Rhythm Neuropsychiatry Hospital & Research Center
Nepal’s Leading Mental Health Hospital
For nearly a decade, Rhythm has been committed to serving the community by providing evidence-based psychiatric and psychological services, respecting the shared humanity that unites us all as well as valuing the uniqueness of every person we get to meet. Our mission is to make mental health care available, accessible, and accommodating.
Our Team
Meet Our Team of Professionals
Locations
Aloknagar, Minbhawan — Main Branch
Dr. Ananta Adhikari
MBBS, MD (IOM, TU) | Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
With over 12 years of experience as a mental health professional, Dr. Adhikari is a passionate advocate for the rights of people with mental health difficulties.
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Dr. Adhikari is renowned for his empathetic and compassionate approach to patient care. He has worked in diverse mental health care systems in Nepal, India, Turkey, and Japan. Dr. Adhikari’s professional interests include general adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and community mental health.
Dr. Adhikari has contributed to the creation of various treatment protocols, guidelines, and strategies related to mental health care and is a faculty member at the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). A man of many talents, he enjoys literature and writing (especially poetry and travel memoirs), as well as songwriting and music composition. Dr. Adhikari has authored several scientific articles published in reputed journals. He is also the author of the Nepali poetry anthology Survival Note and co-author of the travel memoir Ananda Drishya Ra Anubhuti.
Dr. Ajay Risal
MD, PhD (NTNU, Norway) | Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Through his roles as a clinician, educator, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Ajay Risal continues to advance the field of psychiatry, contributing to both the academic community and society at large.
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Dr. Ajay Risal is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS) with nearly two decades of medical experience, including 14 years in psychiatry. At KUSMS, he treats patients with mental illness and educates medical and nursing students, focusing on core psychiatry and mentoring research.
He has culturally validated psychiatric inventories for Nepal, making English tools more relevant locally. His research centers on geriatric mental health, particularly depression. Dr. Risal has developed curricula and treatment protocols for psychiatry and published 47 research papers, many as the first author. His doctoral research provided key insights into the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Nepal and their links to headache disorders.
Beyond academia, Dr. Risal advocates for mental health awareness, writing articles in English and Nepali to reduce stigma. His book Geeta Ma Man Ka Kura interprets the Shreemad-Bhagwad-Geeta as psychotherapy. His work bridges scientific research and public awareness, helping destigmatize mental illness in Nepal. Through his roles as clinician, educator, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Risal continues to advance psychiatry in both academia and society.
Dr. Prabhakar Pokhrel
MBBS, MD | Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
“We all go through phases of life where mental health (like physical health) can be affected.
It’s OK.
It happens.
It’s life.
Take care.”
(Click to read more)
Dr. Pokhrel has a stellar reputation for being an empathetic and compassionate professional with years’ worth of expertise in mental health care. Outside of work, his hobbies include hiking, trekking, swimming, cricket, and music
Dr. Namrata Pradhan
MBBS, MD | Consultant Psychiatrist
Renowned for her extensive expertise in both modalities, Dr. Pradhan integrates psychotherapy and psychopharmaco-logy to provide each individual with personalized treatment.
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Dr. Namrata Pradhan is a deeply empathic and compassionate psychiatrist dedicated to a holistic approach to mental health care, specializing in treating anxiety and depression. Renowned for her extensive expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, she integrates both treatment modalities and closely collaborates with other healthcare professionals to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Outside of work, Dr. Pradhan finds joy in various creative activities, including singing, dancing, coloring, tending to plants, and playing board games with her family. Being a firm believer in the importance of work-life balance, she integrates her hobbies into daily life in the pursuit of inspiration and rejuvenation, which enrich both her personal well-being and patient care. Dr. Pradhan’s practice is distinguished by culturally sensitive care and community involvement, making her a trusted resource for compassionate mental health support.
Dr. Bastabika Neupane
MBBS, MD (KU) | Consultant Psychiatrist
“Be kind to your mind.”
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I have always been fascinated by the intricate relationship between the brain and behavior. My journey toward becoming a practicing neuropsychiatrist granted me numerous opportunity to explore the complexities of the human mind.
People struggling with mental health issues are still being stigmatized in some of parts of our culture and society. Being a psychiatrist, I strive to make a significant impact on their lives by providing them with treatment and raising awareness.
Dr. Rika Rijal
MBBS, MD (PGIMER, Chandigarh) | Neuropsychiatrist, Medical Coordinator
“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.“
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With experience in psychiatric research and medical practice, Dr. Rijal focuses on women’s and geriatric mental health, with a special interest in consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychotherapy. She has extensive experience treating various psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Rijal is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and community engagement, actively participating in workshops and conferences to enhance her skills. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, photography, and traveling.
Remember:
- You deserve better, you know you do.
- Be gentle with yourself.
- Don’t apologize for your feelings.
- Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including yourself.
- The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.
“Loving yourself enables you to love and uplift others.“
Dr. Suraj Tiwari
MBBS (KMC), MD (IoM, TU) | Chief Consultant Psychiatrist
“I take pride in helping people live freely and realize their potential.”
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Serving in the field of mental health brings me great satisfaction. I feel fortunate to have acquired my knowledge and skills through books, teachers, and, above all, patients. I take pride in helping people live freely and realize their potential. Mental health service is immensely rewarding.
Mental health is one of the most important components of health. Without good mental health, it is enormously difficult for anybody to be contented, happy, productive, or successful. Good mental health is essential for a quality life, which everyone has the right to. Mental health services should be a blend of art, science, and technology, incorporating multidisciplinary dimensions to help individuals. Mental illness should be spoken of freely.
Spiritual practices such as meditation are a lifelong passion that helps me stay mentally healthy. I also enjoy watching movies, reading books, listening to music, and playing chess.
Favorite quotes:
“There is both science and art involved in dealing with clients in the field of mental health.”
“Far away is the temple from your house; if you see a child on the road, just make him smile.”
“There is no health without mental health.”
Dr. Amit Jha
MBBS, MD (AIIMS, Delhi) DM (NIMHANS, Bangalore) | Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Jha has dedicated himself to raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
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Dr. Jha is a highly skilled psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. With a strong educational background, he is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care, utilizing evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. He has dedicated himself to raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness by means of regular interactions, advocacy and orientation programs for stakeholders.
Dr. Nabin Lekhak
MBBS, MD (PAHS) | Consultant Psychiatrist
“You don’t have to struggle in silence.
Don’t entangle yourself in myths – mental illness are treatable
If you need help, always feel free to reach out.“
Dr. Gunjan Dhonju
MBBS, MD, Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Dhonju’s areas of interest include child and adolescent psychiatry and community child & adolescent mental health care.
Mrs. Gayatri Upadhyay
MPhil | Clinical Psychologist
Mr. Sulav Raj Upreti
MPhil (IoM, TU) | Clinical Psychologist
“The goal of psychotherapy is to understand and become a better version of oneself.”
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Dr. Upreti is a highly skilled clinical psychologist, providing psychological assessment (cognitive/intellectual evaluation, projective evaluation, personality assessment, and psychodiagnostic evaluation) and psychotherapy with a psychodynamic orientation.
His hobbies are reading and traveling.
Patients describe him as a good listener and a skilled interlocutor.
Mr. Deesis Aryal
MPhil | Clinical Psychologist
Shree Kanti Marg, Maharajgunj — Service Center
Dr. Narmada Devkota
MPhil, PhD | Clinical Psychologist
“There is no health without mental health. Equal emphasis should be given to the preventive, promotive, and curative aspects of mental health and well-being.”
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With 10 years of experience, Dr. Devkota provides clinical, preventive, and promotive mental health services to children and adolescents. She aims to contribute to mental health services, policies, academics, and research, particularly in child and adolescent mental health. Dr. Devkota developed the “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Diagnostic Scale for Children” as part of her PhD dissertation. She received a PhD Fellowship and Research Grant from the University Grant Commission in 2016, and the JNHRC Best Paper Award at the Seventh National Summit of Health and Population Scientists in Nepal in 2021.
She is developing socio-emotional learning (SEL)-based educational materials to promote child and adolescent mental well-being. Additionally, she created psychosocial and mental health support training manuals for children, adolescents, caregivers, and health workers to manage stress in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including CAMH training manuals. Recognized as a master trainer, she has worked with many trainees using these modules. She upholds the highest ethical standards in her professional conduct.
Currently, Dr. Devkota is the president of the Nepalese Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP). She aims to advance and promote clinical psychology, advocate for clients and professionals, and foster collaboration with multidisciplinary health teams.
Dr. Nikesh Rajbhandari
MBBS, MD | Consultant Psychiatrist
“I believe psychiatry should focus on treating the individual rather than just the illness.”
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“I have been a practicing psychiatrist in Nepal since 2015. I believe psychiatry should focus on treating the individual rather than just the illness. I work collaboratively with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. My special interests within psychiatry include mood disorders, addiction psychiatry, and community psychiatry.
To stay at the forefront of psychiatric research, I serve as the managing editor of Nepal’s only psychiatry research journal, the Journal of Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal. I am also passionate about raising awareness about mental illnesses and their treatments. To this end, I regularly hold educational sessions in corporate houses and academic institutions.
While my career in psychiatry is a central focus, I find great joy in maintaining my health through sports and regular exercise. Music is another passion of mine; I’m an enthusiastic listener and an untrained yet enthusiastic singer. Looking ahead, I dream of channeling my creative energy into writing a play for the theater or crafting a movie script.”
Mr. Sulav Raj Upreti
MPhil (IoM, TU) | Clinical Psychologist
“The goal of psychotherapy is to understand and become a better version of oneself.”
(Click to read more)
Dr. Upreti is a highly skilled clinical psychologist, providing psychological assessment (cognitive/intellectual evaluation, projective evaluation, personality assessment, and psychodiagnostic evaluation) and psychotherapy with a psychodynamic orientation.
His hobbies are reading and traveling.
Patients describe him as a good listener and a skilled interlocutor.
Dr. Prabhakar Pokhrel
MBBS, MD | Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
“We all go through phases of life where mental health (like physical health) can be affected.
It’s OK.
It happens.
It’s life.
Take care.”
(Click to read more)
Dr. Pokhrel has a stellar reputation for being an empathetic and compassionate professional with years’ worth of expertise in mental health care. Outside of work, his hobbies include hiking, trekking, swimming, cricket, and music
Dr. Supriya Sherchan Bhattachan
MBBS, MD (BPKIHS, Dharan) | Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Supriya Sherchan-Bhattachan’s field of expertise includes neurotic and psychotic illnesses, substance addiction, child & adolescent mental health, and geriatric psychiatry.
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Dr. Sherchan-Bhattachan got her MBBS from North Bengal Medical College, Bangladesh. She completed her MD in neuropsychiatry from the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan.
Dr. Sherchan-Bhattachan specializes in managing neurotic and psychotic illnesses, substance addiction, child & adolescent mental health, and geriatric psychiatry, focusing on both the pharmacological and psychological aspects of treatment.
Dr. Lata Gautam
MBBS, MD | Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
“Mental health is a universal human right.”
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“We assume success is about being famous and rich. But if you have ever fought the silent battles, wiped your own tears, and pulled yourself out of a dark place, be proud! That’s a tremendous success in and of itself. Don’t forget that you win each day you don’t give up and resolve to make it through to the next.“
Mrs. Sabina Maharjan
MA (TCMC, TU), MPhil (IoM, TU) | Clinical Psychologist
Mrs. Maharjan currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor at Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal).
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Mrs. Maharjan contributes to projects with UNHCR, LWF, and UNICEF. Mrs. Maharjan has extensive experience with psychological assessment techniques and psychodiagnostic tools and has translated and adapted various tools (like PAS, for example) for the Nepali context. She primarily practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with clients.
Mrs. Maharjan is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nepal Health Professional Organization. She has professional experience in the clinical supervision of counselors, promoting mental health and psychosocial well-being by raising awareness in communities, developing IEC materials, and creating public service announcements (PSAs) about stigma and discrimination in mental illness. Mrs. Maharjan has produced and participated in a podcast series on vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, and people with disabilities. Additionally, she has translated global documents for the Nepali context and facilitated short-term training on psychosocial issues for health professionals.
Mrs. Maharjan coordinates with various stakeholders and partner NGOs and INGOs, conducts regional and district-level psychosocial advocacy workshops, and organizes webinars for frontline workers. She has also consulted for national and international NGOs such as Handicap International, USAID, Care Nepal, and Helen Keller International.
Dr. Kamal Gautam
Dr. Dipesh Bhattrai
MBBS, MD (IoM, TU) | Consultant Psychiatrist
Areas of expertise/special interest: Adult mental health care, child and adolescent mental health issues (autism, ADHD, intellectual disability and so on), addiction
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“I am a dedicated psychiatrist with a passion for improving the mental health of adults, children and adolescents. Currently, I serve as a consultant psychiatrist at Kanti Children’s Hospital, where I focus on providing comprehensive mental health care to young individuals. My expertise also extends to adult mental health care and addiction. With a deep commitment to the well-being of young patients, I strive to make a positive impact by promoting mental health awareness, offering compassionate care, and collaborating with families and healthcare teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for those under my care.”
About Us
Why Choose Rhythm?
Rhythm is proud of the opportunity to contribute to the field of mental health care in Nepal. Thanks to our brilliant team of highly skilled psychiatrists and psychologists, dedicated physicians and nurses; and the rest of our behind-the-scenes workers, whose time and effort support Rhythm’s spirit of client-centered treatment, we hope to continue providing everyone who walks through our doors with kind of services they deserve and advocating for mental health awareness in general.
