Kisha Rao

Dr. Kisha is a counsellor and researcher with over a decade of experience in counselling psychology and quantitative mental health research. Her scholarly work focuses on psychological help-seeking attitudes and mental health stigma among university populations. She is the recipient of the Best Research Paper Award from the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) for her study on help-seeking attitudes among Malaysian and international university students. In addition to her research contributions, she has led five consecutive World Mental Health Week initiatives, achieving a 96.77% satisfaction rate, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based mental health promotion and community engagement.

Counsellor and mental health professional with 10+ years’ experience in student and staff support, crisis management, and mental health advocacy. Experienced in developing evidence-based programmes, leading World Mental Health Day/Week initiatives, and delivering culturally sensitive interventions. Recognized for research excellence by the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia in psychological help-seeking attitudes.

Dr. Kisha holds a Doctorate in Psychology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, with a focus on psychological help-seeking, stigma, and multicultural mental health. Her research, recognized by the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES), provided expertise in evidence-based interventions and quantitative research applied to student and staff wellbeing.