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2nd Floor, Eldeco Centre, Block A, Shivalik Colony, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110017
About Us
Our
Story
The ACMHANS Story
The Asian Council for Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (ACMHANS) is a premier national council dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and emotional well-being globally. Grounded in over two decades of collective sectoral experience, ACMHANS operates at the intersection of academic excellence, professional development, and community impact. Our core mission is to cultivate high-caliber, ethically driven mental health professionals equipped to address the complex challenges of modern healthcare with clinical excellence and compassion.
Beyond capacity building, ACMHANS serves as an institutional bridge connecting universities, hospitals, research institutions, counselling centres, and grassroots NGOs. Through strategic academic partnerships and trans disciplinary research, we foster a cohesive and resilient mental health ecosystem.
More than a programme-delivery organisation, ACMHANS promotes evidence-based practice, strengthens cross-institutional collaboration, and contributes to the advancement of national standards in mental healthcare — working through public health initiatives, continuing education, and policy engagement to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
A
Society in Transition
Why ACMHANS Exists
The world has entered an era of unprecedented social, technological, and emotional transformation. Families are changing, workplaces are evolving, communities are becoming more diverse, and individuals are navigating increasingly complex psychological realities. Emotional well-being is no longer a concern limited to clinical settings — it has become an essential foundation for education, healthcare, organisations, and society as a whole.
As these challenges continue to evolve, the expectations placed upon mental health professionals have also changed. Today, society requires practitioners who can understand human behaviour within real-world contexts, respond with ethical responsibility, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Mental health education, therefore, carries a responsibility far greater than awarding qualifications. It must cultivate professionals equipped with knowledge, practical competence, critical thinking, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to serving society. The future of emotional well-being depends not only on advances in behavioural science, but also on the quality of education that shapes those entrusted to apply it — and that is why ACMHANS exists.
Purpose
Mission & Vision
Our Vision
To inspire a future where every mind is valued, every voice is heard, and emotional well-being is accessible to all through knowledge, innovation, and compassion — fostering resilient individuals and thriving communities across the globe.
Our Mission
To advance global emotional well-being by establishing centers of excellence in education, clinical training, and pioneering research. Through strategic partnerships with leading universities and institutions, we empower mental health professionals to transform lives, strengthen communities, and shape the future of mental healthcare.
Our
Philosophy
Educational Philosophy
The challenges of today are complex, interconnected and constantly evolving. Mental health education must move beyond conventional boundaries to prepare professionals who can think critically, act ethically and create meaningful impact in real-world settings — expanding perspectives, deepening competence and strengthening our responsibility towards society.
Understanding Modern Human Behaviour
Contemporary mental health education must equip learners to understand the complexities of human behaviour in a rapidly changing society.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Knowledge becomes meaningful when it is applied. Education must integrate theoretical rigour with practical exposure to prepare confident and capable professionals.
Ethics in Professional Practice
Ethical awareness is the foundation of trust. Education must cultivate integrity, empathy, responsibility and respect for every individual and community we serve.
Research and Innovation
Advancing behavioural science requires curiosity, inquiry and innovation. Education must encourage research thinking and contribute to evidence-based solutions.
Community-Centred Learning
True learning extends beyond the classroom. Engaging with communities allows future professionals to understand real needs and create lasting impact.
What
Drives Us
Core Values
Quality mental health education creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom. By preparing competent, ethical and compassionate professionals, we contribute to healthier individuals, stronger families and more resilient communities.
Empowering Professionals
We nurture knowledgeable, ethical and skilled mental health professionals who are prepared to address real-world challenges with confidence, competence and compassion.
Strengthening Communities
Through education, collaboration and community engagement, we encourage practices that foster awareness, resilience and inclusive support systems.
Advancing Emotional Wellbeing
We promote a deeper understanding of mental health that encourages prevention, early intervention and lifelong emotional wellbeing for all.
How
We Work
The ACMHANS Approach
ACMHANS brings together expertise, collaboration and purpose to create a dynamic academic ecosystem that advances mental health education — connecting academic leadership, experienced faculty, institutional partnerships, research and community engagement.
Board of Studies
Provides academic leadership by shaping educational standards, guiding curriculum development and promoting excellence in professional training.
Faculty & Mentorship
Experienced educators, clinicians and practitioners provide evidence-based teaching and continuous mentorship that bridges learning with real-world practice.
Institutional Partnerships
Collaborative relationships with universities and professional organisations broaden academic opportunities and strengthen educational quality.
Research & Innovation
Encouraging scientific inquiry, trans disciplinary research and evidence-based practice to advance the evolving field of mental health.
Leadership
Director Council
The Director Council provides overall governance, strategic direction, institutional oversight, and professional guidance to ACMHANS, ensuring that the Council's academic, research, professional, and community initiatives remain aligned with its mission and ethical responsibilities.
Dr. Sharafudheen Kadambot
Chairman of ACMHANS
Dr. Sharafudheen Kadambot, Chairman of ACMHANS, is a distinguished psychologist and Senior Psychologist at SOL, with nearly two decades of experience in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health advocacy. He holds a PhD and M.Phil...
Dr. Shameela Sharafudheen
Director, ACMHANS
Dr. Shameela Sharafudheen – Director, ACMHANS, is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Academic Professional, and Vocational Rehabilitation Professional with extensive experience in psychological practice, psychotherapy, counselling, and behavioural interventions...
Board of Studies
Dr. Sharafudheen Kadambot
Chairman of ACMHANS
Dr. Sharafudheen Kadambot, Chairman of ACMHANS, is a distinguished psychologist and Senior Psychologist at SOL, with nearly two decades of experience in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health advocacy. He holds a PhD and M.Phil...
Dr. Shameela Sharafudheen
Director, ACMHANS
Dr. Shameela Sharafudheen – Director, ACMHANS, is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Academic Professional, and Vocational Rehabilitation Professional with extensive experience in psychological practice, psychotherapy, counselling, and behavioural interventions...
Dr. Swapna Cherian
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Swapna Cherian is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in mental health care, psychological assessment, and therapeutic support...
Dr. Soney Thomas Olickan, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Soney Thomas Olickan, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist, CBT-based Psychotherapist, mental health trainer, and adolescent mentor...
Dr. Seema Girija Lal
Mental Health, Disability & Education Consultant
Dr. Seema Girija Lal, PhD, is a mental health, disability, and education consultant and trainer with over 25 years of professional experience in India and the UAE.
Dr. Safarulla NVM
Behavioural Consultant & Researcher
Dr. Safarulla NVM, PhD, is a behavioural consultant, academic, researcher, and mental health professional with over a decade of experience in psychology, clinical practice, and academic leadership.
Sophia C. Albert
Clinical Psychologist
Sophia C. Albert is a Clinical Psychologist and mental health professional with extensive experience in clinical practice, counselling, psychological assessment, and inclusive education.
Dr. Jessy John
Academic & Researcher
Dr. Jessy John, PhD, is an accomplished academic and researcher with expertise in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, life skills, and behavioural research.
Sreelakshmi V. P
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Sreelakshmi V. P is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, counseling, and rehabilitation.
