Dr. Ruhi Satija: A Life Devoted to Mental Health, Women’s Empowerment, and Transformation
Dr. Ruhi Satija is not just a psychiatrist; she is a force of change, a woman who has turned her struggles into a mission to heal, empower, and uplift. Wearing multiple hats consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist, women’s mindset mentor, entrepreneur, author, and advocate for mental wellness Dr. Satija has dedicated her life to helping people reclaim their mental health and personal agency. Her work isn’t confined to clinical psychiatry; she integrates evidence-based therapy with deep mentorship, coaching, and community support, making mental health care accessible and truly transformative.
A Journey Born from Struggle
Dr. Satija’s passion for mental health stems from her own experiences. She grew up grappling with childhood trauma and anxiety, which gave her an intimate understanding of the complex layers of mental health. Instead of letting these struggles define her, she turned them into stepping stones, fuelling her desire to create safe, healing spaces for others. Her journey is a testament to resilience—the power of using one’s pain to bring light into the lives of others.
Academic Excellence and Expertise
Dr. Satija’s educational background is as rich as her experience. She holds an MBBS from Lugansk State Medical University and a Diploma in Psychiatry from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Mumbai. She has specialized in psychological counselling, addiction medicine, and perinatal mental health through prestigious institutions like NIMHANS and Yale University.
With over seven years of experience in psychiatry, addiction treatment, and psychotherapy, she has mastered the nuances of mental health care. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum, including:
- Addiction Medicine – Helping individuals break free from substance abuse.
- Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health – Supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum challenges.
- Depression and Anxiety Disorders – Providing therapy for mood disorders and anxiety-related conditions.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Implementing CBT-based interventions.
- Stress and Behavioural Management – Guiding individuals to build resilience against everyday stressors.
A Voice for Women’s Mental Health
Dr. Satija’s work is deeply rooted in women’s empowerment. Having navigated the challenges of being a working mother, she understands the immense pressure women face in balancing careers, relationships, and self-care. This led her to create Decoding Thyself, a program designed to help women reclaim their confidence, emotional resilience, and clarity in life. The program addresses societal conditioning, self-limiting beliefs, and burnout, guiding women toward self-discovery and empowerment. She further extends her impact through Metamorphosis Retreats, immersive experiences designed to help individuals heal from trauma, manifest their goals, and build resilience. These retreats are not just about therapy; they are about transformation—helping participants step into the best versions of themselves.
Entrepreneurship: Decoding Mental Health
Mental health should be accessible, and that belief led Dr. Satija to launch Decoding Mental Health, an initiative that breaks barriers in mental health care. Through workshops, webinars, and therapy sessions, she provides individuals with the tools to manage anxiety, navigate emotional challenges, and build self-awareness.
Her online psychiatric practice ensures that therapy is not bound by geography. Whether it’s working professionals, mothers, or individuals struggling with personal crises, she offers a safe space for healing through virtual sessions.
An Advocate and Author
Beyond therapy and mentorship, Dr. Satija is a storyteller. She uses her words to spark change, whether through The Times of India Parenting Series, where she educates parents on fostering emotional intelligence in children, or through her books.
Her literary contributions include:
- “Echoes of the Mind” – A deeply personal poetry collection that explores emotions, relationships, and the human psyche.
- “Decoding Mental Health” Series – A groundbreaking initiative showcased at the World Book Fair in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, aimed at normalizing mental health conversations in India.
Her writing is not just informative; it’s deeply personal, empathetic, and actionable, making complex mental health topics relatable to a broad audience.
Recognition and Impact
Dr. Satija’s contributions have been widely acknowledged. She has been featured in major publications like Hindustan Times, Cosmopolitan, The Times of India, TV9, Her Circle, and Pinkvilla. She is also a member of WHO FIDES, reinforcing her global commitment to mental health advocacy.
Her efforts in empowering women were recognized with the Women of Resilience Award by the Women’s Mental Health Branch of the Indian Psychiatry Society, a testament to her unwavering dedication.
A Mother First, Always
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Satija is a mother who homeschools her son, ensuring he grows up in an environment that prioritizes emotional intelligence and well-being. She believes parenting should be about guidance, not control—a philosophy she promotes through parenting workshops that help parents foster strong, emotionally secure relationships with their children.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Satija’s mission is far from over. She is expanding her reach through:
- Scaling Decoding Mental Health – Making mental health care more accessible through digital programs.
- Global Collaborations – Working with international organizations to promote mental health awareness.
- More Books and Resources – Creating educational tools that empower individuals worldwide.
Leaving a Legacy
Dr. Ruhi Satija’s life is a testament to resilience, healing, and empowerment. She has not just built a career in psychiatry; she has built a movement—one that encourages individuals to break free from mental health stigma, embrace self-awareness, and live fulfilling lives.
Her message is simple: Mental health is a journey, not a destination. And everyone deserves the tools and support to navigate it.
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