Mental health care begins not just with treatment but with reassurance, the understanding that no emotional state, however difficult, is permanent. For many patients, especially those navigating severe psychiatric conditions, the idea of recovery can feel distant.

Yet with the right guidance, they are reminded that their journey does not end with a diagnosis. There is room for new beginnings, restored routines, and renewed purpose. This belief forms the core of Dr Priyanka Thukral Mahajan’s approach, one grounded in reassurance, sustained support, and trust in the process of healing.

With over 14 years of clinical experience, Dr Priyanka combines medical expertise with empathy to meet patients where they are. Whether working with complex psychotic conditions or offering long-term care through integrated therapy, her focus remains steady, which is helping people believe in the possibility of change.

Her calm, patient centric approach has not only guided countless individuals toward recovery but also made her a trusted voice in modern psychiatric care.

A Practical Beginning That Became a Calling

Dr Priyanka’s journey into psychiatry was rooted in a long-held aspiration to become a doctor, one she shared with her family. Born and raised in Punjab, she completed her MBBS from Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana. After graduation, marriage brought her to Mumbai where she searched for a specialty that could offer both personal balance and professional growth.

Psychiatry emerged as the natural choice. With encouragement from her in-laws and husband, Dr Priyanka took the leap. What began as a practical decision turned into one of the most fulfilling choices she has made.

Over the past 14 years, her clinical journey has spanned some of Mumbai’s most demanding and diverse environments. From Sion Hospital, where she treated a wide cross-section of patients from across Maharashtra, to Masina Hospital, where she worked with urban and affluent populations, each experience expanded her understanding of how mental health concerns manifest across different contexts.

Her training was further enriched by earning the MRC Psych qualification from the United Kingdom, where she developed a more structured, empathetic, and risk-aware approach to patient care.

A Collaborative Approach to Deeper Healing

Dr Priyanka works with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders, eating disorders, and depression. One of the most common challenges she observes is the lack of awareness or acceptance of illness, especially among patients on the psychotic spectrum.

To manage this, Dr Priyanka places strong emphasis on psycho education. She believes that involving families early is essential, as their understanding and support plays a key role in the recovery process. Once the family is aligned, she and her team work with the patient to build trust and awareness.

This team-based, holistic model of care is what Dr Priyanka appreciates most about working at Samarpan. She notes that it is one of the few centres in Mumbai where therapy is given equal importance alongside medication. As she explains, “Medication is like a bandage, it helps manage immediate symptoms, but therapy enables deeper healing and long-term recovery”.

Samarpan’s team of skilled therapists brings expertise in addiction, trauma, personality disorders, and eating disorders, allowing for smooth coordination. Therapists monitor daily progress and share insights that help guide treatment. Regular team discussions ensure that every patient’s care is reviewed from multiple perspectives.

While Samarpan’s Mumbai centre operates as an outpatient setup, the residential program at Mulshi allows for a more immersive approach. Patients are given space, structure, and support, ranging from morning routines and guided movement to peer interaction and therapeutic conversations. “When you wake up well-rested, take time for yourself, and know there is someone you can talk to, healing becomes more natural”, says Dr Priyanka.

If there’s one thing that defines a good mental health professional, it’s not just knowledge, it’s empathy and the willingness to truly listen, because most patients aren’t just looking for solutions, they’re looking to be heard

Helping Patients Overcome Distress

Of the many stories that stay with Dr Priyanka, one stands out. The patient initially came to her struggling with a severe eating disorder. What began as bulimia gradually shifted into anorexia, to the point where she had completely stopped eating. Even drinking water felt like a threat to her sense of control.

Through a structured plan combining medication and therapy, the patient gradually began to recover. Over time, the transformation was remarkable, not just in her physical health but in her sense of self. Months later, she returned, expressing how grateful she was to have sought help.

Today, she not only manages her own well-being but also professionally refers clients to Dr Priyanka. As part of her work, she collaborates with Dr Priyanka, discussing cases in an ethical, confidential manner to ensure clients receive the appropriate care and support.

Embracing Technology

Technology has transformed the landscape of mental health care, and the shift became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the lockdown, there was significant concern for Dr Priyanka about how to support psychiatric patients, especially since most medications are not available without a prescription. It was during this time that telepsychiatry became a practical solution, supported by official guidelines from institutions like AIIMS. The rise of teleconsulting followed closely, and what began as a response to crisis has now become a standard and convenient mode of care.

At Samarpan, many appointments are now conducted online through a dedicated portal, allowing for seamless interaction between doctors, therapists, and patients. “Now with AI, mental health is evolving and moving towards greater convenience for the patient”, shares Dr Priyanka.

Looking Ahead

Samarpan began with a modest number of patients but has now grown into a thriving centre where appointments fill up quickly and demand continues to rise. The mental health facility is preparing to extend its reach through both online therapy and treatment services, with the goal of connecting with more individuals across India. The team also plans to host roundtable conferences with psychiatrists in Maharashtra and beyond to raise awareness about its offerings, including inpatient care. With a growing team of specialists, Samarpan remains committed to making holistic mental health care more accessible and widely recognized.