Departments – Psychology
Pratibha Malhotra
Consultant Psychologist
Pratibha Malhotra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and a Master’s degree in Applied (Clinical) Psychology from Delhi University. Her professional experience includes working as a Counselling Psychologist with the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, where she was also part of their 24×7 Stress Helpline. She has conducted a six-month training course on basic counselling skills for EDMC and NDMC teachers and has worked as a school counsellor as well as a facilitator for Mind Edutainment Pvt. Ltd.’s THOTS Lab project. Over the years, she has actively collaborated with various schools and organisations as a resource person, conducting psycho-educational and mental health awareness workshops. In her current role, she aims to address critical social issues such as gender equality, child rights, and child protection.
Hema Veerasamy – Clinical Psychologist
Consulting Clinical Psychologist
Hema Veerasamy is an RCI-approved Consultant Clinical Psychologist with an M.Sc. and M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology. With over eight years of clinical experience, she has worked across a range of settings in India and abroad. She is the Founder and Director of AGAM – The Mind Care Centre, a mental health initiative based in Tamil Nadu that provides ethical, evidence-based psychological services to individuals across the lifespan. Hema has served as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at several centres in Tamil Nadu, including the Sri Samarthanam Early Intervention Centre, HOPE Neuro Rehab Centre, and Tirupur Mind Care Hospital & Deaddiction Centre. She has also worked with Mpower, Mumbai. She is currently practising at the Bulbul Multi Rehab Clinic in the Maldives. She is a guest lecturer at various colleges in Coimbatore and holds multiple certifications in learning disabilities, art-based therapy, Indian Sign Language, hypnotherapy, grief counselling, and solution-focused therapy. Hema is also a professional member of several leading clinical psychology associations in India. She was awarded “Young Clinical Psychologist – 2020” by the Tamil Nadu Association of Clinical Psychologists and has been recognised by ELITE World Records, Asian Records Academy, India Records Academy, and the Tamilan Book of Records for her leadership in large-scale mental health webinars. Her insights on OCD, father-child bonding, and the psychological impact of COVID-19 on youth have been featured in The New Indian Express and Telangana Today. Dedicated to both clinical excellence and community service, Hema has conducted numerous awareness programmes across Tamil Nadu, presented at national and international conferences, and continues to volunteer at a government school in Coimbatore — nurturing the emotional well-being of children with care and compassion.
Saakshi Mishra
Sr. Advocacy Ambassador
Saakshi Mishra is a forensic psychologist committed to ethical practice and social impact. A Gold Medallist in Psychology (Hons) and holder of a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from the National Forensic Sciences University, she blends rigorous behavioural science with compassion. Her research portfolio spans collaborations with both public and private-sector bodies, notably partnering with the NGO Manahsrushti during the pandemic to analyse crime trends. An ardent advocate for animal welfare, Saakshi has participated in numerous rescue initiatives, affirming her belief that empathy should extend across species. She has also undertaken internships focused on child development, crafting multi-domain action plans to foster physical, linguistic, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth. Outside her core practice, she pursues graphology, viewing handwriting as an additional lens through which to view personality and risk. Saakshi’s fusion of scientific acumen, ethical clarity, and humanitarian commitment equips her to advance justice while nurturing safe and supportive environments for children and communities alike.
Akshaya S Iyer
Sr. Advocacy Ambassador
Akshaya Iyer holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology and a Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Psychology from the National Forensic Sciences University. Her academic training is complemented by clinical and research placements at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation, where she contributed to longitudinal studies on psychotic disorders, and at a UNICEF-funded reintegration programme for boys in conflict with the law. She later deepened her forensic expertise through internships with the Directorate of Forensic Science and at NIMHANS, developing practical skills in behavioural assessment, offender profiling, and courtroom testimony. Her reports have informed risk-management plans and rehabilitation pathways for children and adolescents in custodial and community settings across India. Akshaya now seeks to apply this integrated perspective to safeguard vulnerable populations, designing evidence-based interventions that uphold both justice and mental health care.
Abhidha HP
Sr. Advocacy Ambassador
Abhidha is a forensic psychologist whose interdisciplinary grounding spans the natural and behavioural sciences. She earned a BSc in Botany, Zoology, and Psychology from Bangalore University and an M.A. in Criminology (specialising in Forensic Psychology) from the National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat. Placements with the Directorate of Forensic Sciences and the International Institute of Justice and Police Sciences sharpened her skills in behavioural profiling, evidence evaluation, and courtroom procedures. She also served as a crowdfunding intern for Muskurahat Foundation, a youth-led NGO advancing child education and rights, where she learnt to mobilise resources and engage stakeholders. A lifelong bibliophile, Abhidha draws on the imaginative power of literature to craft empathetic, strengths-based interventions. She is committed to empowering individuals and communities through self-advocacy, believing that lasting change arises when people recognise and exercise their agency. Her practice blends scientific rigour with creative insight, translating forensic knowledge into humane, rights-based solutions and systemic reform.
Anshu Priya
Sr. Advocacy Ambassador
Anshu Priya has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and English from Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi, and a Master’s in Psychosocial Clinical Studies from B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi. She is passionate about an inclusive psychological practice that caters to the uniqueness of various individuals and groups. With this in mind, she has interned in clinical settings such as Moolchand Hospital, Fortis Hospital, and Mindvriksha Clinic, working with a diverse demographic. Driven by her interest in the intersection of policymaking and mental health, she has worked with MASH Impact Organisation and the You’re Wonderful Project, participating in their research endeavours to advocate for mental health.
Bhumika Gaur
Sr. Advocacy Ambassador
Bhumika Gaur holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialisation in Psychosocial Clinical Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi, and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from St. Xavier’s College. She is a trained psychotherapist, and through her brief clinical work at Ehsaas, she created a space that does not function on a rigid outline, instead allowing a flow that eventually helps individuals appreciate life together in their own ways. She has had a keen interest in social work, which was reinforced by her internship as a junior counsellor at the Resource Institute for Human Rights, Jaipur. The centre focuses on the protection of children and is associated with a home (Balika Greh) as well as the Child Welfare Committee. She observed counselling sessions centred around legal cases under the POCSO Act and taught children at the observation home. She also has experience in content writing, having worked on children’s books and various technical fields.
Swestha Jain
Sr. Advocacy Ambassador
Swestha Jain is a dedicated psychologist. She completed her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at the National Forensic Science University, Gujarat, with a strong academic foundation from Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, where she earned her B.A. in Applied Psychology. Her research portfolio includes significant contributions to psychological literature and active participation in prominent projects at Columbia University and other psychology research labs. Swestha’s work spans from qualitative analyses in psychiatric courts to innovative cognitive performance studies. She has published in renowned journals and co-authored a book chapter on paediatric psychology. Her clinical internships at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Fortis Healthcare, along with her role as a peer counsellor, underscore her commitment to mental health. Additionally, Swestha is involved in the American Psychological Association’s student committee, fostering student research initiatives.
Amrutha Varshini
Advocacy Ambassador
Amrutha Varshini holds an MSc in Counselling Psychology from Christ University. She has completed over 300 hours of direct counselling across schools and colleges, addressing a range of concerns including exam anxiety, self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, Trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. Her work also includes psycho-educational sessions for students on mental health awareness. Passionate about child and adolescent mental health, she believes these life stages are foundational and often misunderstood. She advocates for creating safe, inclusive spaces where young individuals feel heard and empowered. She has also volunteered with Suvidha Mahila Mandal, an NGO providing free education to underprivileged youth, and has worked in their HR team. Her commitment to accessible and equitable mental health care stems from both personal experience and professional insight. In her current role, she aims to promote awareness, empathy, and early intervention for children and adolescents facing psychological distress.
Sakshi Gandhi
Advocacy Ambassador
Sakshi Gandhi holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Her academic journey, including an elective in trauma-informed counselling, reflects a deep commitment to creating safer, more empathetic environments for children and young people. She has completed clinical internships at KIMS Hospital (Bangalore), Tulip Hospital (Kolhapur), and D.Y. Patil Hospital (Kolhapur), focusing on psychological assessment and interview techniques. Her work with children includes hands-on experience at FyndHealth, supporting behavioral, occupational, and speech therapy, and at Saksham Minds, where she designed and facilitated psychoeducation workshops on emotional awareness, communication, and early adolescent development. She has also volunteered with Aahwahan Foundation and Narayana Health and contributed to research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With strong skills in communication, collaboration, and community engagement, she is driven by the belief that even small efforts can create lasting change—especially when it comes to protecting and empowering children.
Bhavya Singh
Advocacy Ambassador
Bhavya Singh is a passionate aspiring psychologist with a deep commitment to research and social impact. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Jamia Millia Islamia (2025) and completed her B.A. (hons.) in Psychology at Indraprastha College for Women (2023), University of Delhi. Bhavya has contributed to an international research project in social psychology led by Professor Shinobu Kitayama, engaging in culturally grounded behavioral research. She has also interned at the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), DRDO, gaining exposure to applied psychology. Bhavya has qualified UGC-NET (2024) and GATE (2025), reflecting her strong academic foundation. As a trained peer facilitator under Project Saarthi, she has supported emotional well-being and ethical peer support initiatives such as moderating listening circles for fellow students. Her work bridges academic research and advocacy, and she continues to engage with projects that promote psychological insight, community awareness, and youth empowerment.
Aleena Zerin V. W.
Advocacy Ambassador
Aleena holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kerala (2025), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Christ College (Autonomous), Kerala (2023). Her practical experience includes clinical internships at Wellness Whisperers, General Hospital, and Sri Ramachandra Medical Hospital. She focused on interventions for children with special needs at TH Khader Haji Memorial Buds Special School.During her Master’s, Aleena coordinated SPARSH 2024, presented research at an International Conference, and volunteered at a Psychosocial Intervention Camp. As a Bachelor’s student, she co-authored the anthology ‘Euphoria’ and wrote for the ‘Christ Gazette.’ She was also the Head Girl in school and participated in a Guinness World Records attempt. Aleena has completed specialized workshops in Advanced Practical Hypnosis, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, and Interventions for Children with Special Needs. Her certifications cover Foundational Yoga and Expressive Art Therapies. Her professional interests include understanding criminal behavior, nonverbal communication, and graphology.