Depression Treatment & Counselling in Dhaka
Depression treatment in Dhaka and across Bangladesh usually combines talking therapy with a certified psychologist, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist when depression is moderate to severe. Chum Wellness is a nationwide online mental-health platform where certified psychologists and BMDC-registered psychiatrists treat depression in Bangla or English, online from anywhere in Bangladesh or in person at our Dhaka chambers. Every fee is shown openly before you book, and every session is confidential.
- Depression is common and treatable. Therapy such as CBT helps most people, and medication from a psychiatrist is added for moderate to severe depression.
- If low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep or hopelessness have lasted more than two weeks, it is a good time to get assessed.
- Chum Wellness offers confidential depression counselling and treatment online across Bangladesh and in person in Dhaka, with sessions from ৳1,000.
Meet our depression counsellors
Certified psychologists who treat depression, each with credentials, specialty, area, session fee and a direct booking link. Book online across Bangladesh or in person in Dhaka.
Mst. Swampa
KM Ataur Rahman Robin
Farzana Sultana Nila
Syeda Faria Ehsan
Tahmina Sarker Prokrity
Shaheen Nafisa Siddique
Aakash Chakraborty
Nazme Ara
When depression needs medical support
Moderate to severe depression often responds best to therapy plus medication. Chum has three BMDC-registered psychiatrists, medical doctors who can assess, diagnose and prescribe, working alongside your counsellor.
Dr. Srijony Ahmed
Dr. Susmita Sarkar
Dr. Afsana Benta Anowar
All three are registered with the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC). Sessions available online across Bangladesh or in person in Dhaka.
Where you can meet us: in person in Mohammadpur (our main clinic), Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Banani, Gulshan, Green Road and the Moghbazar (MSE) cluster, or online from anywhere in Bangladesh. Bashundhara and other areas are served online, with your nearest chambers in Banani or Mohammadpur.
How depression treatment works at Chum Wellness
Depression is more than a sad week. It is a persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and affects sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and how you see yourself. The World Health Organization describes it as a common condition for which effective psychological and medical treatments exist (WHO). Treatment at Chum Wellness follows the same evidence-based path:
- Assessment. Your first session is a careful conversation about what you are feeling, how long it has lasted, what is driving it, and how it affects your daily life. If you are unsure where you stand, you can start with our depression assessment or a short self-check.
- A plan that fits you. Together you agree on goals and how often to meet, usually weekly or every two weeks, 60 minutes per session.
- Talking therapy. Most people are treated with structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, behavioural activation and mindfulness-based work. These help you change the thinking and behaviour patterns that keep depression going.
- Medication when it is needed. For moderate to severe depression, a psychiatrist can assess you and prescribe antidepressants alongside therapy. Research summarised by the US National Institute of Mental Health shows that psychotherapy, medication, or both together are effective treatments for depression (NIMH).
- Family involvement, if you want it. Depression affects the whole household. Family sessions can help relatives understand what is happening and how to support you.
- Regular review. Your psychologist checks progress with you and adjusts the plan, so you are not left guessing whether it is working.
Signs it is time to get help for depression
Consider speaking to a psychologist if several of these have lasted more than two weeks (NHS):
- Low, empty or hopeless mood most of the day
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping too little or too much, or feeling tired all the time
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Feeling worthless, guilty or like a burden
- Physical aches, headaches or stomach problems with no clear medical cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
In Bangladesh, depression often shows up first in the body, as tiredness, headaches or “gastric” complaints, so many people see several doctors before anyone asks about mood. You do not need to wait for a crisis to get help. If you are having thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department now.
Types of depression we treat
Depression takes different forms, and the right treatment depends partly on which one you are living with. Our psychologists and psychiatrists treat:
- Major (clinical) depression: see our guide to depression signs and causes.
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): low mood that lasts for years.
- High-functioning and smiling depression: coping on the outside, struggling inside.
- Situational depression after a breakup, exam result or job loss: situational vs clinical depression.
- Atypical depression: oversleeping, overeating and rejection sensitivity.
- PMDD: severe mood symptoms before periods.
- Postpartum depression in new mothers: postpartum depression in Bangladesh.
- Psychotic depression, which needs a psychiatrist first: when depression comes with delusions or voices.
- Treatment-resistant depression: when nothing seems to work.
- Depression in teenagers, men and older adults: guides for parents of teens, men and older adults.
- Bipolar depression: see bipolar disorder.
For a plain-language overview of how these forms differ, read our guide to the types of depression.
How much does depression counselling cost in Dhaka?
This is one of the most common questions, and one most platforms avoid answering. At Chum Wellness, every psychologist’s fee is shown openly on their profile, so you know the cost before you book. Sessions are priced fairly for Bangladesh, typically from around ৳1,000 to ৳5,500 depending on the psychologist’s seniority and experience. Students can request a reduced rate, just mention it when booking. There is no charge to be matched, and no hidden platform fee added at checkout. Compare psychologists and their fees.
Depression counselling or medication: do you need a psychologist or a psychiatrist?
For most people, depression counselling with a psychologist is the right place to start. A psychologist helps you understand what is driving the low mood and works through it with proven methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with no medication involved. When depression is moderate to severe, or when sleep, appetite and daily functioning are badly affected, medication can help, and that is prescribed by a psychiatrist, a medical doctor. Chum has both: certified psychologists for therapy and BMDC-registered psychiatrists for assessment and prescription, often working together on the same case. If you are unsure which you need, our team will guide you. Read more on the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. If depression comes with delusions, hearing voices, or you cannot eat or keep yourself safe, start with a psychiatrist straight away; our guide to the best psychiatrists in Dhaka explains how to choose.
Online or in-person depression counselling in Dhaka
You can meet your counsellor online from anywhere in Bangladesh, or in person at our Dhaka chambers, whichever feels right. Online sessions remove the three barriers people struggle with most: distance, time lost to traffic, and the worry of being seen entering a clinic. Research consistently shows online counselling is as effective as in-person for depression, anxiety and stress. Living abroad? We support Bangladeshis across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and the Gulf, in Bangla or English. See online counselling and therapy for Bangladeshis abroad.
What recovery from depression looks like
Recovery is usually gradual and uneven: better days start to outnumber bad ones, sleep and energy return first, and mood follows. Small daily habits such as regular sleep, daylight, movement and staying in touch with people you trust support treatment, but they work best alongside it, not instead of it. Read what getting better really looks like, practical ideas on exercise and lifestyle for depression, and, if you have just been prescribed medication, what to expect when starting antidepressants.
Ready to start depression treatment?
Common questions about depression counselling
How do I know if I need depression counselling or if it is just a low phase?
A low phase usually lifts within a week or two. If low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep or hopelessness have lasted more than two weeks and are affecting your work, studies or relationships, that is a good time to speak to a psychologist, you do not need to wait for a crisis.
Can I switch to a different counsellor if it does not feel right?
Yes. If the fit is not right after a session or two, tell us and we will suggest someone else at no extra cost. The right match matters more than sticking with the first name.
Is my depression counselling private from my family?
Completely. Your sessions and everything you share are confidential. Nobody at home is told, and we never confirm to a caller that you are a client.
How many sessions will I need for depression?
It varies. Some people feel lighter within a few sessions; others prefer ongoing support over a few months. Your psychologist discusses what suits your situation, and there is no obligation to commit to a fixed number.
What if I need urgent help right now?
Counselling is not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 now. For everything else, you can book a session and start when you are ready.
What is the best treatment for depression in Bangladesh?
For mild to moderate depression, structured talking therapy such as CBT with a certified psychologist is usually the first choice. For moderate to severe depression, therapy combined with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist tends to work best. The right plan depends on an assessment of your symptoms.
Can depression be treated online?
Yes. Online therapy works well for depression and lets you take sessions privately from anywhere in Bangladesh or abroad. Chum Wellness offers the same psychologists online and in person in Dhaka.
বাংলায় কিছু কথা
মন খারাপ অনেকদিন ধরে? কিছুই ভালো লাগে না? নিচের কথাগুলো হয়তো কাজে লাগবে।
ডিপ্রেশনের লক্ষণ, কারণ আর চিকিৎসা নিয়ে বাংলায় বিস্তারিত পড়ুন: ডিপ্রেশন (বিষণ্নতা) কি, লক্ষণ ও কারণ।
ডিপ্রেশন কি নিজে নিজে ঠিক হয়ে যায়?
হালকা হলে কখনো কমে, কিন্তু অনেকদিন ধরে চললে একজন থেরাপিস্ট বা সাইকিয়াট্রিস্টের সাথে কথা বলা দরকার। একা একা টেনে নেওয়ার দরকার নেই।
ওষুধ লাগবে নাকি শুধু কাউন্সেলিং?
অনেকের শুধু কাউন্সেলিং-এ কাজ হয়। বেশি খারাপ হলে সাইকিয়াট্রিস্ট দেখে ওষুধও দিতে পারেন। দুটোই চামে আছে।
খরচ কত?
থেরাপিস্ট ভেদে আলাদা, শুরু ৳1,000 থেকে। অনলাইনে সারা বাংলাদেশ থেকে, বা ঢাকায় সরাসরি বসে।
Start depression treatment with Chum Wellness
You do not have to have everything figured out before you reach out. Tell us in your own words how you have been feeling, and we will match you with a certified psychologist who treats depression, and a psychiatrist if medication needs to be considered. Call +880 1739-000501 or book a confidential session online.
Compare all counselling services at Chum → · Or join a live group workshop
🔒 Your privacy is protected. Every session at Chum Wellness is strictly confidential and never shared without your written consent. Read our confidentiality policy.
Helpful reads on depression
- How Financial Hardship and Family Shame Compound Depression in Bangladesh
- মন খারাপ হলে শরীরের দিকেও নজর দিন: থাইরয়েড, ভিটামিন ডি ও রক্তস্বল্পতা
- বিষণ্ন নাকি শুধু মন খারাপ? পার্থক্য কীভাবে বুঝবেন
- Teenage Depression: A Parents’ Guide for Bangladesh
- মন খারাপ থাকলে করণীয়: মন ভালো করার কার্যকর উপায়
- Psychotherapy for Depression: Overcoming Phobia in Treatment
