Asela Surinda Abeysundera

Since 2003, I have gained extensive experience as a General Practitioner with a strong focus on psychiatric and mental health care within diverse clinical settings. Over the years, I have worked as an OPD doctor and as a Medical Officer of Health, where I encountered a wide spectrum of psychiatric presentations and psychosocial issues. This exposure has allowed me to develop a holistic, patient-centered approach in managing individuals and families with mental health needs. A significant part of my work has been in the field of substance abuse, where I provided assessment, counseling, and treatment support for individuals struggling with addiction and its psychosocial consequences. I have also been actively engaged in couple therapy, addressing marital conflicts, communication breakdowns, and relationship difficulties through structured counseling and supportive interventions. My experience extends to maternal mental health, where I have provided pre- and post-partum care, identifying and managing depression, anxiety, and emotional distress in mothers while supporting family adjustment during these critical phases. In the area of family planning, I have not only offered medical guidance but also addressed the psychological and relational aspects influencing reproductive choices. In addition, I have managed cases related to abuse—physical, emotional, and sexual—providing both medical care and psychological support while ensuring referrals and safeguarding measures. Through these roles, I have developed strong skills in counseling, crisis intervention, and preventive mental health care, reinforcing my commitment to integrating psychiatric support within general medical practice.