Meet the OPTIMIND Team

Dr Harish's background includes diverse roles in various hospitals across the UK. Since relocating to Australia in 2020, he has contributed to mental health care at Eastern Health Victoria, Peninsula Health, and now at Mercy Health, Werribee.

Simon is a compassionate provisional psychologist with experience supporting young children, adults and families across school, community and clinical settings. Simon specialises in complex mental health needs, neurodiversity, anxiety, mood difficulties and life transitions.

Dr Vahid Farnia is a Melbourne-based Consultant Psychiatrist with over 17 years of experience providing evidence-based, collaborative assessment and treatment for adults with ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum conditions, OCD and psychosis.

Dr Shabnam NickKholgh is a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in eating and mood disorders, providing compassionate, individualised care for adults aged 18–65 with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, OCD, and PTSD, with access to inpatient and day programs through The Melbourne Clinic.

Angela is a warm and compassionate registered psychologist who provides an inclusive, evidence-based approach to supporting clients with anxiety, mood difficulties, trauma, stress, relationships and life transitions, with a special interest in sleep and body clock related concerns..

Jacqueline is a compassionate psychologist supporting children, adolescents, adults and families with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, relationships and life transitions, using evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, ACT and Schema Therapy to build resilience, self-esteem and meaningful change.

Lee is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a trauma-informed approach, supporting adolescents and adults with complex mental health concerns, relationships, workplace stress and life challenges through evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, EMDR and ACT.

Emily is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience providing compassionate, client-centred therapy to adults and children from diverse backgrounds, supporting conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, grief, trauma, addictions, and personal growth through an integrated, evidence-based approach.

Frank is an experienced Psychologist with a diverse background in psychology, education, and chiropractic care, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, and chronic pain through a respectful, holistic, and compassionate approach.

Ramon is an experienced Psychologist specialising in ADHD and autism assessments, as well as evidence-based therapy for depression, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties, working collaboratively with clients to develop personalised goals, practical strategies, and a deeper understanding of themselves to support lasting wellbeing.

Lingdi is a Clinical Psychologist experienced in supporting children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds with conditions including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, autism, and ADHD, using evidence-based therapies to improve wellbeing, daily functioning, and quality of life.

Ridhi is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in trauma across the lifespan and diagnostic assessments, providing warm, collaborative, and personalised support informed by her experience in educational and developmental psychology, family violence, correctional settings, and working with children, young people, and adult survivors of trauma.

Dr Candice James is a Registered Psychologist specialising in comprehensive assessments for children, adolescents, and adults, including cognitive functioning, ADHD, learning difficulties, intellectual disability, and autism, alongside counselling for emotional, behavioural, and educational concerns, using a holistic, evidence-based, and strengths-based approach that supports neurodiversity, giftedness, personal growth, and wellbeing.

Dr Mohsen Rahimnia is a compassionate and experienced Consultant Psychiatrist providing private psychiatric care in Box Hill. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and has additional training in psychotherapy.

Dr Cockman has over two decades of experience, which includes work within hospitals, government, schools and private practice. Dr Cockman has an integrated approach to psychological therapy and practical support. Her areas of interest include: ASD and ADHD management; depression; anxiety and panic; workplace and family relational difficulties; and complex trauma treatment.

Dr Moghaddasi is a consultant psychiatrist with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She has worked across acute psychiatric units, community recovery services, and multidisciplinary teams, providing comprehensive care for individuals with complex mental health conditions.

Dr Fereshteh Shakeri completed her medical training and psychiatry training in Iran. She obtained membership of Iran Psychiatry Association. Dr Shakeri worked as a consultant psychiatrist in a public mental health and private clinic till moving to Melbourne.

Dr Pradeep Singhal is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, with a particular focus on ADHD assessment and treatment for older adolescents and adults, helping individuals overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Madeleine is a registered Psychologist specialising in ADHD and autism assessments and treatment, with extensive experience supporting adults, children aged six and above, and adolescents with a range of mental health concerns through a collaborative, evidence-based approach that incorporates advanced neurofeedback training and family involvement where appropriate.

Dr Parekh completed undergraduate medical training in India and moved to Australia in 2009. Dr Parekh completed his psychiatry training in Australia and was awarded with her fellowship with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2020.

Dr Anahita Hosseini is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). She graduated as a Psychiatrist in Iran in 2006 and after moving to Melbourne in 2012, she has been working as an Adult Psychiatrist in both community and hospital settings. 

Dr Agrawal completed her medical training in India in 2009 and moved to Australia in 2016. She was awarded her Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2019 and has worked in the public service as a psychiatrist up to 2023.

Christine is a mature registered psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards self-awareness and enhanced well-being. With a strong ability to connect with clients she values establishing respectful and collaborative relationships which are essential for working towards wellness goals.

Dr Emmanuel (Manny) Costuna completed his medical degree at The University of Melbourne graduating in 2011 and later obtained his Master of Psychiatry in 2017. Dr Manny holds a special interest in psychodynamic therapy and guides his clients to a deeper, more insightful and compassionate understanding of themselves.

Dr Mithilesh Kumar is a Consultant Psychiatrist who has an interest in adult psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics (Old Age Psychiatry).

Paris is a nationally registered General Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She favours a person-centered approach with evidence-based theory applied in her practice, tailoring therapy to each individual's circumstances and goals.

Angela draws on client’s attachment styles, and provides a neuroaffirming, growth mindset, trauma informed and strengths-based space for clients to venture on their journeys of deepened self-discovery.

Melanie is a Psychologist that enjoys working with families, adults, young people and children. The majority of her work has focused on working in an educational setting providing individualised support through counselling, intervention and assessment for educational and developmental concerns including Autism, ADHD, cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Alex has a background in counselling and community mental health. He provides Psychology services to people of all ages , using a client-centred therapeutic approach that focuses on strengths and skill development, allowing space for clients to explore and overcome their difficulties.

Karen has worked as a Psychologist with individuals of all ages who are experiencing issues with their mental health. She has a background in nursing, management, supervision and lecturing.

Tara Griffin is a nationally registered Clinical Psychologist, and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS). She has worked in private practice for over 10 years and uses a client-centered approach to help achieve patient goals.

Dr Venkatram Chekuri completed his medical training in India and then pursued post graduate training in Psychiatry in the United Kingdom. He subsequently obtained Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and has worked in both public in-patient and community settings in Melbourne.

Dr Rodrigo is a Consultant Psychiatrist trained in Australia, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, and has specialist qualifications from all three countries. He has published journal articles on various topics and is working towards further qualifications in forensic psychiatry.

Dr Ivy Ong is a compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist with a keen interest in youth and perinatal psychiatry. She has a deep commitment to fostering mental wellness through significant life transitions by developing a mutual understanding and the provision of holistic care.

Dr Niloufar Khajehddin has been a Psychiatrist for over 23 years, working as a Consultant Psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor. She moved to Melbourne in 2013 where she has worked in Adult Psychiatry in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Morteza Jafarinia is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, with extensive experience in psychiatry, including working as a Consultant Psychiatrist, across public and private mental health services in Australia and overseas since 2012.

Julia is a Clinical Psychologist and a Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association. She completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne and has since worked in public and community health settings. She has extensive private practice experience with adolescents and adults.

Dr Sharma's journey in Psychiatry is underpinned by a dedication to understanding and treating complex mental health issues. Her experience spans significant work in both India and Australia, providing her with a global perspective on mental health care. Her approach is characterised by a commitment to evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of the nuances of psychiatric care.

Dr Reed's career is distinguished by her focused dedication to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She works intimately with families to develop comprehensive and effective treatment plans. Her work extends beyond traditional therapy, incorporating parenting skills and family therapy to foster a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Dr Jeremy Stone has been a consultant psychiatrist for 20 years. Previously, he was a general practitioner but wanted to pursue a more complex and rewarding pathway in specialised mental health care. He has a history of working across various public health services and private health services, which helps him to understand the complexity of systems to help patients benefit towards their recovery in mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Fereshteh Shakeri completed her medical training and psychiatry training in Iran. She obtained membership of Iran Psychiatry Association. Dr Shakeri worked as a consultant psychiatrist in a public mental health and private clinic till moving to Melbourne.

Dr Moghaddasi is a consultant psychiatrist with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She has worked across acute psychiatric units, community recovery services, and multidisciplinary teams, providing comprehensive care for individuals with complex mental health conditions.

Dr Mohsen Rahimnia is a compassionate and experienced Consultant Psychiatrist providing private psychiatric care in Box Hill. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and has additional training in psychotherapy.

Dr Shabnam NickKholgh is a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in eating and mood disorders, providing compassionate, individualised care for adults aged 18–65 with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, OCD, and PTSD, with access to inpatient and day programs through The Melbourne Clinic.

Dr Vahid Farnia is a Melbourne-based Consultant Psychiatrist with over 17 years of experience providing evidence-based, collaborative assessment and treatment for adults with ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum conditions, OCD and psychosis.

Dr Harish's background includes diverse roles in various hospitals across the UK. Since relocating to Australia in 2020, he has contributed to mental health care at Eastern Health Victoria, Peninsula Health, and now at Mercy Health, Werribee.

Dr Jeremy Stone has been a consultant psychiatrist for 20 years. Previously, he was a general practitioner but wanted to pursue a more complex and rewarding pathway in specialised mental health care. He has a history of working across various public health services and private health services, which helps him to understand the complexity of systems to help patients benefit towards their recovery in mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Rodrigo is a Consultant Psychiatrist trained in Australia, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, and has specialist qualifications from all three countries. He has published journal articles on various topics and is working towards further qualifications in forensic psychiatry.

Dr Agrawal completed her medical training in India in 2009 and moved to Australia in 2016. She was awarded her Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2019 and has worked in the public service as a psychiatrist up to 2023.

Dr Reed's career is distinguished by her focused dedication to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She works intimately with families to develop comprehensive and effective treatment plans. Her work extends beyond traditional therapy, incorporating parenting skills and family therapy to foster a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Dr Ivy Ong is a compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist with a keen interest in youth and perinatal psychiatry. She has a deep commitment to fostering mental wellness through significant life transitions by developing a mutual understanding and the provision of holistic care.

Dr Sharma's journey in Psychiatry is underpinned by a dedication to understanding and treating complex mental health issues. Her experience spans significant work in both India and Australia, providing her with a global perspective on mental health care. Her approach is characterised by a commitment to evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of the nuances of psychiatric care.

Dr Mithilesh Kumar is a Consultant Psychiatrist who has an interest in adult psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics (Old Age Psychiatry).

Dr Pradeep Singhal is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, with a particular focus on ADHD assessment and treatment for older adolescents and adults, helping individuals overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Dr Emmanuel (Manny) Costuna completed his medical degree at The University of Melbourne graduating in 2011 and later obtained his Master of Psychiatry in 2017. Dr Manny holds a special interest in psychodynamic therapy and guides his clients to a deeper, more insightful and compassionate understanding of themselves.

Dr Anahita Hosseini is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). She graduated as a Psychiatrist in Iran in 2006 and after moving to Melbourne in 2012, she has been working as an Adult Psychiatrist in both community and hospital settings. 

Dr Morteza Jafarinia is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, with extensive experience in psychiatry, including working as a Consultant Psychiatrist, across public and private mental health services in Australia and overseas since 2012.

Dr Niloufar Khajehddin has been a Psychiatrist for over 23 years, working as a Consultant Psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor. She moved to Melbourne in 2013 where she has worked in Adult Psychiatry in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Venkatram Chekuri completed his medical training in India and then pursued post graduate training in Psychiatry in the United Kingdom. He subsequently obtained Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and has worked in both public in-patient and community settings in Melbourne.

Dr Parekh completed undergraduate medical training in India and moved to Australia in 2009. Dr Parekh completed his psychiatry training in Australia and was awarded with her fellowship with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2020.