Children First ExpertDr Sonia Malhotra
Reg. No.: DMC-109991
M.B.B.S, MD Psychiatry
12 years of experience
I offer psychiatric services for individuals up to the age of 25.
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with additional training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Neuro-Dramatic Play therapy. I have over a decade's experience of working with Children, Adolescents and young Adults and their families. My strengths lie in being able to take a holistic stance at the concerns being faced by my clients and their families, and offering support that extends beyond diagnosis and medications and involves all stakeholders of the client's ecosystem, keeping them at the center of everything I do.
Concerns I can help with
I have been on medications and treatment, need mental health support/ second opinionIt felt like our child wasn't doing fine since some timeWe don't know how to help our childNo one seems to understand meI don't feel that I fit in anywhereI am not able to do as well as I canI feel severe anxiety pangsFeeling helpless, worthless and unsafeI don't know what's wrong with meFeeling emotions very intenselyFeeling sad, empty and numb insideUnable to focus on my workI am on medications since long
I feel like a social misfit
I am not feeling fine I don't know whats wrong
Our child is different from others
We don't know how to manage our child's behaviour
I offer psychiatry for
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Low Mood & Mood Swings
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts
Violent or Harmful Thoughts Towards Others
Sudden Changes in Behaviour
Social Withdrawal & Isolation
Difficulty Concentrating & Staying Focused
Academic Struggles
Delayed Speech & Language Development
Delayed Motor Skills & Dyspraxia
Autism & Social Communication Challenges
Checking Developmental Milestones
Body Discomfort & Unexplained Physical Complaints
Get started with an information session
What does it mean?
The information session is the first step to a tailored intervention plan. Our psychiatrist will assess concerns, strengths, and environment to plan therapy, medication, or support.
Whom will you meet?
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Duration: 1 hour
What will happen?
In-depth discussion on concerns & history
Insights & recommendations are shared
Next Steps: Intervention plan with therapy, medication, or support
I am Trained in
1
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
2
Pharmacotherapy
Languages I speak
English
Hindi
Punjabi
Marathi
My Affiliations
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Children First from Jun 2022 to present
Consultant Psychiatrist at Mind Matters Clinic, Pune from Sep 2016 to Aug 2021
Head of Psychiatry Service at Children First from Jun 2025 to present
FAQs
Why did you choose to become a psychiatrist?
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is not my profession or job, it is my passion! I love growing up with my children and young persons and keep the journey of learning, unlearning and relearning alive within me. My practice deepens me as a person and fills my heart with love and kindness that all my children bring in. That's the greatest joy of being a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.
What type of session would you like?
Session Duration
Check available slots
No slots available
For those in need of more intensive care and daily support, our Mental Health Hospital is now open in Bangalore.
If you or someone you know is experiencing at-risk behaviors or safety concerns, or any other life-threatening extreme-case issues or critical mental health situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or extreme-case support room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.
For extreme-case mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800-891-4416.
If you or someone you know is experiencing at-risk behaviors or safety concerns, or any other life-threatening extreme-case issues or critical mental health situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or extreme-case support room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.
For extreme-case mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800-891-4416.