Alisha Lalljee - I Want Individuals to Demystify & Destigmatize Mental Health, and No Longer Consider Mental Illness as a Taboo (Psychotherapist From India)

I want individuals to Demystify &  Destigmatize Mental Health, and no longer considered a mental illness as a taboo. I would love to build mental health-friendly communities and also increase mental health awareness across all sectors by making patients and people develop a mental health-friendly mindset.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I have always lived and practiced in Mumbai, I am a Psychologist, Psychotherapist & Educator. At present, I am also pursuing my MBA & Ph.D. Working as a private practitioner there are a lot of opportunities that you have but it comes along with a lot of responsibility too. 

2. Despite so much talent in India, why do people look abroad for treatment?

I wouldn’t believe that is completely true, during the pandemic there have been a number of individuals abroad that have got in touch with professionals in India in fact. We have many talented and qualified professionals all over India themselves who also understand the sociocultural milieu of the individual from an Indian perspective. 

3. How important is a super specialization?

It always gives you an edge overall, you are more sound & practical in your diagnoses. You have a thorough understanding of your subject. It also helps you develop a niche area for expertise and practice where one can excel and build their knowledge to completeness.

3. What is your take on virtual methods of providing treatment?

At the onset of the pandemic, it was a task because it wasn’t something that I was completely used to, it being over a year now, it feels like normalcy. However, seeing patients in my clinic now makes me a lot happier.

The virtual model has helped many patients who find travel within the city difficult. It has also opened a whole new paradigm for practice as patients from cities all over India now have access to therapists that work in metros.

4. Which is your favorite book. 

Unusual and Rare Psychological Disorders - By Brian A. Sharpless

7. What impact do you want to create in the field of mental health? 

I want individuals to Demystify &  Destigmatize Mental Health, and no longer considered a mental illness as a taboo. I would love to build mental health-friendly communities and also increase mental health awareness across all sectors by making patients and people develop a mental health-friendly mindset.

Alisha Lalljee - Psychotherapist | Special/Remedial Educator | Research Scholar

Interviewed By: Shivansh Sharma

This interview is sponsored by Plus91 Technologies, a leading Digital Health firm.