Dr. Vikas Malik, Founder of Wonder Years, on Breaking Barriers and Innovation in Psychiatry
- Growing up in a family of doctors
- Discovering a passion for psychiatry unexpectedly
Podcast
Overview
In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, hosted by Ashutosh Garg, Dr. Vikas Malik, Founder of Wonder Years, shares his deeply personal journey into psychiatry and his mission to redefine mental health care through an integrated, patient-centric approach.
00:00:46 — Early Influences and Choosing Psychiatry
• Growing up in a family of doctors
• Discovering a passion for psychiatry unexpectedly
• High patient volumes in India shaping empathy and resilience
00:02:29 — Founding Wonder Years
• Accessibility and affordability challenges in India and the U.S.
• Frustration with fragmented mental health systems
• Starting with lower fees to remove barriers to care
00:04:09 — Gaps in Traditional Mental Health Care
• Lack of coordinated treatment
• Patients navigating multiple providers and locations
• Integrating psychiatry, therapy, and support under one roof
00:05:03 — What Integrated Care Looks Like in Practice
• Direct, human collaboration between specialists
• Old-fashioned teamwork over excessive digital dependence
• Better outcomes through seamless communication
00:06:17 — Creating Psychological Safety for Patients
• Importance of first impressions and front-desk interactions
• Transparency, trust, and clarity from the first visit
00:07:30 — Common Misconceptions About Psychiatry
• The myth that psychiatry equals heavy medication
• Emphasis on dialogue, choice, and shared decision-making
00:08:01 — Personalized Treatment Across Age Groups
• Specialized therapists for children, adolescents, and adults
• Clear distinctions between outpatient care and emergencies
00:09:06 — Barriers to Access and How to Overcome Them
• Insurance complexities and financial constraints
• Biases among patients and providers
• Education as a tool for systemic change
00:11:09 — Cultural Context in Mental Health
• How symptoms vary across cultures
• Navigating cultural stigma and communication barriers
• Listening deeply to immigrant family experiences
00:14:21 — Role of Technology in Mental Health Care
• Digital reminders and patient engagement tools
• AI for documentation and administrative efficiency
• Simplifying billing and insurance processes
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Dr Vikas Malik: LinkedIn
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Huge misconception: Families often think psychiatry means a pile of prescriptions.
Not true. Dr. Vikas Malik emphasizes conversation, choice, and empowerment—no rushed treatment decisions.
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- Growing up in a family of doctors
- Discovering a passion for psychiatry unexpectedly
- High patient volumes in India shaping empathy and resilience
