Subhash Chandra Sharma is a clinical psychologist based in Nepal, who has been working in the field of mental health for the last 25 years. Throughout his career he has developed an in-depth and unique perspective in the dynamics of human mind and strenghths of human beings at large. He has a deep understanding of the strengths each individual possesses, and how resilient they are from within.
He is inclined towards the view that social inequalities, societal pressures and family dynamics plays a crucial role in shaping personality of every individual. Each individual brings with him his own unique style of coping (dealing) with the stressors s/he encounters in life. He is also a strong beleiver that biology including genetic vulnerabilities play an important role in providing a template of temperament to the individual which acts with the forces of family and society which eventually determines how resilient or weak the person becomes psychologically.
With rigorous academic training into assessment and intervention modalities and years of experience with clients having various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, addiction, suicide and others, he looks at his clients with a perspective and an approach that is unique to him and makes him able to bond closely with his clients. He never regards clients suffereing from untreatable mental health conditions as "someone who needs to be fixed" but works to instill an understanding of the dynamics of the symptoms they are suffering from and offers them techniques to master their weaknesses into resiliences and strengths so that they are better able to function as individuals and become active and productive member of the society.
With a through understanding of psychological disorders, his work is impactful. Nepal which is plagued by numerous challenges such as the COVID pandemic, the Earthquakes and an arid land with abundant natural and man-made disasters which puts an immense pressure on the daily living of Nepalese citizens. A land bound by land from all four corners, Nepal has its own give and take in terms of its resiliency as a nation and citizens. Nepalese people are however, instinctually happy, social and mostly happy. They are content with what they have and believe strongly in social cohesion. Nepal is known as the most hospitable country to visit world-wide. However, brave as Gurkhas, Nepalese have an immense pride and patriotism in thier blood. Brave yet poised, and calm, I believe, every citizen of Nepal reflects the qualities of Buddha.
Nepal as all other countries in the world has its own need in the context of mental health. There is only one Government Owned Psychiatric Hospital,Mental Hospital, Lagankhel in the country which is based in Kathmandu. At present there are around 241 Psychiatrist and 35 Clinical Psychologists who are registered with the government and hold a degree and a licensure in providing mental health treatment. This brings Nepal very low in terms of Mental health professionals per 100,000 population. Most of these professionals are centered in Kathmandu and the rural areas of Nepal virtually has no qualified human resources. Provincial Hospitals are now trying to create post for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists but then the availability of the required human resources is very low. There is only one hospital, The Institute of Medicine which produces four Clinical Psychologists every year. Few Teaching Hospitals in Kathmandu and other provinces produce psychiatrists but then the number is still very low. Female Community Health Woorkers (FCHVs), having received 18 days of basic training in two phases and are the main outreach workers who have access to all households and are the ones who are trained in identification and referral of cases to nearby health posts. Most Health posts are run by Medical Officers who have a MBBS degree and are based in the community. Many have to complete thier two year bonding with the Government as a part of their scholarship to study MBBS in this way. Many health posts are still run by a Health Workers who has a Health Assistant degree. The government and non Governement organizations such as CMC Nepal and TPO Nepal are working in providing mhGAP training to these health workers to make them capable of identifying and prescribing psychological or pharmacological interventions. Many times, when they find the cases difficult, they refer the cases to district level hospitals. District level hospitals are supposed to have at least one psychiatrist and one clinical psychologist or a psychologist.
Subhash Chandra Sharma is a professor in clinical psychology who has been teaching medical and non medical students since he completed his degree in clinical psycology. He is involved with different institutions and organizations such as Institute of Medicine where he completed his academic degree, Kathmandu Medical College where he practiced for around 21 years, CMC Nepal where he is currenlty working as the Managing Director of CMCS Nepal, a sister organization of CMC Nepal where he works as a consultant.
In addition to his professional achievements in psychology, Subhash Chandra Sharma has extensive experience in the field of Information Technology. His interest in the field led him to establish and run MicroNepal Ltd., an IT institute in Kathmandu. He served as the owner and instructer at this center. He served as the lead instructer and taught domain management, hosting services, and website development. His IT expertise has been crucial in the creation and management of several websites that serve both personal and professional purposes.
Among the websites he has developed are Psychologynepal.com, a resource platform dedicated to mental health awareness and services in Nepal; Wellbeing Nepal, focusing on holistic health and wellness; and WheelsXNepalwheelsxnepal.com, a comprehensive site showcasing the automobile market in Nepal. Other notable websites include Mental Health in Nepal, aimed at promoting mental health resources, His Biographical Website, a personal portfolio site, and Center for Psychological Health and Emotional Wellbeing, which provides professional counseling services. He has also been oversees the managing and maintaining the website of Center for Mental Health and Counseling Services where he works as a Mananging Director.
Subhash Chandra Sharma is not only a dedicated clinical psychologist but also a passionate photographer with extensive experience in the field. His journey in photography began since his early childhood. He started experimenting with the Twin-Lens Reflex Camera he was given by his father. Later during his study in Bachelor he registered his own Photo Studio with the name of SuBi's Photo Studio where he served individual clients and events such as marriage and festivals. He also travelled to remote areas and have been able to capture capture the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant life of Nepal. Nature and landscapes have been his biggest tastes.Through his lens, Subhash has been able to share the beauty and diversity of the Nepali experience with a broader audience.
He has successfully run his own studio, Subi's Photo Studio, where he provided professional photography services for various events, including weddings, portraits, and corporate functions. His ability to connect with clients and understand their vision has made him a sought-after photographer in the community. Subhash’s keen eye for detail and his artistic sensibility have enabled him to create memorable and impactful images that resonate with those who view them.
His work was prominently featured in the book "Visit Nepal, 2008," published by the Ministry of Tourism, Nepal. This publication aimed to promote tourism in the country, showcasing its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Subhash's photographs played a vital role in this initiative, capturing the essence of Nepal’s landscapes, people, and traditions. Being part of such a significant project reflects not only his skill as a photographer but also his commitment to promoting Nepal on an international platform.
Through his photography, Subhash Chandra Sharma aims to inspire others to appreciate the beauty around them and to foster a greater understanding of Nepal's rich culture and history. He continues to explore new techniques and subjects, striving to evolve as an artist while maintaining a strong connection to his roots.