About START Institute
S.T.A.R.T. Institute (Sambhav Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Training Institute) is a dedicated centre focused on supporting children and individuals with developmental, behavioral, and psychological challenges through structured therapy and rehabilitation services.
Founded with the vision of creating an inclusive and supportive environment, the institute works towards early identification, intervention, and holistic development of children with special needs such as Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and other developmental conditions.
S.T.A.R.T. Institute provides specialized therapeutic support, counselling, skill development training, and rehabilitation programs designed to improve emotional, social, and functional abilities. The institute also focuses on empowering families through guidance, awareness, and practical support strategies.
In addition to clinical services, S.T.A.R.T. promotes social inclusion through livelihood initiatives for women and Divyaangjan, helping them build independence and integrate into the social mainstream.
With a mission rooted in compassion and capability, S.T.A.R.T. Institute continues to work towards making therapy, rehabilitation, and developmental support accessible for every individual who needs it.
Doctor Maadhvi Awasthi
R.C.I Regd. Rehabilitation Psychologist
Dr. Madhvi Awasthi is a highly experienced R.C.I. Registered Rehabilitation Psychologist with an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology and over 18 years of expertise in the field of mental health, child development, and psychological rehabilitation. She is widely known for her work in autism assessment, ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and drug de-addiction counselling.
She currently serves as the Clinical Director at Step Up Rehabilitation Pvt Ltd and is also the Founder Director of S.T.A.R.T. Institute in Rudrapur, where she actively works towards improving the lives of children and individuals with special needs.
Dr. Madhvi specializes in developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment (certified by Government of India), IQ testing, career counselling, stress management, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, and parenting guidance. She is also trained in drug de-addiction treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation through NISD (Government of India). Her work focuses on providing structured psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults facing emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges.
In addition to her clinical work, she plays an active role in social welfare and mental health advocacy. She is the Secretary of Jan Kalyaan Avom Bal Vikas Sanstha, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about health, education, and community well-being. She has also served as a POSH Internal Committee Member at Tata Motors Pantnagar and contributes as a member of district-level mental health, human trafficking, and drug de-addiction monitoring committees.
Dr. Madhvi Awasthi is deeply committed to empowering individuals through counselling, therapy, and rehabilitation support. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and solution-oriented, aiming to help people overcome psychological challenges and lead emotionally balanced and fulfilling lives.
Through her clinical services and social initiatives, she continues to work towards making professional mental health care more accessible, supportive, and impactful for individuals and families.