Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
LNGG
References
Affiliations
Publications
RESEARCH LEADERSHIP & GRANTS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
SELECTED INVITED TALKS, WORKSHOPS & TRANSNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
Timeline
Generic

Upasana Baruah

Glen Waverley

Summary

Experienced psychiatric social worker and translational researcher with over 15 years of experience in mental health, ageing, dementia care, and public health. Successfully led impactful projects supported by organizations such as the WHO, Alzheimer's Association, UNICEF, and MRFF. Specializes in culturally tailored RCTs, qualitative studies, and digital health solutions. Academic background includes teaching, curriculum design, student mentoring, and knowledge enhancement. Dedicated to community welfare and global partnerships with a strong publication history demonstrating a commitment to making a global difference.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research Fellow

National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
07.2023 - Current
  • Lead research design and project management for studies on ageing, dementia, and CALD carers, including a multisite digital dementia carer intervention trial (e-DiVA)
  • Oversee ethics, design, qualitative coding, data management, and stakeholder engagement
  • Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate interns; contribute to research and academic development
  • Prepare grant applications, ethics submissions, and scholarly publications
  • Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research for policy and practice impact

Assistant Professor

Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS)
12.2021 - 07.2023
  • Provided clinical support for mental health challenges in outpatient and inpatient settings
  • Supervised and guided postgraduate social work trainees and clinical placements
  • Contributed to departmental curriculum design and academic leadership
  • Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
  • Strengthened relationships with colleagues by participating in collaborative projects and research endeavors.
  • Performed research to serve as basis for academic writing for publication.

Assistant Professor

Christ University
05.2021 - 11.2021
  • Taught undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses; developed lesson plans and assessments
  • Developed and updated subject content on ethics, research methods, and academic writing; designed inclusive, learner-centred assessments integrating research evidence
  • Supervised PhD, Master's, PGDIE, and Honours students across diverse health disciplines
  • Supervised clinical placements and internships, mentored students, and supported academic planning.
  • Actively engaged in academic service and committee responsibilities

Project Coordinator

UNICEF-funded - System Strengthening in Early Childhood Development, Education and Child Protection project, NIMHANS
03.2019 - 07.2020
  • Designed and implemented state-level capacity building for child development and protection
  • Led program evaluation and reporting, and liaised with ministries and partner NGOs
  • Prepare grant applications, ethics submissions, and scholarly publications

Research Associate

World Health Organisation (WHO)-funded iSupport for Dementia Family Caregivers Project, NIMHANS
08.2016 - 02.2019
  • Coordinated a multi-centre RCT of the iSupport intervention in India, in collaboration with WHO and international partners
  • Conducted cultural adaptation, implementation, data analysis, and qualitative research
  • Co-authored peer-reviewed articles and presented findings at global conferences

Senior Research Fellow

Neuroimaging Endophenotypes in OCD Project, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, NIMHANS
02.2013 - 09.2013
  • Conducted clinical assessments and fMRI-based endophenotype studies
  • Co-supervised junior researchers and participated in scientific dissemination activities

Junior Research Fellow

Neuroimaging Endophenotypes in OCD Project, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, NIMHANS
02.2011 - 01.2013
  • Recruited and assessed participants; managed clinical and imaging datasets
  • Supported study logistics, ethics processes, and provided participant counselling
  • Participated in lab meetings, presentations, and interdepartmental collaborations

Psychiatric Social Worker

Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health
06.2010 - 01.2011
  • Provided psychosocial assessment and interventions for patients in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services
  • Conducted individual, group, and family counselling sessions
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for treatment planning and discharge coordination
  • Supervised social work trainees and contributed to community mental health outreach activities

Fieldwork Supervisor

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Supervised MSW students undertaking field placements across diverse community and health settings and facilitated integration of theory and practice through regular mentoring
  • Liaised with placement agencies and field instructors to ensure alignment with academic objectives
  • Conducted evaluation of student performance and contributed to academic record-keeping and assessment

M.Phil. in Psychiatric Social Work

NIMHANS
05.2008 - 05.2010
  • A two-year full-time, hospital-based clinical training program at India’s premier mental health institute.
  • Delivered supervised clinical services in psychiatric outpatient and inpatient units across adult, child, addiction, and neurology departments.
  • Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments, individual and family interventions, and therapeutic group work.
  • Engaged in multidisciplinary case reviews, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning.
  • Participated in fieldwork, community mental health camps, and crisis intervention services.
  • Completed over 4256 hours of supervised clinical practicum under senior psychiatric social workers and psychiatrists.

Programme Officer

Centre for Environment Education
06.2007 - 04.2008
  • Coordinated school- and community-based environmental education programmes
  • Developed IEC materials and training modules on sustainability and environmental awareness
  • Organised workshops, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building sessions for educators and youth
  • Liaised with stakeholders, including schools, NGOs, and government departments

Education

Ph.D. - Psychiatric Social Work

National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
Bengaluru, India
01.2015

M.Phil. - Psychiatric Social Work

NIMHANS
Bengaluru, India
01.2010

Master of Social Work (MSW) -

The M.S. University of Baroda
Vadodara, Gujarat, India
01.2007

Bachelor of Science - Zoology

Gauhati University
Assam, India
01.2005

Skills

  • Research & Project Management: Demonstrated success in project initiation, design, ethics processes, implementation, and evaluation Strong publication record and experience with qualitative and quantitative methodologies using SPSS, NVivo, and Atlasti
  • Teaching & Academic Leadership: Experienced in curriculum development, inclusive and learner-centred teaching, and supervision of Honours, Master's, and PhD students Skilled in designing assessments that integrate practice, research, and critical reflection
  • Health Systems & Policy Engagement: Experience in developing, piloting, and evaluating public health and mental health interventions, including community-based and digital models of care Skilled in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and translational research for impact
  • Digital & IT Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, REDCap, Zoom, survey platforms (SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), reference managers, and online learning management systems (eg, Moodle)
  • Languages Spoken: - English - Fluent (read, write, speak) - Hindi - Fluent (read, write, speak) - Assamese - Fluent (read, write, speak) - Bengali - Fluent (read, write, speak)
  • Interpersonal & Collaborative: Effective communicator with experience leading interdisciplinary teams and working across diverse cultural contexts Skilled in planning, collaboration, and time-bound delivery in both academic and applied settings

Certification

  • Commercialisation Skills for Health and MedTech Researchers (2025)
  • ICH Good Clinical Practice E6 (R2), Global Health Training Institute (2022)
  • National Ethics Committee Training (2022)
  • Short Course in Gendered Research in Health (2007)

LNGG

English - Fluent (read, write, speak)
Hindi - Fluent (read, write, speak)
Assamese - Fluent (read, write, speak)
Bengali - Fluent (read, write, speak)

References

Available upon request

Affiliations

  • Life Member, Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW)
  • Executive Committee Member, Association of Psychiatric Social Work Professionals (APSWP)
  • Member, Society for Mental Health in LAMIC (SoMHiL)
  • Member, International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART)

Publications

  • Over 30 publications including in International Journal for Equity in Health, Palliative Care and Social Practice, Int J Geriatric Psychiatry, World Psychiatry, Asian Journal of Psychiatry, Clinical Gerontologist, Journal of Affective Disorders
  • Book chapter: "Family Caregiving in Dementia in India" in Dementia Care - Issues, Responses and International Perspectives (Springer, 2021)
  • Contributions to WHO dementia care manuals and protocols

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP & GRANTS

  • Chief Investigator - iSupport Digital for CALD Dementia Carers (MRFF, 2.97M AUD, 2025-2030)
  • Chief-Investigator - Moving Pictures India: Digital Media in Dementia Care (Alzheimer’s Association, 220K AUD, 2020-2025)
  • Co-investigator - Developing caregiver training module for staff working in government-funded and government-run Child Care Institutes (CCI) for rescued children in Delhi (Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Minor Research Projects, ~9000 AUD, 2022-23)
  • Co-investigator - Psychosocial and palliative care aspects in patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers: A mixed methods hospital-based study (Investigator initiated non-funded project, IHBAS, Delhi, 2022-2024)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

  • Editorial Board Member, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (SAGE)
  • Peer Reviewer: Psychiatry Research, BMC Geriatrics, International Journal of Nursing Studies, PLOS One, Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, among others
  • Consultant, Mental Health Coalition of South Australia, Adelaide SA
  • Consultant, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives Private Limited
  • Expert Panelist, TheSeniorCentral.com (mental health and ageing startup)

SELECTED INVITED TALKS, WORKSHOPS & TRANSNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

  • Invited speaker at international and national forums including the Indian Society of Professional Social Work, and Moving Pictures India symposium (NIMHANS)
  • Resource person for training programs organized by UNICEF India, IHBAS, Delhi Judicial Academy, National Law University Odisha, and others
  • Delivered academic and capacity-building lectures across India on dementia care, psychosocial support, disaster response, child protection, and mental health ethics
  • Transnational education and research experience with international collaborators including WHO, Stanford University

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

  • Sharma P, Baruah U, Kushwaha S, Yadav A, Dhamija RK. Neuropalliative care for Parkinson’s disease in India: a qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals’ perspectives. Palliative Care and Social Practice. 2025;19. https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524251326952
  • Baruah U, Rao R, Antoniades J, Loganathan S, Varghese M, Cooper C, Kent M, Dow B, Brijnath B. Unveiling the qualities of a 'good doctor': family carers' and healthcare professionals' perspective on dementia healthcare in India. Int J Equity Health. 2025 Feb 17;24(1):46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02408-3 PMID: 39962575; PMCID: PMC11834680.
  • Alberts S, Nadarajah A, Cooper C, Brijnath B, Loganathan S, Varghese M, Antoniades J, Baruah U, Dow B, Kent M, Rao R, Budgett J, Ahmed A. Attitudes to long-term care in India: A secondary, mixed methods analysis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2024 Jun;39(6):e6107. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.6107 PMID: 38822577.
  • Brijnath B, Rao R, Baruah U, Antoniades J, Loganathan S, Varghese M, Cooper C, Kent M, Dow B. Relational Solidarity and Conflicting Ethics in Dementia Care in Urban India. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2024 Jul 1;79(7):gbae079. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbae079 PMID: 38708694; PMCID: PMC11157626.
  • Sharma P, Baruah U, Yadav A, Kushwaha S, Dhamija RK. Understanding Psychosocial Functioning, Caregiver Burden, and Neuropalliative Care in Parkinson's Disease - A Mixed-Methods Study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2024 May 1;27(3):289-296. https://doi.org/10.4103/aian.aian_83_24 Epub 2024 Jun 21. PMID: 38902870; PMCID: PMC11232814.
  • Ramakrishnan D, Farhat LC, Vattimo EFQ, Levine JLS, Johnson JA, Artukoglu BB, Landeros-Weisenberger A, Zangen A, Pelissolo A, de B Pereira CA, Rück C, Costa DLC, Mataix-Cols D, Shannahoff-Khalsa D, Tolin DF, Zarean E, Meyer E, Hawken ER, Storch EA, Andersson E, Miguel EC, Maina G, Leckman JF, Sarris J, March JS, Diniz JB, Kobak K, Mallet L, Vulink NCC, Amiaz R, Fernandes RY, Shavitt RG, Wilhelm S, Golshan S, Tezenas du Montcel S, Erzegovesi S, Baruah U, Greenberg WM, Kobayashi Y, Bloch MH. An evaluation of treatment response and remission definitions in adult obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and individual-patient data meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res. 2024 May;173:387-397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.044 Epub 2024 Mar 29. PMID: 38598877.
  • Jaise J, Shetty KV, Baruah U, Bamney U, Sachetha GM. Emotional intelligence and personality among undergraduate students in a rural district of South India. Current Medicine Research and Practice 13(4):p 163-166, Jul-Aug 2023. | https://doi.org/10.4103/cmrp.cmrp_105_22
  • Jyothsna KA, Shetty KV, Kumar S, Baruah U, Jyothi HP, Amritha KS, Sachetha GM. (2023). Psychosocial distress, perceived social support, and coping in women survivors of domestic violence seeking help from a women's helpline in urban India. J Educ Health Promot. May 31;12:158. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_163_23. PMID: 37404937; PMCID: PMC10317273.
  • Baruah U, Sharma P, Thomas PT, Dhamija RK. Neuropalliative Care in India - Barriers, Challenges and Future Directions (2023). Ann Indian Acad Neurol. Mar-Apr;26(2):107-111. https://doi.org/10.4103/aian.aian_1021_22 Epub 2023 Mar 17. PMID: 37179665; PMCID: PMC10171018.
  • Brijnath B, Antoniades J, Varghese M, Cooper C, Dow B, Kent M, Loganathan S, Baruah U. (2022). Using Digital Media to Improve Dementia Care in India: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 11(6):e38456. URL: https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/6/e38456. doi: 10.2196/38456
  • Baruah, U., Loganathan, S., Shivakumar, P., Pot, A.M., Mehta, K.M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Dua, T., Varghese, M., (2021). Adaptation of an online training and support program for caregivers of people with dementia to Indian cultural setting. Asian Journal of Psychiatry.59, 102624. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102624
  • Baruah, U., Varghese, M., Loganathan, S., Mehta, K.M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Zandi, D., Dua, T., Pot, A.M., (2021). Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online training and support program for caregivers of people with dementia in India: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.36(4), 606-617. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5502
  • Baruah, U., Shivakumar, P., Loganathan, S., Pot, A.M., Mehta, K.M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Dua, T., Varghese, M., (2020). Perspectives on components of an online training and support program for dementia family caregivers in India: A focus group study. Clinical Gerontologist.43(5), 518-532. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2020.1725703
  • Pot, A.M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Xiao, L.D., Willemse, B.M., Rosier, I., Mehta, K.M., Zandi, D., Dua, T., Albanese, E., Batsch, N., Baruah, U., Edwards, K., Egan, K., Guerra, M., Holroyd-Leduc, J., Kwok, T., Prins, M., Loganathan, S., Shivakumar, P., van Asch, I., Varghese, M., Wang, H., Wortmann, M. (2019). iSupport: a WHO global online intervention for informal caregivers of people with dementia. World Psychiatry.18(3), 365-366. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20684
  • Narayanaswamy, J.C., Jose, D., Agarwal, S.M., Kalmady, S.V., Baruah, U., Shivakumar, V., Prasad, C., Viswanath, B., Rao, N.P., Venkatasubramanian, G., Janardhan Reddy, Y.C., (2019). Neuro-hemodynamic endophenotypes of emotional interference in OCD: FMRI study using emotion counting stroop task. Asian Journal of Psychiatry.39, 35-41. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2018.11.015
  • Mehta, K.M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Varghese, M., Loganathan, S., Baruah, U., Seeher, K., Zandi, D., Dua, T., Pot, A.M., (2018). iSupport, an online training and support program for caregivers of people with dementia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in India. Trials.19(1), 271. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-2604-9
  • Baruah, U., Pandian, R.D., Narayanaswamy, J.C., Bada Math, S., Kandavel, T., Reddy, Y.C.J., (2018). A randomized controlled study of brief family-based intervention in obsessive compulsive disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 225, 137-146. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.08.014
  • Arumugham, S.S., Cherian, A.V., Baruah, U., Viswanath, B., Narayanaswamy, J.C., Math, S.B., Reddy, Y.C., (2014). Comparison of clinical characteristics of familial and sporadic obsessive-compulsive disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry.55(7), 1520-1525. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.07.006
  • Baruah, U., Hamza, A., (2013). A social casework report of adolescent adjustment disorder with borderline intelligence. Open Journal of Psychiatry & Allied Sciences (Formerly Dysphrenia).4(2), 148-157. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289525966_A_social_casework_report_of_adolescent_adjustment_disorder_with_borderline_intelligence
  • Agarwal, S.M., Jose, D., Baruah, U., Shivakumar, V., Kalmady, S.V., Venkatasubramanian, G., Mataix-Cols, D., Reddy, Y.C., (2013). Neurohemodynamic correlates of washing symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A pilot FMRI study using symptom provocation paradigm. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.35(1), 67-74. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103%2F0253-7176.112208
  • Baruah, U., Pandian, R.D., Ahmed, A., (2012). Psychosocial correlates of aggression among persons with substance dependence. National Journal of Professional Social Work. 13 (1-2), 54-67.
  • Baruah, U., (2012). Exposure and response (ritual) prevention therapy in dealing with obsessions and compulsions. Journal of School Social Work. 9 (07), 23-26.
  • Baruah, U., Pillai, R.R., Parthasarathy, R., (2011). Family therapy for child psychiatric disorders: A case presentation. Rajagiri Journal of Social Development.2(2), 207-216. https://www.proquest.com/docview/900350681/311A681B555504D68PQ/1
  • Baruah, U., Pandian, R.D., (2011). Aggression, suicidal tendencies and high-risk sexual behaviour among persons with substance dependence. Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry. 27(3-4), 146-152.

Timeline

Research Fellow

National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
07.2023 - Current

Assistant Professor

Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS)
12.2021 - 07.2023

Assistant Professor

Christ University
05.2021 - 11.2021

Project Coordinator

UNICEF-funded - System Strengthening in Early Childhood Development, Education and Child Protection project, NIMHANS
03.2019 - 07.2020

Research Associate

World Health Organisation (WHO)-funded iSupport for Dementia Family Caregivers Project, NIMHANS
08.2016 - 02.2019

Senior Research Fellow

Neuroimaging Endophenotypes in OCD Project, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, NIMHANS
02.2013 - 09.2013

Junior Research Fellow

Neuroimaging Endophenotypes in OCD Project, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, NIMHANS
02.2011 - 01.2013

Psychiatric Social Worker

Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health
06.2010 - 01.2011

Fieldwork Supervisor

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
01.2010 - 01.2011

M.Phil. in Psychiatric Social Work

NIMHANS
05.2008 - 05.2010

Programme Officer

Centre for Environment Education
06.2007 - 04.2008

Ph.D. - Psychiatric Social Work

National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences (NIMHANS)

M.Phil. - Psychiatric Social Work

NIMHANS

Master of Social Work (MSW) -

The M.S. University of Baroda

Bachelor of Science - Zoology

Gauhati University

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Upasana Baruah