India’s Top 10 Psychiatrists Who Are Making a Difference in Mental Health Care

Mental health is gaining long-overdue recognition in India. As conversations around emotional well-being become more mainstream, the need for skilled and compassionate psychiatrists has grown significantly. From anxiety and depression to complex psychological disorders, mental health specialists across the country are helping people lead healthier, more balanced lives.

This article highlights the top 10 psychiatrists in India who are making a real difference in the lives of their patients and the mental healthcare ecosystem.

1. Dr. Dhruv Gupta – Maanavta Hospital, Dehradun

At the forefront of mental healthcare in North India, Dr. Dhruv Gupta is known for his compassionate, patient-centric approach. Practicing at Maanavta Hospital in Dehradun, Dr. Gupta specializes in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

What sets him apart is his deep empathy and ability to connect with patients from all age groups, especially young adults. With personalized treatment plans combining therapy and medication, he ensures each patient receives holistic care.

• Location: Dehradun
• Clinic: Maanavta Hospital
• Specialties: Mood disorders, addiction, psychosis, anxiety, and more

2. Dr. Shyam Bhat – Bengaluru

An integrative psychiatrist and physician, Dr. Shyam Bhat is well-known for combining modern psychiatry with mindfulness and emotional wellness practices. His whole-person approach has helped thousands, especially in corporate and urban mental health settings.

3. Dr. Ashit Sheth – Mumbai

With decades of experience, Dr. Ashit Sheth is one of Mumbai’s most respected psychiatrists. He is recognized for his clinical accuracy and ability to manage treatment-resistant cases. He also mentors young professionals in psychiatry.

4. Dr. Anjali Chhabria – Mumbai

A media personality and practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Chhabria runs “Mindtemple” in Mumbai and focuses on depression, suicide prevention, and therapy. Her work has been instrumental in normalizing conversations about mental health.

5. Dr. Alok Bajpai – Kanpur

Known for his work with adolescents and in suicide prevention, Dr. Bajpai is a strong advocate of mental health education. His research and outreach efforts have significantly impacted mental wellness in educational institutions.

6. Dr. Nimesh Desai – Delhi

As the former Director of IHBAS (Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences), Dr. Desai has shaped India’s mental healthcare policies. He focuses on community psychiatry, research, and ethical treatment practices.

7. Dr. B. R. Madhukar – Bengaluru

Founder of Cadabams Hospitals, Dr. Madhukar has built a network of psychiatric and rehabilitation services across India. His patient-first approach has helped destigmatize psychiatric care.

8. Dr. Sanjay Chugh – Delhi

With a calm, reassuring presence, Dr. Chugh has become a popular name for those dealing with stress, anxiety, and panic disorders. His private practice in South Delhi sees patients from all walks of life.

9. Dr. Harish Shetty – Mumbai

Dr. Shetty is known for his strong work in trauma counseling and school mental health programs. He often works with disaster victims and has a hands-on approach to crisis intervention.

10. Dr. Soumitra Pathare – Pune

Director of the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Dr. Pathare is a policy advocate and one of the key contributors to India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. He works tirelessly for patients’ rights and ethical care systems.

Conclusion

India’s mental health landscape is evolving, thanks to the unwavering efforts of psychiatrists like Dr. Dhruv Gupta at Maanavta Hospital in Dehradun and others across the country. Whether you're seeking treatment for a specific condition or simply need emotional support, these specialists are leading the way in compassionate and effective mental health care.

Your mental well-being matters — and with the right help, healing is absolutely possible.