Meet The Team

Dr. Arunya Barthasarathy is a RCI licensed Clinical Psychologist with a postgraduate degree (M.Phil) and Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences(NIMHANS), Bengaluru. With over 7 years of clinical and research experience, Dr. Arunya specializes in Common Mental Health Disorders including depression and anxiety. Passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges, Dr. Arunya employs client-centered eclectic approach to provide a safe, inclusive  space to explore, understand and navigate through psychological challenges. During her training in M.Phil., she has been trained to address psychological challenges  through an integrative lens- Psychodynamic, CBT, Mindfulness & DBT, family and couple therapy across all age groups. Her PhD work involved understanding the efficacy of an emotion-focused transdiagnostic CBT in clients with Anxiety Disorders. Following her Ph.D., she is undergoing formal training in 'Emotion Focused' Therapy (Level 1 completed). 

Dr. Rakesh Chander Kalaivanan is a seasoned mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical and research experience. His expertise lies in diagnosis and management of common an severe mental health disorders in addition to treating individuals with substance and behavioural addiction. His special areas of interest include working with children suffering from Autism, ADHD and IDD. His expertise in community psychiatry holds a strong focus on mental health promotion and preventive strategies. Dr. Rakesh has also contributed significantly as a mental health trainer, equipping healthcare and allied health professionals with the skills to identify, treat, and care for individuals with mental health disorders. He has worked in various projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, including the National Tele Mental Health Program during his tenure at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. His dedication to improving mental health awareness and care continues to make an impact in the community through his contribution in various books and training manuals that are utilized by Primary Care Doctors and Mental Health Professionals .

Dr. Bharath is a Senior Psychiatric Social Worker, researcher, and academician with a strong commitment to advancing mental health through clinical practice, research, and teaching. He earned his PhD and M.Phil. in Psychiatric Social Work from NIMHANS, following postgraduate training in medical and psychiatric social work at Pondicherry University and undergraduate studies at Madras Christian College. His expertise spans suicide prevention, substance use disorders, individual and family therapy, school mental health, occupational well-being, and solution-focused brief therapy. Professionally, he has worked as a Senior Research Associate at NIMHANS, served as guest faculty at leading universities, and contributed to counseling and rehabilitation services. Dr. Bharath has developed a suicide prevention training module for social work students, published widely in reputed journals, and presented at national and international conferences, including the IASP World Congress. His contributions have been recognized through prestigious opportunities such as the Australia India Research Students Fellowship at the University of Melbourne and advanced leadership training at King’s College London. He is an active member of professional organizations including ISPSW, WAPR, and APASWE, and continues to contribute to the field through clinical service, academic teaching, community engagement, and international collaboration.