Dr. Desh Keerti Menon: A Distinguished Career in Clinical Psychology and Disability Advocacy

Dr. Desh Keerti Menon is a highly respected clinical psychologist with a remarkable career dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges. His contributions span India and the UK, where he has been pivotal in advancing psychological services and rehabilitation programs.

Career Highlights

From 2000 to 2011, Dr. Menon served as the Principal Clinical Psychologist in the Community Health Team at the Specialist Learning Disability Psychological Service within the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS University Foundation Trust, St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK. In this role, he provided specialised psychological services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on challenging behaviours and mental health issues.

Before his tenure in the UK, Dr. Menon was the founding Director of the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disability (NIEPID) in Secunderabad, India, where he served from 1984 to 2000. Under his leadership, NIEPID became a pioneering institution in disability rehabilitation, offering research-based solutions, education, and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. His earlier career included serving as a Senior Research Officer in the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi.

Expertise and Contributions

Dr Menon is a passionate advocate and user of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), particularly in addressing challenging behaviours in individuals with intellectual disabilities. His expertise extends to Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which he has used to treat anger, anxiety, and depression. He has also employed Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) for managing personality disorders, and his work in ageing and dementia in individuals with Down’s syndrome has been widely recognised.

One of Dr Menon’s critical areas of focus is assessing the capacity for giving consent, ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities are empowered with the rights and opportunities they deserve. He has been a strong advocate for equal opportunities and rights for people with intellectual disabilities, pushing for more inclusive and fair treatment in healthcare and social settings.

Dr. Menon has also overseen social skills training programs, including friendship and relationship training for individuals with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum.

Personal Interests

In addition to his professional work, Dr. Menon enjoys a fulfilling personal life. His love for reading, walking, and cycling keeps him active and engaged. He currently resides in California, United States, where he continues to pursue his passion for learning and contributing to psychology.

Dr. Desh Keerti Menon’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. His legacy in clinical psychology continues to inspire professionals and advocates alike.