Depression treatment in Kathmandu, Nepal
Depression is more than ordinary sadness — it's a persistent low mood, loss of interest or energy, and changes in sleep, appetite or concentration that last most of the day, most days, for two weeks or more, and it is genuinely treatable. Dr. Kushal Kharel, a Nepal Medical Council-registered Consultant Psychiatrist (MD Psychiatry, registration #27199) in Kalanki, Kathmandu, provides a full psychiatric assessment to confirm the diagnosis and its severity, followed by an individualised treatment plan — which may include antidepressant medication, structured therapy such as CBT, or both — available in person or online.
Who this is for
- Anyone with persistent low mood, loss of interest or low energy lasting two weeks or more
- People whose sleep, appetite or concentration has changed alongside a low mood
- People who've tried to manage low mood alone without lasting improvement
- Anyone unsure whether what they're feeling is depression or ordinary sadness
- People with depression accompanied by anxiety or physical symptoms
- Postpartum, adolescent or elderly patients with depression needing an age-appropriate approach
- Family members concerned about a loved one who seems persistently low or withdrawn
Common concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
How is depression treated in Kathmandu?
Treatment follows the same evidence-based approach used internationally: a full psychiatric assessment to confirm diagnosis and severity, followed by antidepressant medication, structured therapy such as CBT, or a combination of both, individualised to the severity and nature of your symptoms.
Do I need medication, or can therapy alone treat depression?
This depends on severity. Mild depression often responds well to therapy alone. Moderate-to-severe depression generally benefits from combining medication with therapy, since the two work through different but complementary mechanisms.
How long does it take for antidepressants to work?
Most antidepressants take two to four weeks to show a noticeable effect, with full benefit often taking six to eight weeks, so dosing and choice of medication are reviewed and adjusted over this period rather than expected to be right immediately.
Is depression treatment available online?
Yes, both assessment and follow-up can be conducted online, alongside in-person consultation at the Kalanki clinic in Kathmandu, and medication can be prescribed through either format.
What if I've tried an antidepressant before and it didn't help?
This is common and doesn't mean depression is untreatable — it often means the medication, dose or diagnosis needs re-evaluating. A fresh assessment can review what was tried before and adjust the approach accordingly.
Is postpartum or adolescent depression treated differently?
Yes, treatment is adapted for the specific context — postpartum depression involves considerations around breastfeeding and the baby, while adolescent depression involves family involvement and developmentally appropriate therapy, both handled as part of general psychiatric practice.
What should I do if depression includes thoughts of self-harm?
Seek an urgent assessment or go to the nearest emergency department immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment — this is treated as a safety priority, not routine follow-up.
Ready to book a consultation?
In-person at the Kalanki clinic in Kathmandu, or online from anywhere.