Delhi govt to expand mental health counselling in all govt schools

The Delhi government has instructed government schools to implement mental health check-ups for students by introducing comprehensive counselling services, according to an official statement released on Friday.

Delhi Education Minister Atishi has directed the Directorate of Education (DoE) to develop a plan for expanding the initiative after the success of a pilot program that provided counselling to over 20,000 students across 20 schools, the statement noted.

Atishi asked the DoE to create a detailed plan for extending counselling services to all government schools in Delhi, ensuring students receive timely mental health support, the statement added.

The pilot program, which ran for a year, involved Educational and Vocational Guidance Counselors (EVGC) and school psychologists working with students to maintain their mental well-being, the statement said.

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Atishi highlighted that group sessions and social-emotional learning programs helped students manage stress and remain emotionally healthy, according to the statement.

She also met with school psychologists and EVGC counsellors to discuss their experiences and gather feedback during a session, the statement noted.

The minister stressed the importance of mental health, saying, “A healthy mind is crucial for overall well-being. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance health services for students, contributing to a healthier society and nation.”

During the session, school psychologists shared insights with the minister, emphasizing how early intervention can address mental health challenges and re-engage students with their studies, the statement added.

The psychologists noted that children face various stressors from a young age, negatively impacting their mental health. They also highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding mental health, which leaves many issues untreated.

“However, we are identifying these problems through teachers and counselling, and working to address them,” the psychologists said. (With inputs from PTI)