According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health refers to well-being in which individuals recognize their potential, work productively, contribute to their communities, and effectively manage and cope with life’s stressors.

For us to function optimally, it is crucial that both our body and mind are in good health. Our body and mind are interconnected, and if one of them is not healthy, it can impact the overall functioning of the other.

Mental health counselling is a therapeutic process where trained professionals, such as licensed counsellors, psychologists, or therapists, help individuals manage and overcome emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues. It offers a safe and confidential environment where individuals can express their thoughts and feelings, gain insights into their mental health challenges, and develop effective coping strategies.

Key aspects of mental health counselling include:

• Assessment and diagnosis: Counsellors evaluate the client’s mental health through interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes psychological tests to understand their condition and determine a diagnosis, if applicable.
• Therapeutic techniques: Various evidence-based techniques and interventions are used, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness practices, tailored to the client’s specific needs.
• Goal setting: Counsellors work with clients to set realistic and achievable goals for therapy, focusing on personal growth, symptom relief, and improved functioning.
• Skill building: Clients learn coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation techniques to manage their daily lives and challenges better.
• Support and guidance: Counsellors provide ongoing support, encouragement, and advice, helping individuals navigate difficult situations and make positive changes.

Overall, mental health counselling is designed to help individuals understand themselves better, improve their relationships, and lead healthier, more productive lives.

What kinds of mental health counselling services are available?

A wide range of mental health counselling services are available to cater to the diverse needs of individuals seeking support. These services are provided through various platforms, including hospitals, clinics, community centres, educational institutions, and online platforms.

Some of the key mental health counselling services available in India include:

Clinical counselling services: Provided by hospitals and mental health clinics, these services involve licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. They offer individual, group, and family counselling for various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

School and university counselling: Educational institutions often have dedicated counselling centres or school counsellors who support students dealing with academic stress, peer pressure, and emotional issues. These counsellors help students develop coping strategies and provide career guidance.

Corporate counselling and employee assistance programs (EAPs): Many companies in India offer mental health support to their employees through EAPs. These programs provide confidential counselling services to help employees manage work-related stress, personal issues, and overall well-being.

Community mental health services: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community health centres provide mental health counselling to underserved populations (includes rural, elderly, low-literacy, blue collar, and poor populations). These services often include outreach programs, workshops, and support groups to raise awareness and provide accessible care.

Online counselling services: With the rise of digital health platforms, online counselling has become increasingly popular. Services like BetterLYF, YourDOST, and Practo offer virtual counselling sessions through chat, video calls, and phone calls, making mental health support more accessible, especially in remote areas.

Crisis helplines: Several helplines, such as Snehi, iCall, and the Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline, provide immediate support and counselling for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress.

Specialized counselling services: Some centres offer specialized counselling for issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and child and adolescent mental health. These services often require counsellors with specific training and expertise in these areas.

Rehabilitation centres: These centres provide comprehensive mental health support for individuals recovering from severe mental illnesses or addiction. They offer therapy, skill-building activities, and vocational training to help clients reintegrate into society.

What should I ensure when approaching mental health counselling?

Mental health specialists, including counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and peer supporters, provide emotional support and treatment. The choice depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.

If unsure which to choose, consult a family doctor for guidance and referrals.

Other ways to find therapists include:

• Recommendations from family and friends
• Workplace HR departments or employee assistance programs
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Local charities
• Religious organizations

Consider the type of therapy required and the most suitable mental health provider for an individual’s needs.

When choosing a therapist, consider the following factors:

• Qualifications
• Experience
• Areas of specialization
• Therapy approach and philosophy
• Tools and techniques used
• Ability to prescribe medication, if applicable
• Costs and insurance coverage

To schedule an appointment, call the therapist. Some may answer questions over the phone, while others wait until the first session. If an urgent appointment is needed, inform the therapist. Some keep slots for emergencies or maintain a cancellation list for urgent cases.

What are patient rights under the Mental Health Act?

The rights of persons with mental illness under the Mental Health Act include:

• Right to access mental healthcare: Every individual has the right to access mental healthcare and treatment from government-run or funded mental health services. This right entails affordable, high-quality services that are readily available, geographically accessible, and free from discrimination based on various factors such as gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, caste, or disability. Services should be provided in a manner that is acceptable to individuals with mental illness, as well as their families and caregivers.
• Right to community living: Every person with mental illness shall:
  
  • Have the right to live in, be part of, and not be segregated from society.
  • Not remain in a mental health establishment due to lack of family, acceptance, or homelessness, or because of inadequate community-based facilities.
  • If a mentally ill person cannot live with family or has been abandoned, the government shall provide appropriate support, including legal aid, to help them exercise their right to live in a family home
• Right to protection from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment: Every individual with mental illness has the right to be safeguarded from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment in any mental health facility. They are entitled to the following rights:
  
  • Live in a safe and hygienic environment
  • Access adequate sanitary conditions
  • Enjoy reasonable facilities for leisure, education, and religious practices
  • Maintain privacy
  • Receive appropriate clothing to preserve dignity
  • Access wholesome food, sanitation, and personal hygiene items, including those needed for menstruation
  • Be protected from all forms of physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse
• Right to equality and non-discrimination: Individuals have the right to non-discrimination on the grounds of mental illness in matters such as employment, education, housing, and healthcare
• Right to information: Individuals have the right to be informed about their rights, treatment options, and condition in a language they understand.
• Right to confidentiality: The information regarding a person’s mental health, treatment, and diagnosis should be kept confidential unless disclosure is required by law or the person consents to it.
• Restriction on release of information in respect of mental illness: Media cannot publish photographs or any information about a person undergoing treatment at a mental health facility without their consent. Confidentiality rights of individuals with mental illness extend to all information stored electronically or digitally.
• Right to access medical records: All persons with mental illness shall have the right to access their basic medical records as prescribed.
• Right to personal contacts and communication: A person with mental illness admitted to a mental health facility can choose to accept or decline visitors and receive or make telephone calls at reasonable times, following the establishment’s guidelines. 
• Right to legal aid: People are entitled to free legal help to use their rights under the Mental Healthcare Act, including the right to request a treatment review.
• Right to complain about deficiencies in the provision of services: Persons have the right to file complaints about deficiencies in the provision or denial of mental healthcare services.

References

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3. Types of mental health treatments. Available from: https://www.psychguides.com/mental-health-disorders/treatment/types/ . Accessed on 26^th May 2024.
4. What mental health resources are available? Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-resources#types-of-providers. Accessed on 26^th May 2024.
5. National Institute on Aging. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care. Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.
6. What Services Does Palliative Care Provide? Available from: https://www.vitas.com/care-services/palliative-care. Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.
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8. EG healthcare. Tips for Choosing the Right Palliative Care. Available from: https://eghealthcare.net/tips-for-choosing-the-right-palliative-care/. Accessed on 23^rd May 2024.
9. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Available from: https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2249/1/A2017-10.pdf. Accessed on 26th May 2024.