Dr M Malaiappan
Director and Professor
I am a psychiatrist interested in Mental Health Law, Human rights of the mentally ill and Comprehensive Mental Health Services, including Bio, Psycho, and social domains. I am also interested in teaching psychiatry to medical professionals, nurses, and other Allied Health Professionals.
Dr R Saravana Jothi
Professor of Psychiatry
As a Professor of Psychiatry, I bring expertise and experience, having completed my MD in Psychiatry from Madras Medical College in September 2006. I've held various academic positions, including Assistant Professor at Kilpauk, Associate Professor in Coimbatore, and Stanley Medical College. Since May 2019, I've been serving at the Institute of Mental Health/Madras Medical College, handling diverse responsibilities as a professor, teacher, research guide, paper setter, and speaker.
Dr P Poornachandrika
Professor of Psychiatry
My career in the Tamil Nadu Government Service, particularly my tenure as Director (FAC) and now Professor at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Chennai, has been dedicated to transforming public mental healthcare through compassionate, patient-centric leadership. This appraisal summarises my key contributions toward this goal. My primary focus has been on dismantling stigma and restoring dignity to patients. I led several foundational changes at IMH, including the discontinuation of patient uniforms to foster individuality and a humane recovery environment. To ensure social and civic integration, I spearheaded the successful initiative to issue Voter IDs to in-patients, enabling their participation in the 2021 Assembly Election. Furthering a holistic approach, I encouraged patients to compete in the State-level Sports Event for the differently-abled, where their remarkable efforts resulted in winning the championship trophy, powerfully showcasing their capabilities. Beyond institutional care, I have been committed to ensuring long-term rehabilitation and economic independence for recovering individuals. I conceptualised and launched vocational training programs and job fairs, creating direct employment opportunities that have successfully reintegrated many former patients into mainstream society with financial autonomy. These transformative initiatives have been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Neeya Naana Best Personality Award (2022), the Indian Express Devi Award (2023), and The Hindu Health & Hygiene Award (2024). I view these accolades as a validation of our collective focus on innovative, human-first mental healthcare.
Dr V Venkatesh Mathan Kumar
Professor of Psychiatry
I completed my MD in Psychiatry from Madras Medical College in April 2008. My last stint was in Stanley Medical College. I have been functioning from the Institute of Mental Health/Madras Medical College since February 2015. I handle various capacities as a professor, teacher, research guide, paper setter, speaker and as a state coordinator for Mental Health- National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu & Tele Manas. I have published about 10 papers as a part of psychiatric research.
Dr P P Kannan
Professor of Psychiatry
Dr. P.P. Kannan, MD (Psychiatry), is Professor of Psychiatry at Madras Medical College, Chennai, with a distinguished career in psychiatric education and clinical research. He completed his MBBS in 1997 and MD (Psychiatry) in 2006, both from Madras Medical College. His academic portfolio includes organizing multiple state-level postgraduate training programs (2013–2019), conducting a 10-day research methodology workshop with ICMR support (2014), presenting papers at ANCIPS conferences (2007, 2015), and leading the TN-IPS RCBC statewide journal club for psychiatry PGs during 2021–22. He has authored and co-authored three books, including one on child mental health for teachers and parents, and published six papers in indexed journals. Dr. Kannan's teaching career spans over 15 years, including roles as Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Institute of Child Health), Associate Professor at both the Institute of Mental Health and Kilpauk Medical College, and Professor & HOD at Chengalpattu Medical College. Since February 2021, he has served as Professor of Psychiatry at Madras Medical College/RGGGH. He is actively involved in developing training modules for mental health professionals, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and professional development.
Dr MS Jagadeesan
Professor of Psychiatry
Experienced psychiatrist with over 20 years in clinical, academic, and leadership roles. Special interest in somatoform and addictive disorders. Initiated MD Psychiatry at CMCH, pioneered autism insurance scheme, published research, and served as speaker at international forums. Currently Professor, Madras Medical College; committed to advancing mental health education and care.
Dr B Shanthi
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
I'm Dr Shanthi, at present, heading the Department of Child Psychiatry as an Associate Professor at ICH &HC, Egmore, Chennai, since 2019. I've completed my MBBS from the renowned institute, MMC in the year 1996. Subsequently, I joined the Government Services in the year 2001, worked in various remote PHCs, catering to the downtrodden sector of society, and participated in several public health activities. Later on, I completed DA from MMC again, in the year 2007, and worked in Tirutani Taluk Headquarters, attending to numerous Caesarean sections and Family Planning surgeries. With an undeniable inclination towards the fascinating mental health and treating the unseen, I took up Psychiatry from yet another prestigious institution (IMH), in the year 2008 and completed in 2011. Ever since, I have worked as an Assistant Professor, sharpening my clinical skills in managing patients with mental health issues, helping with the ECTs as well when needed. I have been the state resource person for Forensic Psychiatry for nearly 2 years, training the Postgraduates throughout the state. Post promotion, as an Associate professor, I have served in various medical colleges, currently being in the famous, one of the largest in Asia, ICH &HC, Egmore, Chennai. My fields of interest are Forensic Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry, especially CSA and POCSO.
Dr M Shanthi Maheshwari
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I am Dr.M.Shanthi Maheshwari, currently serving as a Psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health since June 2010. My academic journey began with the completion of MBBS from IRT Perundurai Medical College in 2005. I subsequently pursued my MD in Psychiatry at Madurai Medical College between 2007-2010.
Dr NM Meena
Assistant Professor
I am Dr NM Meena working as an Assistant professor at Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk since September 2014. I completed my MBBS from Madras Medical College in 2006. I subsequently pursued MD psychiatry at Madurai Medical College from 2011-2014.I have been serving as a psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health since then. I am passionate about teaching psychiatry and clinical services. My area of interest includes mood disorders and neuromodulation therapies.
Dr V Vimal doshi
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Dr Vimal completed his MBBS in Madras Medical College and finished his Postgraduation in Psychiatry from Madurai Medical College. After his senior residency, he was posted in adult psychiatry for 3 years before being posted to child psychiatry. He was working as an assistant professor in child psychiatry at the Institute of Child Health for 10 years. Currently, he is working as a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist in the Centre of Excellence for autism spectrum disorder, Chennai. His area of research includes EEG in Autism, Empathy in Autism and ADHD, Working memory in Specific Learning Disorders, and emotional disorders in adolescents. He is the recipient of National and State awards and has published multiple research papers in Autism, Learning Disorders, and ADHD.
Dr T Ahalya
Assistant Professor
I am Dr. T. Ahalya, Asst. Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health, attached to Madras Medical College, Chennai. I completed my MBBS degree at Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, in 1997, and a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Madras Medical College, Chennai, in 2002. I pursued and completed an M.D. Psychiatry from the Institute of Mental Health, attached to Madras Medical College in 2015. I have been serving at the same Institution as Senior Resident in 2016 and as an Assistant Professor since 2017. My areas of interest include Perinatal and Forensic psychiatry. I have organised a CME on “SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION" at my institute for postgraduate students. I attend academic activities. I aim to develop my clinical skills, contribute to research, teach students, and provide good care to all my patients.
Dr M G Hemapriya
Assistant Professor
I am Dr. Hema Priya, working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health since 2016. I have done my MBBS from PSG IMS&R and a diploma in Dermatology from Stanley Medical College. I have finished my MD in psychiatry at Madras Medical College.
Dr M Geetha
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I have completed my MD Psychiatry degree from Madras Medical College in June 2017. My previous stint was at Stanley Medical College. I joined the Institute of Mental Health, Madras Medical College in 2019. My core interests are in clinical aspects of psychiatry, which include General psychiatry, Addiction, Child, Forensic and Geriatric, apart from teaching and research work. I have published two journals as a part of my academic work.
Dr C Kavitha
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I am Dr Kavitha, currently working as an assistant professor in an institute of mental health since February 2016. My academic journey began with the completion of MBBS from Tirunelveli Medical College in 2003, and I completed MD psychiatry at Madras Medical College in the year of 2015. Over the past years at the IMH, I have been involved in comprehensive patient care, more over in the de-addiction part for which I have published a journal article regarding this.
Dr V Karthikeyan
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I, Dr. V. Karthikeyan, completed my MBBS from Stanley Medical College, DPM from Madras Medical College, and MD (Psychiatry) from Stanley Medical College. I am passionate about teaching and clinical work. My areas of interest include Mood Disorders, OCD, and Forensic Psychiatry.
Dr Jennifer Sangeetha
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I am Dr. Jennifer Sangeetha, currently serving as a Psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health since July 2016. My academic journey began with the completion of MBBS from Madurai Medical College in 2001. I subsequently pursued a Diploma in Anesthesiology at Kilpauk Medical College from 2007 to 2009. With a deepening interest in mental health, I undertook an MD in Psychiatry at Stanley Medical College, completing it in 2016, which equipped me with the clinical skills required to manage a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Over the past years at the Institute of Mental Health, I have been actively involved in patient care, clinical supervision, and the delivery of comprehensive psychiatric services
Dr MSP Saravanan
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
“It’s my privilege to be part of this centuries-old Institution as a faculty member in the cadre of Assistant Professor and having been bestowed with an opportunity to serve, learn, and equip myself with the nuances of this art of Mental health care. I joined the Institution in October 2019 and continue to work to this date. I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Medicine in the year 2001 and my Master's degree in 2018. Interested in the clinical ethos of Addiction Psychiatry It’s been a joyous ride with a heterogeneous working group studded with an immense scope of untying knots encircling and conjuring the core virtues of Psychiatric Medicine It’s a liberated, solemn feeling wherein the levels of motivation surpass the encountered hardships and thereby promote introspection as well as effective health care delivery from time to time Wish and vow to contribute to this centre of excellence to the best of my ability.”
Dr N Prabhu
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I am Dr.N.Prabhu, currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, Chennai. Completed my MBBS in Perundurai Medical College in 2003.Finished my MD (Psychiatry) from Sri Ramachandra Medical College in 2014. I'm interested in De-addiction Psychiatry.
Dr Merolin Jayasheela
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I am Dr T. Merolin Jaya Sheela, a Psychiatrist in Chennai. I completed my M.D. degree in Psychiatry from the Institute of Mental Health affiliated to Madras Medical College in 2017, and I have been serving at the same Institution as Assistant Professor since 2018. My areas of interest include Perinatal psychiatry and the Rehabilitation of patients. I attend academic activities. I aim to develop my clinical skills, contribute to research, teach students, and provide good care to all my patients.
Dr KN Lavanya
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
As a Senior Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at RGGGH, Madras Medical College, with over 6 years of experience, I have excelled academically, earning a gold medal in MD Psychiatry. A two-time award recipient for outstanding service during RGGGH's Republic Day celebrations (2022 and 2024), I currently serve as a member of the Internal Complaints Committee and previously advised the Student Council's Cultural Committee.
Dr V Mythili
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Work experience in IMH from June 2015 to October 2019. Since November 2019, I have been working in the *Child Psychiatry Unit* at the Institute of Child Health (Egmore) My areas of interest include Psycho-Oncology, Child Psychiatry, and Perinatal Psychiatry.
Dr Venkatlakshmi
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
As a dedicated and experienced Psychiatrist, I have been serving at the Institute of Mental Health since June 2024. With a strong academic foundation in medicine, I completed my MBBS from Madurai Medical College in 2006 and later pursued my MD in Psychiatry from the prestigious Institute of Mental Health, Madras Medical College, completing it in 2011. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in various capacities, including as an Assistant Professor at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, and Government Medical College, Thiruvallur. Additionally, I have served as a Program Officer in the Tamil Nadu Health System Program, where I leveraged my skills in program management and leadership. As a clinician, I have been actively involved in teaching students, carrying out clinical work, and running specialty clinics. My experience has equipped me with strong interpersonal skills, which I utilize to effectively interact with patients and management teams at all levels. With a passion for delivering high-quality patient care and a commitment to advancing the field of psychiatry, I look forward to continuing my journey as a psychiatrist and contributing to the Institute of Mental Health's mission.
Dr U Indera Priya Dharshini
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
I'm Dr U Indera Priya Dharshine, working as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk since March 2025. I completed my MBBS in 2011 at Chettinad Hospitals and Research Institute. I did my Post-graduation in M.D Psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health from 2016 to 2019. Before joining IMH as Assistant Professor, I served as a Psychiatrist in the District Mental Health Programme, Villupuram district, from 2019 to 2021 at the community level. Following which I worked as an Assistant Professor in the Government Tirupur Medical College from 2021 to March 2025, where I gained my teaching experience
Dr Jeyaseeli
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Dr. E. Jayaseeli is a dedicated psychiatrist with an MBBS from Kanyakumari Medical College and an MD in Psychiatry from Thanjavur Medical College. With government service since 2017, currently serves as a Senior Resident at the Institute of Mental Health, Madras Medical College since 2019.
Dr S Deepa
Senior Resident
Over the past decade, I have continued to grow both clinically and academically as a psychiatrist, with a strong focus on addiction psychiatry and community mental health. My work has involved direct patient care, interdepartmental collaboration, outreach initiatives, academic activities, and clinical supervision.
Dr P Sudha
Senior Resident
I completed my UG at Kanyakumari Govt Medical College from 2005-2011. Joined in government service as an assistant surgeon in November 2013. I finished my postgraduate degree at Madras Medical College from 2016 to 2019. After the completion of my postgraduate studies, I was posted in the ECRC (Emergency Care and Recovery Centre) DMHP Program. I have been working as a senior resident in MMC since August 2023 and have teaching experience of 2 years. Interested in giving comprehensive treatment care for the patients in Liaison Psychiatry, mentoring UG/PG students, and participating in research activities.
Dr B Velissaiko
Senior Resident
I am Dr. B. VELISAIKKO, currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Mental Health. I completed MBBS from Madurai Medical College in 2005. I later completed D.P.M. from Madurai Medical College and M.D (Psychiatry) from Chengalpattu Medical College. I regularly engage myself in clinical teaching sessions.
Dr G Padmagowri
Senior Resident
Having more than 5 years of experience in psychiatry, I am more interested in child & adolescent psychiatry, substance use disorders, and mood disorders. I also focus on academic and research activities.
Dr R Vamsi Sreenivas
Senior Resident
I completed my post-graduation (MD) in May 2014 from PSG, Coimbatore. I also completed the Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from CMC, Vellore in September 2016, following which I was associated with SCARF, Chennai till December 2017. I worked in Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, for a couple of years before moving to England for about 3 years, during which I completed a Fellowship in Children & Young People Mental Health (CYPS) along with the Royal College of Psychiatry examinations. Currently, I am working in the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk. I have a total of 14 years of experience in Psychiatry, which includes 11 years of teaching experience.
Dr D Anne sangeetha
Senior Resident
I, Dr. Anne Sangeetha, have obtained a UG degree from Thanjavur Medical College, a DCH from the Institute of Child Health, and an MD (Psychiatry) from Kilpauk Medical College. I am a psychiatrist working at the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, providing comprehensive psychiatric care.
