A skilled psychotherapist, Dr. R.K. Sharma has gained recognition for using advanced therapeutic methods like CBT and DBT to support individuals facing mental health challenges. Running a well-established counseling center in Udaipur, he addresses both mental issues and illnesses, helping clients develop effective coping strategies. His work extends beyond individual therapy, as he also leads the Chetas Health Care and Charitable Trust, promoting mental health awareness and life skills education.

Dr. R. K. Sharma, a distinguished Psychotherapist based in Udaipur, is dedicated to helping children, teenagers, and adults overcome various mental health challenges.

His approach to counseling is rooted in a deep understanding that many individuals are often unclear about what therapy entails. Dr. Sharma's goal is to demystify the counseling process and provide compassionate, effective support to those in need. At his counseling center in Udaipur, Dr. Sharma has built a strong network of clients who trust him for his empathetic approach and professional expertise.

Dr. Sharma is highly proficient in advanced therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). These evidence-based methods allow him to work closely with his clients, guiding them to manage their mental health issues more effectively and empowering them to find solutions independently. His use of these therapies is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders.

Dr. R. K. Sharma is regularly approached by the media to share his expertise in mental health and has been honored with various awards in recognition of his work. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Sharma contributes articles on mental health issues to publications like Rajasthan Patrika and other leading newspapers. He is also frequently invited to speak on radio programs, particularly during important events such as World Mental Health Day which falls on October 10th.

Dr. R. K. Sharma explains that his specialization in psychotherapy addresses two main categories of concerns: mental issues and mental illnesses. He highlights that many people struggle to differentiate between the two. Mental illnesses, he clarifies, encompass conditions such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where medication plays a critical role in treatment. Dr. Sharma treats these conditions through medication, but when Psychotherapy is also needed, he provides appropriate therapeutic interventions to support recovery.

On the other hand, Dr. Sharma explains that mental issues, commonly observed in youth and couples, do not always require medication. In such cases, counseling focuses on helping individuals develop coping strategies and work on improving their relationships. He offers a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Couple Therapy, Family Therapy, and Individual Therapy, to address relational and personal well-being. Dr. Sharma adds that he works alongside a dedicated team, and together, they ensure comprehensive support for their patients.

In addition to running his clinic, Dr. R. K. Sharma also manages an NGO called Chetas Health Care and Charitable Trust. He mentions that many people are connected to him through this organization. He serves as the secretary of the NGO and collaborates with Rotary Club Udaipur Yuwa, particularly with the club’s former president Sangeeta Sharma. Together, they are working on mental health awareness initiatives in schools.

Dr. Sharma explains that many children in schools struggle with mental health challenges that go unnoticed or misunderstood by parents and teachers. For example, children with conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are often labeled as difficult, stubborn, or disruptive. Society tends to misinterpret these behaviors, leading to unfair treatment of these children. Dr. Sharma’s therapeutic approach involves educating children to understand their own conditions while also helping teachers and parents to recognize and respond to these issues with empathy and proper strategies.

He is particularly focused on reducing children’s dependency on smartphones and guiding them to avoid mobile addiction, which he sees as a growing issue among the youth. By offering both individual counseling and through educational workshops, Dr. Sharma helps parents better manage their children’s behaviors, while also training teachers to handle mental health challenges in the classroom. He strongly advocates early intervention and proper referrals when mental health issues become severe, ensuring that children receive the care they need at hospitals or specialized institutions when necessary.

His school-based mental health awareness programs extend to both government and private institutions, as well as colleges, where Dr. Sharma and his team work to promote a deeper understanding of mental health. He also collaborates with various industries to raise awareness about mental health challenges, aiming to break down the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help.

Dr. R. K. Sharma hails from a middle-class family which comes from a small village near Chirawa, a small town located in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. He shares that much of his early education was completed at the prestigious Birla School Pilani, a renowned institution at the time. While Dr. Sharma describes himself as an average student during his school years, his determination and hard work were evident. After finishing school, he moved to Kota, Rajasthan, to prepare for the medical entrance exams. His efforts paid off when he cracked the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), securing a seat at a government medical college in Yavatmal, a small town near Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Dr. Sharma spent five years at the medical college, where he completed his MBBS. He admits that initially he wasn’t particularly passionate about medical studies. Societal and family pressures heavily influenced his decision to pursue medicine. However, during his time in medical school, his interest gradually shifted toward Psychiatry, a field that became increasingly compelling to him.

After completing his MBBS, Dr. Sharma decided to further specialize in Psychiatry. He prepared for the All India Postgraduate entrance exams and secured admission to the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) in Ranchi, where he enrolled in a diploma program in psychiatry. However, after two months, he realized that his true aspiration was to study at the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, which is known for its expertise in mental health.

Motivated by his dream, Dr. Sharma continued his preparations while studying at CIP. His persistence paid off when he secured admission to NIMHANS, where he pursued an MD in Psychiatry. During his time at NIMHANS, Dr. Sharma’s interest in Child and Adolescent Mental Health truly blossomed. His experiences while working with young patients deeply influenced his career path, and after completing his education, he decided to specialize in this area, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young individuals.

After completing his MD in 2018, Dr. Sharma returned to Udaipur. Before opening his private clinic, he spent time working in medical colleges, gaining further experience. Four years ago, he established his clinic, which includes a counseling center. Initially working independently, he eventually expanded the clinic’s services and built a professional team to enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

Dr. Sharma’s professional journey has taken him to various prestigious institutions. After completing his studies at NIMHANS, he returned to Delhi, where he worked at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), a leading institution under the Delhi government. His time at IHBAS further broadened his understanding of psychiatry and provided valuable experience in managing complex psychiatric cases.

Later, Dr. Sharma joined AIIMS Raipur, where he contributed significantly to their mental health programs. During his time at AIIMS Raipur, he also served as the coordinator for the National Mental Health Survey, the largest mental health survey ever conducted in India. This role provided him with a broad understanding of mental health issues across the country, deepening his insights into the field on a national scale.

When asked about his role models, Dr. R. K. Sharma shares that he admires individuals who dedicate themselves to serving society. He believes that role models are not confined to a particular status or profession; they can be anyone from whom one can learn, whether it’s a colleague or even a patient. He also highlights several professors from his academic journey whom he deeply respects and regards as role models. These include Dr. Jagadisha Thirthalli, Dr. Srikala Bharath, Dr. C. Naveen Kumar, Dr. Y. C. Janardhan Reddy, and Dr. Naren P. Rao, all of whom have made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry. Dr. Sharma values the knowledge and wisdom he has gained from each of them and remains in contact with them, always eager to seek their guidance when needed. He firmly believes that a role model is anyone who imparts knowledge, wisdom, or inspiration.

Dr. R. K. Sharma shares that one of his close friends, Dr. Lakhan Poswal, a renowned pediatrician and the current Head of Pediatrics at RNT Medical College in Udaipur, has greatly influenced him. In their clinic, there is a board that displays a quote: "Is duniya ke do hi mahaan chikitsak hain – mahatma aur samay" (There are only two great healers in this world – the saint and time). Dr. Sharma says this statement holds deep truth, as he has experienced both challenging and good times in his life. He considers this quote a guiding principle and finds great inspiration in it.

When asked about the challenges he faces, Dr. R. K. Sharma acknowledges that working in the field of mental health is inherently difficult and most likely will always be. One of the most significant obstacles, he notes, is the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues. He observes that many individuals are hesitant to admit or recognize their mental health challenges, often brushing them off as temporary phases in life rather than seeking the necessary treatment.

Dr. Sharma stresses the importance of understanding the fine line between when help is needed and when it is not, emphasizing that delaying acknowledgment of the problem or treatment can worsen conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, or bipolar disorder. Educating people about the reality of these conditions and working to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness remain some of the biggest challenges in his field.

Dr. R. K. Sharma reflects that his greatest achievement is helping individuals recognize the importance of seeking treatment for their mental health issues. He believes that one of the biggest challenges facing doctors today, including himself, is the widespread practice of self-diagnosis through online sources like Google and YouTube. This growing trend often leads to misconceptions and exacerbates the stigma surrounding antidepressants and other psychiatric medications.

Dr. Sharma acknowledges that while all medications carry the potential for side effects, newer treatments have significantly reduced these risks, and most side effects can be managed effectively. He stresses the importance of weighing the potential risks of side effects against the benefits of addressing the mental health condition itself. Having personally navigated mental health challenges, Dr. Sharma underscores the critical role that medications play in the overall treatment process.

He finds that balancing these complexities in patient care—educating patients about the realities of mental health treatment while addressing their fears and misconceptions—is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of his profession.

However, Dr. Sharma considers his greatest achievement to be the recovery and happiness of his patients. He finds immense satisfaction in witnessing children who were once bedridden and without hope for improvement, now thriving after a year of treatment and counseling under his care. Many of these patients, through the benefits of psychotherapy, have gone on to pursue successful careers, studying medicine at government colleges, engineering at IITs, and law. For Dr. Sharma, seeing individuals regain their quality of life and achieve their dreams stands as the pinnacle of his professional accomplishments.

Dr. R. K. Sharma offers a meaningful message for aspiring professionals who are looking to enter the healthcare field. He emphasizes that working in healthcare demands not only dedication and hard work but also a deep passion for continuous learning. He highlights the fact that the field is highly competitive, requiring professionals to constantly evolve with the ever-changing knowledge and practices of the industry.

Dr. Sharma acknowledges that, in today’s digital age, patients are often well-informed, having conducted their own research before consulting a doctor. He respects this trend, emphasizing that it is their right to understand their health conditions and treatment options. However, he also notes that this requires healthcare providers to be even more diligent and prepared.

For those new to the profession, Dr. Sharma’s advice is to always approach patient care with empathy. He encourages professionals to place themselves in their patients' shoes, asking themselves what kind of treatment they would prefer if they were in the same position. Finally, Dr. Sharma stresses the importance of maintaining enthusiasm for learning, as ongoing education and personal growth are key to succeeding in the dynamic and demanding world of healthcare.

Dr. R. K. Sharma acknowledges a common concern among young psychiatrists: the challenge of building a patient base. He explains that psychiatry is a unique field that goes beyond prescribing medication. It requires a high degree of patience and the ability to listen attentively to patients and their concerns. This empathetic approach is essential for building trust, which is a gradual process. By focusing on patient engagement and truly understanding their issues, psychiatrists can foster stronger relationships, leading to a more successful practice.

Dr. Sharma emphasizes that anyone aspiring to enter the field of psychiatry must be an excellent listener and have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of mental health. He highlights that mental health extends far beyond common conditions like depression, which is only one aspect of a vast and intricate field.

He also reflects on the growing number of people labeling themselves as counselors, questioning whether they truly connect with their patients. For Dr. Sharma, effective counseling is not just about offering advice; it’s about placing oneself in the patient’s shoes and helping them find their own solutions. Patients seek actionable solutions that align with their personal beliefs and preferences, rather than mere advice.

To illustrate this, he uses the example of addiction, such as smoking. Dr. Sharma argues that a counselor who has successfully managed their own addiction is better equipped to help others facing similar struggles. By drawing on personal experience, counselors can offer more genuine guidance, which makes them more effective in helping patients overcome their challenges.

Dr. R. K. Sharma explains that the Chetas Health Care and Charitable Trust, the NGO he runs, focuses primarily on equipping the youth with essential life skills. He believes that life skills encompass crucial aspects such as self-awareness, stress management, and critical thinking, which are vital for personal growth and development.

According to Dr. Sharma, when individuals acquire these skills, they become better prepared to face various life situations. He emphasizes that these life skills play a particularly important role in addressing mental health challenges, as understanding and applying them can empower individuals to cope more effectively with the difficulties they face.

He encourages collaboration with educational and healthcare institutions due to their significant influence on young people. While Dr. Sharma often receives requests from schools and industries to give lectures, he believes that true, lasting change cannot be achieved through a single lecture. Instead, it requires ongoing engagement and continuous education to fully instill these vital life skills in the younger generation.

Dr. R. K. Sharma underscores the crucial role of teachers in schools and colleges being well-versed in life skills. He expresses his intention to connect with one or two educators from different institutions as part of an upcoming program that will run for one to two years. This initiative is designed to help teachers enhance their own skills, enabling them to better support and guide their students in various aspects of life.

The program will take place at the Chetas Counseling Centre, where individuals, including counselors and educators, can gain practical experience in clinical work. Participants are required to commit four to five hours daily for a year in order to effectively learn these clinical practices and methods.

In addition, teachers are encouraged to visit the center once a week for a year to receive foundational training in life skills. This training will empower them to return to their schools equipped to pass on this knowledge to their students. Dr. Sharma acknowledges the challenge of reaching every educational institution directly but believes that trained teachers can play a pivotal role in promoting life skills within their own schools. He encourages the widespread dissemination of this message to help empower the youth and ultimately improve their lives.

Dr. R. K. Sharma discusses the life skills program he actively promotes, noting that the original initiative is available on the NIMHANS website, along with a comprehensive booklet. This program was pioneered by Dr. Srikala Bharath, a distinguished psychiatrist from Bangalore and Dr. Sharma’s mentor. After completing his MD in Psychiatry, Dr. Sharma gained significant insights from Dr. Bharath’s teachings, which deepened his commitment to raising awareness about life skills.

Dr. Sharma explains that his training at a reputable institute equipped him with the strong foundation needed to delve into life skills education. While Dr. Srikala Bharath has successfully implemented the program in various regions, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to promoting it specifically in Udaipur.

To accomplish this, he is collaborating with Rotarian Sangeeta Sharma from Rotary Club Udaipur Yuwa and is working on forming partnerships with other individuals and organizations within the community. His commitment to expanding the reach of the program reflects his deep dedication to enhancing the well-being of Udaipur’s youth through life skills education.

Dr. R. K. Sharma expresses his desire for volunteers and teachers to receive the same level of training he himself underwent, underscoring the importance of equipping them with the skills to provide essential support in their respective areas. He emphasizes the need for volunteers to commit fully to the two-year program, approaching it with genuine passion and dedication.

Dr. Sharma envisions that by fostering this kind of involvement, volunteers and teachers can significantly impact the youth by empowering them with the life skills necessary to navigate challenges and enhance their overall well-being. His goal is to create a network of well-trained individuals who can extend their knowledge and support to the younger generation, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient community.