Where research becomes reality.
MHISA Stanford sits at the intersection of world-class academic resources and a deeply underserved South Asian community — turning research into tools, and tools into healing.
Tanishtha
Tanishtha leads MHISA Stanford, overseeing the chapter's research portfolio, cross-campus collaborations with UC Berkeley, and a growing faculty partnership with Stanford Medicine.
Stanford-Led Research
Beyond its collaborative work with UC Berkeley, MHISA Stanford leads one independent initiative.
Curriculum Evaluation Project
A rigorous evaluation of MHISA's community education curriculum — measuring its effectiveness in shifting mental health attitudes, reducing stigma, and increasing help-seeking behavior among South Asian participants. Results will directly inform curriculum refinement across all chapters.
Stanford-LedFindings from this study will be shared with all MHISA chapters to improve national programming.
Built Together
Four projects. Two campuses. One mission.
The following initiatives are joint collaborations between MHISA Stanford and MHISA UC Berkeley.
South Asian Children's Book
A culturally grounded children's book designed to introduce mental health concepts — emotional expression, help-seeking, family dialogue — to South Asian children ages 6–12. Written and illustrated in collaboration with South Asian students from both campuses.
Stanford × UCBAI-Enabled Decision Tree
An adaptive, AI-powered tool that guides South Asian individuals through a personalized mental health resource pathway — recommending services, providers, and coping strategies based on their specific situation, cultural background, and preferences.
Stanford × UCBDV/SA Safety Guide — Bay Area
A culturally tailored safety resource for South Asian survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the San Francisco Bay Area, with local provider listings, culturally sensitive navigation, and multilingual support pathways.
Stanford × UCBMental Health First Aid
Joint delivery of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification training to South Asian students, faculty, and community members across the Bay Area — building a network of culturally informed first responders.
Stanford × UCBFaculty Collaboration
Dr. Apurva Bhatt
Clinical Assistant Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Bhatt serves as a faculty collaborator to MHISA's research agenda — bringing clinical expertise and academic rigor to MHISA's work at the intersection of culture and mental health.
Clinical Assistant Professor · Stanford MedicineCommunity
Workshop Delivery — Bay Area
MHISA Stanford delivers culturally tailored mental health workshops across the South Asian community in the San Francisco Peninsula and greater Bay Area.
Want to get involved?
Whether you're a student, a researcher, or a community member — there's a place for you in MHISA.