As a psychiatrist (middle grade) and public mental health physician, I am dedicated to expanding access to mental healthcare, particularly in under-resourced communities. My journey in mental health began during medical school, driven by a personal experience, and has since led me to work across diverse settings in the UK, US, and Pakistan. I focus on understanding the needs in perinatal, child, and adolescent mental health, creating practical digital solutions, and synthesizing research to develop effective, scalable interventions.
One of my recent projects has been developing a personalized mental healthcare app for low-resource settings, currently being tested in Pakistan. Through my work with global health organizations such as the WHO and the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), I’ve contributed to essential policy developments in perinatal mental health and early childhood development. At WHO, my efforts supported the endorsement of global guidelines on screening, prevention, and treatment of postpartum depression and anxiety. I continue to inform the practice of psychosocial interventions through our implementing partner in Pakistan, the Human Services Foundation, ensuring that these guidelines are translated into impactful community-based interventions.
Research and academic contributions are a central part of my work. I’ve authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, presented globally, and been honored as the Dr. Paramjit Toor Joshi Research Scholar by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists. Teaching and mentoring future mental health professionals are equally important to me. I co-supervise doctoral candidates and medical students at the University of Liverpool, mentor junior researchers in Pakistan, and lead a collaborative learning group connecting researchers from the UK, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
In my teaching roles, I develop postgraduate modules for the online Master of Public Health program at the University of Liverpool and teach in Pakistan’s first public mental health diploma. My commitment to building capacity has been well-recognized.
Beyond academia, I contribute to the broader research community as an associate editor for PLoS Global Public Health, BMC Psychiatry, and BMC Medical Education, and review grant applications for major funders. I am deeply committed to advancing mental health through research, policy, and community-based interventions.