thatdesipsychologist.in

That Desi Psychologist: Bridging the Gap between You and Mental Health

That Desi Psychologist is a Health-Tech organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional cultural values and modern psychological principles.

“In India, the mental health industry continues to be fragmented and faces several issues like clients having difficulty trusting and finding qualified therapists, unfair compensation for psychologists, lack of resources and opportunities for budding psychologists, among many others. We aim to tackle all these issues and provide solutions to psychologists, mental health organisations, students, as well as clients. Thus, becoming the go-to platform for the mental health industry in India.”

Chetna Arora

(Co-Founder)

M Phil clinical psychologist trainee 
M.sc Clinical Psychology, Christ University
Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance & Counseling, Jamia Milia Islamia
B.A. (Hons) Psychology, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi

In a country where therapy is often misrepresented, people feel judged and scared to take that first step toward seeking help, we aim to bridge this gap through education, collaboration and awareness. My journey began when I was ghosted by my very first therapist, an experience that made me determined to ensure no one else goes through what I did. Dedicating my 20s to building this mental health tech startup, my goal is to provide not just accessible care but also to train, empower, and influence aspiring psychologists who wish to create a better community. By helping students choose this profession without fear of limited opportunities, I strive to change, empower, and provide.

Akshitara

(Co-Founder)

M.phil Clinical Psychologist Trainee 
UGC NET Qualified
GATE 2025 Qualified
M.A. Psychology, University of Delhi 
B.A. (Hons) Psychology, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi
Currently pursuing M phil at Amity University

My journey has always been shaped by one core belief: the chances I fought for as a student shouldn’t be a privilege, they should be accessible to everyone. I know what it feels like to search for guidance, to feel like you’re figuring it all out alone. And that’s exactly what I want to change. Through mentorship, support, and honest conversations, I hope to create spaces where students and early-career psychologists feel seen, understood, and empowered with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of belonging. As the co-founder of That Desi Psychologist, I’m deeply committed to breaking the silence around mental health, building bridges where there were once walls, and making room for voices that often go unheard. Therapy has shown me how powerful safe spaces can be not just for healing, but for growing, unlearning, and reconnecting with ourselves. And I believe that same spirit can carry into how we learn, teach, and show up for one another in the world of psychology.
For me, it’s not just about spreading awareness, it’s about changing the way we think about support systems, creating room for vulnerability, and making sure no one has to navigate this journey alone.

Vision

Our vision is two fold

  • To be the preferred national mental health service provider.
  • Deliver high quality therapy and academic services by creating a culture of excellence where everyone experiences care.

Mission

We, at That Desi Psychologist, have been cultivating this vision since our founding:

Transform India’s mental health landscape through inclusion and accessibility.

mission 2 1

Empower mental health professionals in India with authentic and credible upskilling opportunities.

Advocate for equitable pay and opportunities for mental health professionals.

Advocate for equitable pay and opportunities for mental health professionals.

Support budding psychologists to thrive in their careers with practical training programs.

Provide access to high-quality mental health services to anyone and everyone.

The 'WHY' behind us

The story of how That Desi Psychologist came into existence is quite amusing. When we both embarked on this journey, we honestly didn’t have grand expectations. Our initial goal was simple: start an Instagram page to spread mental health awareness. We wanted to share our experiences, talk about the challenges we faced, and advocate for mental health.

Part of the motivation behind creating the platform was a pragmatic concern. We were a bit apprehensive about the future. What if we completed our master’s degrees and struggled to find clients? We were aware of stereotypes about psychologists not being well-paid, and, let’s just say, we didn’t want others to dictate the limits of our potential. So, That Desi Psychologist became not just a source of motivation but also a way for us to explore possibilities beyond traditional expectations.

Like anyone else, we’ve had our own struggles with mental health and understanding ourselves. Sitting across from clients made one truth very clear: people need people. And in that realization, we found a deeper purpose – to offer a safe, supportive space through therapy where individuals can feel seen, heard, and understood.

Moreover, we noticed a gap in representation for psychology students, therapists, and mental health advocates in the Indian context. There weren’t many organizations or platforms addressing these issues, so we decided to create one and put the “Desi” in That Desi Psychologist.

From an Instagram page to a well-renowned startup, we built this with sheer hard work, consistency, and love. Our passion helped us reach thousands and impact many. One project after another, we grew stronger and more committed to our mission. Today, we have become the Desi psychologists we wished we had during our formative years. Our journey is a testament to the power of dedication and the belief that we can create meaningful change in the world of mental health.

'Our journey through the years.'

Meet our team

Get to know the passionate individuals behind That Desi Psychologist. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise to our team, dedicated to providing top-notch services. 

Tiya Sharma
Lavanya Gupta
Yajour Khurana
Khushi Mittal
Shruti Shah
Manvi Aggarwal
Diya Kaushik
Ishika
Shubhika Batla
Garima Kapoor
Madhumitha K
Sourabhi Agarwal
Paavni Khurana
Eishika Dang
Ananya K
Muskaan Gupta
Niyati Sood
Tannu Choudhary