Open to opportunities

Sahana Nujella

@sahananujella

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Passionate psychologist dedicated to mental health innovation and community empowerment.

India

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What I'm looking for

Seeking roles that leverage digital tools and policy changes to drive mental health innovation and community impact, focusing on equitable healthcare solutions.

I am a psychologist with a deep passion for developing and scaling programs that address the immense burden of mental health disorders and other unique challenges in India and beyond by leveraging digital tools, culturally tailored strategies, and scalable solutions. With experience integrating climate resilience, capacity building, and community engagement into public health initiatives, I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including primary healthcare workers, educational institutions, ICMR, WHO SEARO, and the Governments of India and Bhutan.

I played a key role in implementing training programs for over 18,500 stakeholders, designing and delivering interventions that empower communities to recognize and address mental health needs at the grassroots level. Committed to 'health for all,' I aim to leverage public-private partnerships, systemic policy changes, and international insights to design equitable healthcare programs and achieve universal health coverage.

My work includes initiating and completing the preparatory and pilot phases of an implementation research study on suicide risk reduction and improving mental wellbeing among students aged 15-25 years. I have also contributed to several publications, including manuals and guidelines on mental health care, and have presented research papers at various conferences. I am skilled in program development, stakeholder engagement, and digital capacity building, with a strong focus on mental health training and policy development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Project Research Scientist

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMH

Apr 2024 - Apr 2024 (-1 years 11 months)

Led implementation research on suicide risk reduction among students, conducting interviews and focus groups to gather stakeholder insights. Developed intervention materials and organized workshops for teachers and students, enhancing mental health awareness.

Research Design Stakeholder Engagement Data Analysis Intervention Development Community Engagement Communication Public Speaking

Counselor - Pro Bono

Christ (Deemed to be University)

Sep 2022 - Jun 2023 (9 months)

Provided online therapy sessions focusing on anxiety and depression, utilizing a biopsychosocial approach and CBT framework to support clients effectively.

CBT Mental Health Counseling Communication Skills Empathy

Psychologist

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMH

Jul 2023 - Jun 2023 (-1 years 11 months)

Implemented a digital capacity building program for mental healthcare, training over 18,600 healthcare workers. Managed grant utilization and conducted training sessions, resulting in improved mental health practices across districts.

Data Analysis Program Management Community Health Budgeting

Clinical Psychology Intern

Abhaya Hospital - Neuropsychiatry and Critical Care

Jun 2022 - May 2023 (11 months)

Gained hands-on experience in clinical assessments and treatment formulation for patients with various mental health disorders. Conducted psychometric assessments and provided counseling in multiple languages.

Clinical Assessment Counseling Treatment Formulation Data Collection Case History

Psychology Intern

Beautiful Minds - Astitva

May 2019 - Jun 2019 (1 month)

Assisted in assessments for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and supported therapeutic activities, enhancing skills in play therapy and occupational therapy.

Assessments Neurodevelopmental Disorders Play Therapy Therapeutic Material Development Team Collaboration Communication

Service Learning Intern

Apoorva Centre for Autism

Jan 2019 - Mar 2019 (2 months)

Contributed to the development of special education programs for children with disabilities, promoting cognitive and social skill development through structured activities.

Program Development Collaboration Communication Community Engagement

Student Education Volunteer

Paatashaala Learning Centre

Apr 2018 - May 2018 (1 month)

Created tailored study materials for students with neurodevelopmental disorders and collaborated on exam preparation strategies, enhancing educational support.

Curriculum Development Student Engagement Collaboration Planning Neurodevelopmental Disorders Communication

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Christ (Deemed to be University)

Master of Science, Psychology

2021 - 2023

Pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, focusing on advanced psychological theories, clinical practices, and research methodologies to address mental health disorders.

Christ (Deemed to be University)

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

2018 - 2021

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Honours, studying various psychological concepts, research techniques, and their applications in real-world settings.