How to get an OPD appointment at IHBAS, New Delhi — a patient guide

The Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), located on GT Road, Dilshad Garden, Delhi — 110095, is a super-specialty autonomous body funded jointly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Government of India) and the Government of NCT of Delhi. It functions as a dedicated centre for mental health and neurological conditions, offering outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and specialty clinic services across Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Clinical Psychology.

Outpatient registration at IHBAS is open on all working days (Monday to Saturday). The hospital operates both a morning OPD and afternoon specialty clinics, with a token-based queue system. A nominal OPD registration card fee of Rs. 10 is charged; consultation and treatment are provided at heavily subsidised or no cost to patients, with full financial assistance available for eligible beneficiaries under multiple government schemes.

Registration and OPD fees at IHBAS, New Delhi

All fees above are as published on the official IHBAS website. Confirm current amounts at the OPD registration counter or via the official portal before visiting, as rates may be revised.

• OPD registration card (new case) — Rs. 10 per card
• Consultation charges — Heavily subsidised; free for eligible BPL and scheme beneficiaries
• Morning OPD token window — 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Mon – Sat)
• Morning OPD registration window — From 8:00 AM until last token is served
• Afternoon specialty clinic token window — 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
• Afternoon specialty clinic registration — From 1:30 PM until last token is served
• Teleconsultation (WhatsApp / phone) — Mon – Sat, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 9868396824
• Emergency services — 24 hours, 7 days (Psychiatry and Neurology)

Government schemes that help cover treatment at IHBAS

• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY — Cashless coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries. Delhi joined PM-JAY in April 2025; all public hospitals at Community Health Centre level and above are deemed empanelled. Verify empanelment status at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in before visiting.
• Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) — Financial assistance up to Rs. 5 lakh for Delhi residents with annual family income up to Rs. 3 lakh, requiring treatment at a government hospital in NCT of Delhi. IHBAS, as a Delhi government autonomous institute, qualifies as an eligible facility. Apply through the hospital's DAK desk.
• CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) — Central government employees and pensioners enrolled under CGHS may be able to avail services at IHBAS, which is jointly funded by the central government. CGHS cardholders should confirm current empanelment and applicable rates at the CGHS Delhi office or at the IHBAS accounts counter before treatment.
• BPL / Below Poverty Line exemption — Free psychiatric and neurological services are available for eligible patients. BPL cardholders should present documentation at the registration counter.

Rates shown are as per the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences — Official Website (2026) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to get an appointment at IHBAS

There are three ways to access the IHBAS OPD. The first is the walk-in token system, which is how the majority of patients register. Arrive at the hospital before 9:30 AM on a working day (Monday to Saturday), collect a token from the OPD counter, and proceed to the registration desk from 8:00 AM onwards. Tokens are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; arriving early, particularly before 8:00 AM, improves the chance of being seen that morning.

The second route is online pre-registration through the Delhi State Health Mission portal at dshm.delhi.gov.in. Create an account, select State as Delhi and Hospital as IHBAS, choose a department (Psychiatry, Neurology, or Psychology), pick an available date and time slot, and download the confirmation slip. The IHBAS website at ihbas.delhi.gov.in/ihbas/opd also links to the online booking process.

Patients with disabilities who are unable to come in person may request an appointment by emailing receptionihbas@gmail.com. Teleconsultation is available via WhatsApp and phone at 9868396824 from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Skype consultations are also offered under IDs IHBAS PSY (Psychiatry) and IHBAS NEURO (Neurology) during the same hours.

How long it takes to get seen

Walk-in patients who arrive during the 7:30–9:30 AM token window and register at 8:00 AM can generally expect to be seen during the morning OPD, though waiting times depend on the number of tokens issued that day and the specific department. Psychiatry and Neurology OPDs serve a large volume of patients; arriving as early as possible in the token window reduces wait time considerably.

Afternoon specialty clinics — including Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Drug De-addiction, Epilepsy, Movement Disorder, Tobacco Cessation, Marital and Psychosexual Clinic, and Neurobehaviour Clinic — run on specific weekday afternoons. Each clinic operates on its own schedule; patients should confirm the day and time for the relevant specialty at the OPD counter or via the hospital helpline at 011-22110730.

Patients who pre-register online receive a confirmed time slot, which can reduce time spent waiting at the registration counter on the day of the visit. Online slots are, however, subject to availability for the selected department and date.

What treatment costs and financial help is available

IHBAS is a government autonomous institute where patient care is provided at significantly subsidised rates. The OPD registration card costs Rs. 10. Investigations, medicines, and inpatient care are charged at rates set by the government, which are substantially lower than private hospital rates.

Patients who meet the criteria for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY — primarily those from socioeconomically vulnerable households as defined in the SECC database, or those newly enrolled under expanded Delhi coverage — can receive cashless treatment for covered procedures up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. To use the benefit, carry the Ayushman card or confirm eligibility at pmjay.gov.in, and inform the hospital's Ayushman desk at the time of registration.

Delhi residents with an annual family income of up to Rs. 3 lakh who require hospitalisation or procedures at a government hospital in Delhi may apply for assistance under the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK), which can cover costs up to Rs. 5 lakh. The application is processed through the hospital itself; ask the hospital's welfare officer or the DAK desk for the application form and the required documents (proof of residence, income certificate, and relevant medical documents).

BPL cardholders are entitled to free psychiatric and neurological services. Central government employees covered by CGHS should confirm applicable rates and reimbursement procedures with the IHBAS accounts desk prior to receiving chargeable services, as IHBAS is jointly funded by the central government.

Key departments and specialty clinics

IHBAS offers OPD and inpatient services in Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Clinical Psychology, and Psychiatric Social Work. The Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation service runs as a dedicated specialty clinic twice weekly (Wednesday and Friday afternoons).

Specialty clinics operate on fixed weekly schedules: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic (CAPC) handles ADHD, developmental delays, conduct disorders, and school-related problems; the Epilepsy Clinic (Tuesday afternoons) manages seizure disorders with particular attention to women and children; the Movement Disorder Clinic (Wednesday) addresses conditions such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia; the Neurobehaviour Clinic (Friday) covers dementia and Alzheimer's disease; the Tobacco Cessation Clinic (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons) supports patients stopping tobacco use; and the Marital and Psychosexual Clinic offers counselling for relationship and sexual health concerns.

The hospital provides 24-hour emergency psychiatric and neurological services seven days a week. Occupational Therapy is also available as a support service within the institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IHBAS accept walk-in patients, or is a prior appointment mandatory?

Walk-in patients are accepted. Arrive at the hospital between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM (Monday to Saturday) to collect a token, then proceed to the OPD registration counter from 8:00 AM onwards. Online pre-registration via dshm.delhi.gov.in is available and may reduce waiting time at the counter, but is not a requirement.

What documents should I bring for my first visit?

Carry a government-issued photo ID, proof of address (particularly if you intend to apply for Delhi Arogya Kosh or BPL exemption), and any existing medical records, prescriptions, or diagnostic reports relevant to your condition. If you have an Ayushman Bharat card or CGHS card, bring that as well.

Is a referral letter needed before visiting IHBAS?

A referral is not required for a general OPD visit. Patients can register directly at the OPD counter. However, CGHS beneficiaries seeking reimbursement should check the current CGHS referral rules, as these may require a referral from an authorised CGHS wellness centre for certain procedures.

Which specialty clinics are available for children and adolescents?

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic (CAPC) at IHBAS provides assessment and care for conditions including ADHD, developmental delays, conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and school-related mental health problems. The clinic runs weekly; confirm the current day and timing at the OPD counter or by calling 011-22110730.

How can I reach IHBAS for teleconsultation if I cannot visit in person?

Teleconsultation is available via WhatsApp and phone at 9868396824, and via Skype (IHBAS PSY for Psychiatry, IHBAS NEURO for Neurology), Monday to Saturday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Patients with disabilities who need to arrange an appointment by email can write to receptionihbas@gmail.com.

What is the income limit to qualify for Delhi Arogya Kosh assistance at IHBAS?

Delhi Arogya Kosh is available to patients whose annual family income does not exceed Rs. 3 lakh and who have been resident in Delhi for at least three years prior to applying. Treatment must be in a government hospital in NCT of Delhi — IHBAS qualifies as an eligible facility. The scheme provides cashless financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh. Apply through the DAK desk at the hospital with income and residence documents.

Related

• CGHS rate list and how package rates work
• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Safdarjung Hospital appointment and OPD guide
• Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital appointment and OPD guide

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.