Psychologist
Sayee Deshpande
Chief Operations Officer
Sayee Deshpande is a Counselling Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across clinical, educational, and healthcare settings. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at 1SpecialPlace, where she oversees clinical and operational processes and leads a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and special educators.
Her clinical experience includes working with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, emotional difficulties, and life transitions. She also has extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and their families, with a focus on creating collaborative and supportive care that considers the needs of the individual and their wider family system.
Prior to joining 1SpecialPlace, Sayee worked with the Indian Navy as a Psychologist, providing counselling and mental health support to personnel and their families, as well as working with children at an Early Intervention Centre. She has also worked as a school counsellor, supporting children, parents, and teachers and coordinating learning and therapeutic support for students with diverse needs.
Alongside her clinical work, Sayee is passionate about strengthening mental health care through therapist training, clinical supervision, parent education, and the development of compassionate, ethical, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Language Proficiency
English, Hindi, Marathi
About Me
Practicing since 2015
I believe that therapy begins with feeling heard, understood, and accepted for who you are. I see therapy as a collaborative space where we can slow down, make sense of what you are experiencing, and work together towards meaningful change.
My approach is integrative and tailored to each person's unique needs. I draw from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, mindfulness, play therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, and relational approaches. I am particularly interested in understanding how our relationships, family experiences, and life contexts shape the way we see ourselves and respond to the world around us.
At the heart of my work is the belief that people are not problems to be fixed. With the right support, understanding, and space to reflect, we can develop a deeper relationship with ourselves and with the people who matter to us.
Education
MA. in Clinical Psychology
Savitribai Phule Pune University
BA. in Psychology
Fergusson College, Pune
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Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
Certifications
1. Advanced Certification in Marital Therapy
2. Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
Memberships
1. NCAHP (National Commission of Allied Health Professionals)
2. CCI ( Counsellors Council of India)
Awards
- Certificate of Appreciation - Testimonial Virtuoso 2026
- Certificate of Excellence Mental Health Counseling 2026
- Employee of the Year ‘Overall Best Performance Award’ - 2026
- Certificate of Excellence Mental Health Counseling 2025 - 1SpecialPlace
- Employee of the Year Leadership and care 2025 - 1SpecialPlace
- Certificate of Appreciation - Team Catalyst 2025 - 1SpecialPlace
- Leadership Employee of the Year 2024 - 1SpecialPlace
- Mental Health Counseling 2024 - 1SpecialPlace
- Certificate of Excellence in Mental Counseling 2023 - 1SpecialPlace
- Certificate of Appreciation - Teamwork Triumph leadership award 2023 - 1SpecialPlace
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Clinical Expertise
As a highly skilled online psychologist in India, Sayee Deshpande’s clinical expertise is rooted in evidence-based interventions and a deep understanding of human behavior. She specializes in behavior management for children, anxiety management for adults and teens, parent coaching, and marital counseling. Her psychotherapy approach for children and adolescents addresses academic, developmental, and emotional needs, while her neurodiversity-affirming therapy supports autistic and neurodivergent clients with respect and empathy. Sayee tailors every session to suit each client’s background, ensuring therapy is both impactful and practical. By integrating multiple therapeutic modalities, she helps clients build coping skills, improve relationships, and achieve greater emotional resilience.
02
Research Areas
In her role as an online psychologist in India, Sayee Deshpande actively contributes to mental health research, focusing on areas that drive better outcomes for clients. Her work on postpartum mental health explores the impact of partner support, bonding, and sleep on maternal adjustment. She also investigates mindfulness-based stress reduction in teens, particularly in school-based programs for emotional regulation. Additionally, her research on digital therapeutic models examines the effectiveness of remote therapy in managing anxiety and depression. These studies not only inform her clinical practice but also advance the broader understanding of accessible, technology-driven mental health solutions in India and beyond.
03
Work Experience
With extensive professional experience as an online psychologist in India, Sayee Deshpande has served in diverse settings. At the Indian Naval Hospital Ship Patanjali, she supported defence personnel and their families in managing trauma and adjustment issues. At the Station Health Office in Kochi, she focused on preventive mental health care, early intervention, and child development. Currently, as Operations Manager at 1SpecialPlace, she leads therapy programs, supervises mental health professionals, and pioneers innovations in teletherapy. Her work blends clinical expertise with leadership, ensuring clients receive world-class online counseling services. This unique mix of field and managerial experience shapes her holistic therapeutic approach.