Chennai’s psychological counselling services

In this day and age of I-Me-Myself, it can be disheartening to have little or no support system, when one’s down. Each of us cope with stress in our own way—some of us would engage ourselves in a sport, some take to substance abuse while a few would turn to psychologists and psychiatrists for that timely help.

Almost all reputed hospitals like Apollo, Malar, and Sundaram Medical have psychiatrists on board. Besides these, there are other outfits that also offer counselling facilities. Take Sneha (RA Puram), for instance, the much-sought-after suicide helpline centre. Most callers that make use of this service are typically not suicidal, but often call to vent out their frustration.

Volunteers are hired, and are appropriately trained to take care of the situation at hand. Common mental health issues, professional stress, trauma resulting from sexual harassment, and psychological problems faced by the migrant population are all addressed here.

NGOs like SCARF (Anna Nagar West), primarily a treatment centre for schizophrenics, too, offer a lending ear, and often tackle cases of depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behavioural problems. The services offered here are free, unlike private-run hospitals and individually-run practices.

For those with deeper pockets, can visit private-run clinics like the one run by Brinda Jayaram, a reputed counsellor, or the one managed by the two-doctor team at the Centre for Psychological Health.

Yet another place that’s making its presence felt is The Feel Talk Centre set up by a team of psychologists at Anna Nagar. This counselling centre offers mental health testing, relaxation therapy, direct counselling and online counselling as well.

So, the next time you feel there’s no way out, think again. For there are people to help you, and all you have to do is just reach out.