Department of Clinical Psychology

Department of Clinical Psychology

The Department of Clinical Psychology has been an integral part of the SRHU since 2003 serving nearly 8000-8500 people every year across the state of Uttarakhand and nearby areas of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi (NCR). According to a survey conducted by WHO in 2006 Himalayan Hospital was the stand alone medical institute that initiated and provided required psychological services to the people of Uttarakhand. The department is dedicated and committed towards providing affordable and quality treatment services. Furthermore, focusing on thorough and excellent education and practical training of students in the mental health profession.

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Vision and Mission

The vision of the department has been laid on the principles of founder H.H. Swami Rama who initiand the Idea of Holistic health that propagated the importance of both body and mind in their nuanced dimensions.

"to bring out research based therapeutic protocols centered on holistic or combined approach of psychological services and extend its reach to the to the common man in every strata of the society."
special-services

Out-patient and Special Services

The Out-patient services are provided to all the patients who approach for psychological and mental health problems from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to saturday. A systematic and smooth operation of OPD as well as follow ups are carried out by our experienced and well trained faculty of clinical psychology in their respective separate rooms in order to provide a proper client confidentiality and comfortable space for the patient.

Other than the offline OPD the department also provides psychological consultation on tele-consultation platform HimSanjeevani.

Various special psychological therapies and clinics operated by us include:

Psycho diagnostics and
other facilities

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Academics and Research

The student trainings are done under the guidance and supervision of experienced and trained faculty through elaborative classroom teaching and discussions as well as hands-on experience in the clinical OPD. Training includes teaching about psychometrics and psychodiagnostics, patient rapport formation, psychotherapeutic practices and research.

The department also provides various academic and practical exposures to the students of medical, paramedical and yoga sciences.

Furthermore, various research works conducted by us have been appreciated and funded by both national and international organizations. 40 publications (including international and national research journals), 04 books04 manuals04 psychological assessment tests, and 04 training manuals published by the department.

An elaborative and rich library of professional books and national and international journals and research are being formed.

Our Programs

Ph.D. in Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Duration

3 Years

ObjectivesThe Ph.D. is a doctoral degree with the primary objective of preparing candidates for advanced practice at the doctoral level. This program is designed to provide individuals with the flexibility to excel in diverse practitioner roles, contribute scholarly advancements to the professional community, and assume leadership positions within the mental health sector.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Post graduate students of Psychology/ clinical psychology/ applied psychology.
  2. Post graduate students of Yoga sciences (as interdisciplinary subject)

Programme Level

Diploma

Duration

12 Months

Objectives The Diploma qualified professionals are expected to contribute as an expert and specialist in the multi-disciplinary team setting and undertake the services activities as defined below:
  1. Interview and diagnose mental health problems
  2. Carryout psychological assessment (Intelligence, Developmental abilities, Academic skills, Adaptive and Social Maturity, Personality, Diagnostic and Clinical Ratings)
  3. Carryout Psycho education, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Behaviour Therapy

Highlights:

The aim of this course is to train students with acceptable level of competency to offer the basic mental health services. After qualifying this course students will be eligible to act as independent clinical psychologist.

Eligibility Criteria

Post graduate and Ph.D. Students of Psychology/ clinical psychology/ applied psychology and neuropsychology.

Duration

4 weeks (30 hours Theory+ practicum)

Objectives
  1. To gain knowledge and develop the professional skill to use the yoga psychology principals of Bhagwad Geeta in the practice of psychotherapy and yoga therapy.
  2. Promoting health and creating cognitive, behaviour and emotional changes in mental and emotional health.
  3. To learn the important differences between the two approaches (Psychology Based on Bhagwad Geeta and conventional Psychotherapy).

Highlights:

  1. To help develop the professional knowledge and skills that empower course candidate to gain employment.
  2. The whole course is a framework of recommendation mentioned in various researches (reference of research papers of SRHU and other national and international institutes).
  3. An understanding about empirical research on yog psychology as an effective, complementary and clinical intervention for mental illness, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Post graduate and Ph.D. Students of Psychology/ clinical psychology/ applied psychology.
  2. Post graduate students of Yoga sciences.
  3. Psychotherapist.
  4. Psychological Counsellors.
   Admissions Form         

Admission Open For 2025

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Associate Professor & Head Department of Clinical Psychology
Dr Malini Srivastava

Qualification:

  • Ph.D. in Psychology
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Preventive and Promotive Health
  • M.A. in Psychology (Specialization in Physiological and Clinical Psychology)
  • Clinical Practice License from Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) – CPR No. A17902
  • UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test for Academic Qualification)
  • Vidwan-ID: 305296
  • NCAHP-ID No.: 99-1503-1333-6187

Experience:22 years

Publications:

  • 36 research papers published (10 international, 26 national journals)
  • 04 books (03 national, 01 international)
  • 03 training manuals (Blood Bank Counselors, Adolescent Mental Health, Suicide & Self-Harm)
  • 03 international book chapters
  • 04 psychometric tests developed
  • 18 conference papers presented

Patent & Copyrights: 05 copyrights awarded

Area of Interest:

  • Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Applications
  • Integrated and Multimodal Psychotherapy
  • Neuropsychological Assessment and Interventions
  • Psychotherapy based on the Bhagavad Gita
  • Mindfulness-Based Parenting Interventions

Memberships:

  • Life Member – American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Life Member – Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP)
  • Fellow – International Association of Holistic Psychology (IAHP)
  • Member – National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), India
  • Fellow Member – Neuro and Biofeedback Society (NABS), FM/008

Awards & Contributions:

  • 2015: Developed and validated a community-based disaster management model focusing on Psychological First Aid for PTSD; adopted by Uttarakhand Academy of Administration and implemented by CBM International in Nepal
  • 2012: Awarded by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) for developing a Social Skills Training Module for children with intellectual impairment
  • 2012: Received research grant from Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, for developing low-cost biofeedback devices
  • 2011: Certificate of Appreciation from the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, HIHT University, for ICSSR-funded prevalence study on psychological disorders
Professor

Prof (Dr) Rajendra Kumar Sharma

Qualification: Ph.D. in Psychology, M.Phil. in Medical & Social Psychology, Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry & Allied Sciences (RINPAS), M.A. in Applied Psychology, JMC-PR& ADVT, RCI Registered Clinical Psychologist (CRR-A10589)

Experience: -Over 20+ years of teaching, clinical, administration, and research experience in clinical psychology and rehabilitation. Formerly associated with CRC Bhopal (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India) and Amity University Gwalior (18+ years). Founder of MANOVIKAS – Center for Autism & Mental Health, a leading center with 22+ years of service in autism care, assessment, and rehabilitation.

Special Interest: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Clinical Assessment & Psychometry, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rehabilitation Psychology, Integrated Psychotherapy.

Research & Publications: research publications in national/international peer-reviewed journals. Active involvement in Ph.D.,M.Phil. Clinical Psychology, Master's in Clinical Psychology, and Master's in Applied Psychology supervision as a research guide.

Achievements & Contributions:

  • Founder of MANOVIKAS Center for Autism & Mental Health
  • Conducted national & international workshops, CRE programs, and faculty development initiatives
  • Delivered expert lectures and training for academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and armed forces
  • Examiner at various medical colleges and universities as an examiner.
  • Extensive work in community mental health, outreach programs, and rehabilitation services
  • Have inspected more than 30 RCI institutes for MPhil Clinical, Professional Diploma In Clinical Psychology, and Postgraduate in Rehabilitation Psychology

Awards:

  • GYANARTH Award – 2025
  • Excellence Award (April 2022) – Felicitated in recognition of outstanding contributions in the field of Education
  • Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Best Teacher Award – 2021 – Conferred by the Center for Professional Advancement (A Unit of NITI Aayog, Government of India) for excellence in Teaching and Research in Psychology

Memberships:

  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Indian Association of Clinical Psychology (IACP) – Life Member
  • Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) – Expert Committee Member
Assistant Professor

Ms Rashmi Rekha Seal

Qualification:

  • M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology), Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), New Delhi
  • M.A. (Applied Psychology), Dibrugarh University
  • Registered Clinical Psychologist (RCI) CRR No.: A81777

Teaching & Research Experience: 3 years 05 months.

Area of Interest:

  • Child and Adult Psychological Assessment
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, DBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy
  • Neuropsychological and Learning Disability Assessment
  • Clinical Supervision and Training
Assistant Professor

Ms Nikita Kimothi

Qualification:

  • M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology)
  • PG Diploma in Clinical Psychology
  • M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
  • Registered Clinical Psychologist (RCI) RCI Registration No.: A68890

Teaching & Research Experience: 3 years 04 months

Area of Interest:

  • Mood Disorders and Bipolar Affective Disorder
  • Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Psychotherapy and Counseling
  • Substance Use and Addiction Prevention
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation
Assistant Professor

Ms Mahjabin

Qualification:

  • M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology)
  • Post PG Diploma in Counseling and Health Management
  • M.A. (Applied Psychology)
  • Registered Clinical Psychologist (RCI) CRR No.: A72778

Teaching & Research Experience: 03 Years

Area of Interest:

  • Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Cognitive and Neuropsychological Interventions
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
  • Crisis Intervention and Emergency Mental Health Services
  • Clinical Research and Test Development

Members:

  • Professional Member, Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI)
Nursing Advisor at Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan is a highly regarded American nursing leader and researcher who has dedicated decades to advancing nursing education and clinical practices at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) and Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Dehradun, India. Serving as the Nursing Advisor, she has been instrumental in shaping the Himalayan College of Nursing into a center of excellence, emphasizing the integration of compassionate care with modern medical technology.

Dr. McKeehan’s academic background is extensive, including a Ph.D. in nursing from the Case Western Reserve University and post-doctoral research at Ohio State University. Before her long-term commitment to the Himalayan Institute, she held prestigious academic positions, such as the Dorothy Rider Pool Professorship at Allentown College. Her research expertise spans oncology nursing, continuing education strategies, and innovation diffusion in healthcare settings.

At HIHT, she is a central figure in tradition and mentorship, often leading the symbolic Lamp Lighting and Oath Ceremony for new nursing students. Her work focuses on fostering a vibrant research culture and ensuring that nursing curricula meet international standards while remaining rooted in the visionary humanitarian principles of the institute's founder, H.H. Dr. Swami Rama.

Former Director, LBSNAA

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.)

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.) is a distinguished former Indian Administrative Service officer (1985 batch, West Bengal cadre), historian, and author. He is most widely recognised for his tenure as the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) from 2019 until his retirement in March 2021. Throughout his 36-year bureaucratic career, he served in high-profile roles, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal and Secretary of Industrial Development in Uttarakhand.

Since retiring, Dr. Chopra has emerged as a prominent literary figure and public intellectual. He is the Founder and Festival Director of Valley of Words, an international literature and arts festival based in Dehradun. An acclaimed author, his works include We, the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India’s Internal Boundaries (2022) and The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India (2025).

He holds a PhD in Management and has been a fellow at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and the World Bank. Currently, he continues to contribute as a columnist for ThePrint and serves as a Senior Fellow in Contemporary History at the Prime Ministers' Memorial and Library.

FRSB, FRSB

Prof. Graham Roy Ball

Prof. Graham Roy Ball, FRSB, is a distinguished expert in bioinformatics and computational systems biology. He currently serves as a Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), where he is the Director of the Medical Technology Research Centre. He also holds a significant role as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Intelligent OMICS Ltd, a company specializing in AI-driven biomedical discovery.

Prof. Ball's work focuses on applying Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and machine learning to solve complex biological problems. His research spans cancer systems biology, drug discovery, and the development of "molecular digital twins" for disease states. He is particularly noted for his work on the Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), a system that uses biomarkers to improve breast cancer patient stratification.

Before joining ARU, he was a Professor of Bioinformatics at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for over two decades, where he led the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre’s biostatistics efforts. He has published more than 280 journal papers and holds multiple patents in the field of AI and omics data analysis. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals like Proteomics.

Prof. & Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS, is a world-renowned leader in pediatric critical care and resuscitation science. He serves as a Professor and Endowed Chair at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He is the founding director of the CHOP Academy for Resuscitation of Children and the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Nadkarni has served as President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (2023-2024) and Co-Chair of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). His research focuses on advancing CPR quality, sepsis management, and pediatric life support, contributing to over 850 peer-reviewed publications. He has also been a key figure in global health initiatives, including the ABC Stop the Bleed program in India and missions with Operation Smile.

Dr. Nadkarni has received numerous accolades, such as the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the AAP Distinguished Career Award. He continues to mentor over 150 clinician-scientists while leading international efforts to strengthen the "chain of survival" for critically ill children worldwide.

Former Director General, UCOST

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal is a highly accomplished civil servant and technocrat who served an illustrious 29-year tenure in the Industries Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. While he is often associated with leadership in state councils, he is most distinguished for his role as the Director of Industries. During his service, he was instrumental in positioning Uttarakhand as a leader in the MSME and Startup sectors.

A leather technology engineer from HBTU Kanpur with a Master’s in Economics, Nautiyal’s career spanned the private sector, public sector banking, and the Ministry of MSME. He is credited with leading the state to secure the first position in the North India Geographical Indication (GI) festival in 2022, successfully promoting indigenous products like Munsiyari Rajma and Ringal Craft.

Currently, he serves as a member of the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office, where he continues to facilitate investment and entrepreneurship for the state’s diaspora. His proactive approach has made him a respected figure in Indian industrial circles, recently earning him recognition at the Raj Bhavan for his lifelong contributions.

Former Fellow University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra is a renowned Management Guru and academician with over 40 years of experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He is particularly recognized for his tenure as a Fellow in the Department of Economics & Accounting at the University of Liverpool, UK, where he served from 1996 to 1997. His international academic footprint also includes serving as a Senior Visiting Faculty at Tulane University, USA.

In India, Prof. Mishra has held several prestigious positions, including Director of the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) and officiating Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University, Indore. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Allahabad and is widely known for pioneering the study of Indian Ethos in Management, blending ancient Vedic wisdom with modern business theories.

A prolific scholar, he has supervised numerous doctoral students and authored several books and research papers. Prof. Mishra is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Founder President of organizations like the Shri Krishna Foundation and Utkarsha, which focus on spiritual wisdom and community development. His multifaceted career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship and the United Nations Fellowship.

Ex Director, National JALMA

Prof. Kiran Katoch

Prof. Kiran Katoch is a highly respected academic researcher and medical scientist who served as the Director of the National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD) in Agra. With over four decades of experience, she has been a leading figure in the research and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in India. Her work is characterized by a unique focus on bridging clinical medicine with laboratory research to improve patient outcomes in mycobacterial infections.

A prolific scientist, Prof. Katoch has authored or co-authored over 150 research publications in prestigious national and international journals. Her seminal contributions include studies on the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy and the investigation of cardiovascular involvement in leprosy patients. For her outstanding research, she was honored with the Dr. C. G. S. Iyer Oration Award in 1989.

Beyond her administrative and research roles, she has served as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Leprosy and the President of the Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI). Even after her tenure as Director, she remains active as an ICMR Distinguished Scientist Chair, continuing to advocate for integrated health systems and innovative research to solve local health challenges.

Executive-in-Residence, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

Mr. Prabhat Pani

Mr. Prabhat Pani is a distinguished corporate leader and academician with over 40 years of experience, currently serving as an Executive in Residence and Executive Director of the Centre for Impact in Sustainable Development at SPJIMR, Mumbai. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he began his career with the Tata Administrative Services (TAS) and has held numerous leadership roles across the Tata Group.

His corporate journey includes serving as the CEO of Ginger Hotels (Roots Corporation Ltd) and as the Executive Director of Taj SATS Air Catering. He also spent significant time in the telecom sector, holding senior roles at Tata Teleservices, Airtel, and BPL Cellular. Prior to his academic transition, he served as Head of Partnerships & Technology at Tata Trusts, where he led large-scale social impact initiatives.

At SPJIMR, Pani focuses on Sustainable Development and social sector interventions, bridging the gap between corporate efficiency and developmental needs. He is also a Senior Advisor at The Conference Board and continues to mentor social sector professionals. His work remains centered on building institutional capacity and leveraging technology for broad-based community impact.

Media Executive & Board Member, Times Group

Mr. A.P. Parigi

Mr. A.P. Parigi, is a veteran leader in the Indian media, entertainment, and telecommunications sectors with over 40 years of experience. He is most widely recognized as the Co-Founder of Radio Mirchi, where he served as the Managing Director and CEO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (ENIL). Under his leadership, Radio Mirchi grew into India's largest private FM radio network, fundamentally changing the country's audio landscape.

Throughout his career, Parigi has held several high-profile roles, including Group CEO of Network18, CEO of BPL Mobile, and MD & CEO of Eros International Media. His strategic vision also spearheaded the Times Group’s entry into the Out-of-Home (OOH) media business. Beyond corporate leadership, he has served on the boards of major entities like Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India) and has been an advisor to global institutions such as the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics and the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, Parigi was the first non-American to receive the Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009. Today, he continues to mentor next-generation leaders and advise organisations on growth, corporate governance, and digital transformation.

Former Director, IHBT

Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, FNA, is a distinguished agricultural biotechnologist and the former Director of the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT). Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), where he oversees the selection of top-tier scientific talent for India’s agricultural research sector. His leadership is defined by a commitment to converting high-end biotechnology into sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the Himalayan region.

During his tenure at CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Kumar achieved major milestones, including the historic introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and monk fruit cultivation in India. His research spans plant molecular biology and genomics, specifically focusing on how Himalayan flora adapts to extreme environments. A fellow of all three major Indian science academies (FNA, FNASc, and FNAAS), he has published over 120 research papers. His work continues to play a vital role in strengthening India's bio-economy and ensuring long-term food security through innovation.

Pro-Chancellor, Perdana University, Malaysia

Dr. Mohan Swami 

Dr. Mohan Swami is a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, and educational visionary who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Perdana University, Malaysia. A graduate of Mysore University, India, he began his medical career in 1978. He initially gained prominence in Sabah, where he established the largest private medical group practice, laying the foundation for his extensive career in healthcare management and corporate leadership.

Dr. Swami is widely recognized as the driving force behind the establishment of Perdana University in 2011. Under his leadership, the institution launched as a landmark public-private partnership, collaborating with world-class entities like the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Beyond academia, he is the Executive Chairman of Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd and has held significant leadership roles in various multinational corporations across the healthcare, property, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Swami is a deeply spiritual individual. He serves as the President of the AHYMSIN (Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International) and Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University. For his immense contributions to education and the Malaysian economy, he was conferred the title of Tan Sri. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Malaysia, bridging international relations through diplomacy and philanthropy.

Mahamandleshwar Juna Akhara

Swami Avdheshanand

Swami Avdheshanand is one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders and the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, the largest order of Hindu monks. Born on November 24, 1962, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, he displayed a profound spiritual inclination from childhood. Seeking higher truths, he renounced worldly life at a young age to practice intense meditation and austerity as a hermit in the Himalayas.

His teachings are rooted in Advaita Vedanta, focusing on self-realization, universal brotherhood, and the harmony of all religions. Beyond his role as a monastic leader, he is a globally respected philosopher who has addressed the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, advocating for global peace and environmental sustainability.

As the founder of Prabhu Premi Sangh, he oversees extensive social welfare projects, including healthcare initiatives, educational programs for the underprivileged, and environmental conservation efforts like the "Green Kumbh." A prolific author and orator, his discourses reach millions via television and digital platforms. Known for his serene demeanor and intellectual depth, Swami Ji continues to bridge the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern global challenges, guiding seekers toward a life of purpose and spiritual clarity.