Profile & Academia
Name :
Qualification :
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Post Graduate(Psychological Medicine) degrees from FMMC Mangalore
- Doctor of Psychiatric Medicine (DPM)
Social media presence:
The Journey of Dr. Safiya
Dr. Safiya MS is a distinguished figure in the field of psychiatry, renowned for her expertise and commitment to patient care. With a robust educational background including a dual degree in Psychiatry and Psychology, she brings a comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders to her practice. Her MBBS and DPM from Father Muller Medical College lay the foundation for her clinical prowess.
As the Medical Director of Mind and Brain Hospital, Dr. Safiya oversees a range of psychiatric services, ensuring that patients receive top-quality care tailored to their individual needs. Her extensive 14 years of experience have equipped her with the insight and skills necessary to address a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Safiya’s contributions extend beyond her clinical practice, as she actively engages with professional organizations such as the Indian Medical Association and the Indian Psychiatry Society. Her involvement in these esteemed associations underscores her dedication to advancing the field of psychiatry and promoting mental health awareness.
Recognition from prestigious awards such as the B.C. Roy Young Achiever Award is a testament to Dr. Safiya’s outstanding contributions to the medical community. Additionally, her fellowship in the Community Health Program reflects her commitment to addressing broader public health issues, particularly in the realm of mental health.
One of the hallmarks of Dr. Safiya’s approach to treatment is her emphasis on holistic care, striving to minimize medication while maximizing support and intervention. Her involvement in de-addiction programs exemplifies her dedication to addressing the complex needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Overall, Dr. Safiya MS stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of psychiatry, embodying a steadfast commitment to compassionate care, professional advancement, and community health.
Achievements and Awards
- Best Psychiatrist in Bangalore award winner for 2014, 2017 and 2023.
- Recipient of the 'B.C Roy Young Achiever Award 2014' award from India's Most Prominent Healthcare Awards program.
- Fellow of the Indian Psychiatric Society(FIPS) and Community Health Planning Program.
- Completed IIM Bangalore Women Entrepreneurship Program 2019.
Professional Roles
- Medical Director, Mind and Brain Hospital
- Consulting Psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience
- Fellow, Indian Psychiatric Society (FIPS)
- Fellow, Community Health Planning Program
Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Safiya is known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, emphasizing:
- Minimal medication when possible
- Holistic and psychological support
- Deep engagement with families and caregivers
- Tailored care for conditions like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and behavioral disorders
Public engagement
- Featured in podcasts and mental health awareness campaigns
- Active in professional organizations like the Indian Medical Association
- Advocate for mental health destigmatization and women’s leadership in healthcare
SOCHARA (Society for Community Health Awareness, Research and Action)
Dr. Safiya work aligns closely with SOCHARA’s mission of promoting equitable, community-based mental health. She has collaborated with public health initiatives and community outreach programs that reflect SOCHARA’s values—especially in destigmatizing mental illness and integrating mental health into broader health systems.
Her approach to minimal medication, community engagement, and training grassroots health workers mirrors SOCHARA’s emphasis on participatory health models and social determinants of health
Dawa-Dua Project
Dr. Safiya is a key architect behind the Dawa-Dua Project, a pioneering initiative that integrates faith-based healing with modern psychiatric care. The project addresses the massive treatment gap in India—where over 60–70% of people with mental illness don’t seek medical help due to stigma.
Her contributions include:
• Designing hybrid care models that combine Quranic healing with psychiatric treatment
• Partnering with NIMHANS for research at religious sites like Dargahs
• Training community leaders (imams, priests, folk healers) to recognize mental health symptoms
• Creating multilingual volunteer training programs to expand mental health literacy at the grassroots level
This initiative has helped make mental health care more accessible, acceptable, and culturally sensitive
🎤 TEDx Talk – The Invisible War
Dr. Safiya delivered a powerful TEDx talk titled “The Invisible War” at TEDxMountcrest Academy. In this talk, she:
- Unpacks the silent battles people face with mental illness
- Advocates for compassionate care and early intervention
- Shares insights from her clinical journey and leadership at Mind and Brain Hospital
- Calls for a shift in public perception, urging society to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health
Her TEDx presence amplifies her voice as a mental health advocate, blending science, empathy, and storytelling.
