begins. Within that time there's no message limit — some consultations finish in a few hours, others use the full two days, depending on what your psychologist judges is needed.
What does it mean when a consultation is marked complete?
Your consultation ends either when your psychologist marks it complete or when the two days are up, whichever comes first. Marking it complete is a clinical decision, made when the work has reached a natural stopping point, and you'll receive a clear message either way.
What if the two days run out mid-conversation?
The consultation closes and your psychologist won't see further messages, so it's worth mentioning early on if you think you'll need the full time. If there's more you'd like to work through, you can book a follow-up.
Can I keep messaging after it ends?
No. Once a consultation closes, your psychologist won't see further messages. If you'd like to continue, you can book a follow-up — and you can request the same psychologist, subject to their availability.
Can I send voice notes?
No, chat consultations are text only. If you send a voice note you'll receive an automatic message letting you know it wasn't delivered, so you can type it instead. You're welcome to share documents, reports, images or previous prescriptions.
Can I get medication through a chat consultation?
No. Chat consultations are with psychologists, who provide therapy and counselling. Only a psychiatrist can diagnose a condition and prescribe medication, and that happens over a video consultation. If your psychologist feels a psychiatric assessment would help, they'll explain why and help you book one.
When does chat work less well?
When someone needs to see how you're doing rather than read it. Text can't carry tone of voice or expression, and meaning is sometimes lost in writing. If your psychologist feels a fuller picture would help, they'll suggest moving to a video consultation.
Should I choose chat or video?
Chat suits you if writing feels more natural than talking, or if finding a private hour is difficult. Video suits you if you'd rather speak to someone, if you want a fuller assessment, or if medication may be part of the picture. You can start with one and switch later.
All chat consultation questions

Pricing & Booking

Is Never Alone free?
The AI-guided mental health screening on WhatsApp is free. If you're matched with a psychologist or psychiatrist for a consultation, the fee is shared with you transparently on WhatsApp before you confirm a booking, so there are never any surprises.
How do I book a consultation?
After your WhatsApp screening, you can book a consultation directly through our online booking page — choose a professional and a time slot that works for you for a secure video consultation.
Is Never Alone only for students?
Never Alone was built with students especially in mind and runs campus wellness programs at partner universities, but our WhatsApp support and consultations are open to anyone looking for accessible mental wellness care.
What happens after my first consultation?
Support doesn't stop after one session. Follow-ups and check-ins help you keep track of your progress over time, so you have consistent, professional care that fits your life rather than a one-off conversation.

Privacy & Safety

Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your screening responses and consultations are private. What you share is handled with care and your consent, and video consultations are held over a secure, confidential connection.
Is my chat confidential?
Yes. Your conversation is private and is never shared with your family, college or employer without your consent. Consultation records are kept securely, as required under Indian medical record-keeping rules.
Is WhatsApp private enough for this?
Messages are encrypted while they travel, but the conversation also sits on your own phone, so anyone with access to your device could read it. If that's a concern, you can delete the chat from your phone — we keep our own record separately, as we're required to.
Is Never Alone suitable for an emergency?
No. Never Alone is not for medical emergencies. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact Tele-MANAS at 14416, KIRAN at 1800-599-0019, or go to your nearest hospital right away.
Is chat consultation suitable in an emergency?
No. Chat is not monitored, and although replies usually come within a few hours, nobody is watching for messages as they arrive. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please use the crisis helplines at the bottom of this page, or go to your nearest hospital right away.

General

How is Never Alone different from other mental health apps?
Never Alone combines scientifically validated screening tools with real professional care, all starting inside an app you already use — WhatsApp. There's no new platform to learn, and every recommendation is grounded in a structured, evidence-based assessment rather than generic advice.
Who is behind Never Alone?
Never Alone is developed in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, IHBAS and other leading mental health institutions, guided by an advisory committee of senior clinicians and academics. You can read more on our About page.
How do I contact Never Alone with other questions?
You can reach us anytime at hello@neveralone.in or message us on WhatsApp — our support is available 24/7.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.

Chat with us

Urgent support

In a crisis or emergency?

Never Alone is not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out right now, or go to your nearest hospital. You deserve immediate support, and help is available.