Pooja Lakshmin

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin is a bestselling author, board-certified psychiatrist, and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at George Washington University School of Medicine. Lakshmin completed her education and medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Medical College, Stanford University, and George Washington University, spending 14 years in total to become a board-certified psychiatrist. She served as associate program director of the psychiatry residency program at George Washington University and as a clinical supervisor in the Five Trimesters Perinatal Psychiatry Clinic. Recognizing a need for accessible, science-based digital resources focused on women's mental health, Lakshmin founded Gemma, a physician-led education platform dedicated to women's mental health, impact, and equity.

Her debut book, "Real Self-Care: Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble-Baths Not Included," is a national bestseller and was named an NPR Best Book. The book has been featured by Good Morning America, NPR's Code Switch and 1A, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Talks at Google, and has been translated into six languages. In "Real Self-Care," Lakshmin argues that authentic self-care is an internal, self-reflective process involving difficult decisions aligned with personal values, leading to shifts in relationships, workplaces, and broader systems. Drawing on case studies from her psychiatric practice and clinical research, she provides a step-by-step program for sustainable change. The book addresses the limitations of popular wellness trends and offers a framework for meaningful self-care and cultural transformation.

Lakshmin is a frequent contributor to The New York Times, where her essays on burnout and women's mental health have influenced national and international conversations. Her widely read essays, including "How Society Has Turned its Back on Mothers" and "Saying No Is Self-Care for Parents," have reached millions. She has appeared on NPR's 1A, The Today Show, The Ezra Klein Show, the Mel Robbins podcast, and "We Can Do Hard Things" to discuss her philosophy on self-care and mental health. Lakshmin's research background includes post-doctoral work at Rutgers University, where she studied the neural basis of sexual response in women.

Lakshmin has spoken at organizations such as Google, LinkedIn, Booz Allen, Peloton, Neuberger Berman, Penn Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Harvard Law School, Aspen Ideas, and SXSW, teaching her framework for real self-care in the workplace. Through evidence-based tools and storytelling, she introduces the Four Principles of Real Self-Care—Boundaries, Compassion, Values, and Power—equipping employees and leaders with strategies to reduce burnout, build resilience, and foster healthier workplace cultures. Her partners include LinkedIn, Therapy for Black Girls, Google, The New York Times, 23andMe, Edelman, Pearson, McKinsey, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Lakshmin also maintains a private practice, treating women experiencing burnout, perfectionism, disillusionment, depression, and anxiety.