Dr. Rashmi Rangaswamy: Assistant Professor at CHRIST UNIVERSITY, India
Dr. Rashmi R is a dedicated academic and practitioner in the field of psychology, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at CHRIST (Deemed to be University). With over 18 years of teaching experience, she specializes in counseling psychology, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS counseling, mental health interventions, and the use of expressive art therapies. She completed her Doctoral research in 2016 on improving the quality of life for HIV-infected children, under the guidance of Dr. Romate John. Dr. Rashmi’s work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also impacts practical applications in clinical psychology, mental health counseling, and psycho-education across various age groups.
Online Profiles
Education
Dr. Rashmi’s academic journey is anchored in a robust foundation of psychology, beginning with a B.A. in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology from M.E.S College, Bangalore University, followed by an MSc in Psychological Counselling (specializing in HRM) from Jnanabharathi, Bangalore University. In 2016, she earned her Doctoral degree from the Department of Psychology at Bangalore University. Her Ph.D. dissertation, focused on “Designing Intervention Strategies for Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Children,” marked a significant contribution to understanding the psychological needs of children living with HIV. This academic excellence laid the groundwork for her long-standing career in teaching and research.
Research Focus
Dr. Rashmi’s research interests are diverse but consistently rooted in enhancing mental health outcomes for marginalized populations. Her primary focus areas include counseling psychology, mental health interventions, and HIV/AIDS counseling. She has pioneered studies on the use of expressive art therapies as a tool for psychological healing in children with HIV and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Her work on virtual reality-based rehabilitation programs for adolescent athletes recovering from injuries blends psychological interventions with technological innovation. Furthermore, she has conducted significant research on minority stress and its effects on the mental health of non-binary individuals, marking an important contribution to the emerging field of gender and sexual diversity studies in India.
Experience
Dr. Rashmi’s career has spanned various educational institutions and health organizations. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at CHRIST University, where she teaches counseling skills, group counseling, and psychopathology to graduate and post-graduate students. Prior to her current role, she taught at Montfort College and served as a consulting psychologist at Bangalore University’s Centre for Psychological Counselling. Over the years, Dr. Rashmi has supervised and mentored over 30 postgraduate students in their research, particularly in areas of mental health counseling, psychopathology, and psychosocial interventions. Her clinical experience extends to working in HIV/AIDS programs across multiple Indian states, including organizing training programs for ICTC/ART counselors.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Rashmi’s research journey has evolved significantly over the years. Beginning in 2008 as a research scholar at Bangalore University, her doctoral research culminated in her Ph.D. on improving the life quality of HIV-infected children. She later expanded her research scope to include national-level projects, such as the ICSSR-funded study on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and global health initiatives like the Global Fund Round 7 Project on HIV/AIDS counselor training. More recently, she has focused on integrating virtual reality and expressive arts into therapeutic interventions. Her research timeline is marked by continuous involvement in national and international conferences, collaborations with other academic institutions, and a commitment to addressing pressing social issues through psychological research.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Rashmi has been recognized for her contributions to psychology both in academia and the clinical field. She has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker, chair scientific sessions, and panellist at numerous prestigious national and international conferences. Her expertise in HIV/AIDS counseling, mental health interventions, and expressive arts therapies has earned her several accolades and honors, including invitations to lead specialized training programs for mental health professionals. Her academic rigor and commitment to community health were acknowledged when she received recognition for her innovative contributions to counseling and educational psychology.
Top Noted Publication
Dr. Rashmi has authored several key publications in renowned academic journals. Among her top publications is the paper titled “Minority Stress and Mental Health of Indian Non-binary Individuals,” which was published in Springer Journal of Global Social Welfare in May 2025. This paper sheds light on the psychological challenges faced by the non-binary community in India, an often under-researched area in Indian psychology. Her work is grounded in a critical understanding of societal marginalization and its psychological impact, and this publication has been highly regarded for its timely and impactful exploration of gender diversity and mental health.
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Community Resilience to Climate Change: Integrating Sociological Perspectives
Journal: Journal of Applied Bioanalysis, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2025
DOI: 10.53555/jab.v11i1.055
Contributors: Cherupelly, N.; Shenoy, S.S.; Joseph, S.A.; Singh, B.P.; Rangaswamy, R.; Das, P.K.; Bhasin, K.
This paper explores the concept of community resilience in the face of climate change, integrating sociological perspectives to address the broader social and psychological dimensions of climate-related impacts. By bridging environmental psychology and community resilience, this research offers fresh insights into adapting communities to the challenges posed by climate change. -
Minority Stress and Mental Health of Indian Non-binary Individuals
Journal: Global Social Welfare, May 19, 2025
DOI: 10.1007/s40609-025-00393-7
Contributors: Surbhi Deshpande; Rashmi Rangaswamy
This pioneering study sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by non-binary individuals in India, a marginalized and under-studied group. The paper highlights how minority stress affects mental health and calls for more inclusive psychological practices in the Indian context. It offers valuable contributions to gender studies and mental health counseling. -
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation Programs for Post-Injury Recovery in Adolescent Athletes: A Mixed-Methods Study
Journal: Retos, March 28, 2025
DOI: 10.47197/retos.v65.111674
Contributors: V Kiran MPT; R. Amarnath; G Nusarath Jaha; Praveen Katiyar; Rashmi Rangaswamy; Avanika Sinha
This study assesses the impact of virtual reality-based rehabilitation programs on the recovery process of adolescent athletes recovering from injuries. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research provides empirical evidence supporting the potential of virtual reality in sports rehabilitation and recovery, particularly for younger athletes.