Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to introduce Career and Mental Health Counsellors in government schools. Under the School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha, the initiative has placed 255 counsellors across the state in collaboration with EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited).
This program aims to address the increasing mental health challenges faced by students due to academic pressure and societal expectations. By integrating mental health support and career guidance into schools, the initiative fills a crucial gap in the education system.
Why Mental Health Counselling is Necessary in Schools?
With growing academic stress, students often struggle with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Many face emotional distress, which, in extreme cases, can lead to severe mental health issues. Recognizing this, the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a structured support system within schools.
B. Srinivasa Rao, the State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, highlighted the program’s goal:
“Our aim is to empower students with emotional resilience and equip them with essential life skills. By integrating mental health support into the education system, we are creating a foundation for a healthier and more confident generation.”
Key Features of the Initiative
- Dedicated Counsellors: Two counsellors per district will visit secondary and higher secondary schools to provide individual and group counselling.
- Comprehensive Support: Counsellors will help students deal with stress, depression, and suicidal tendencies while offering career guidance through psychometric assessments.
- Workshops & Awareness Programs: Regular sessions for students, teachers, and parents to promote mental well-being.
- Specialized Training: Counsellors underwent a four-day training (January 20-23, 2025) at the YES-J Excellence Centre, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada. Experts from NIMHANS, including Dr. E. Aravind Raj and B. Ashok Kumar, provided hands-on training through role-playing, mock counselling, and creative exercises.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Counsellors will track student behavior and report to the District Coordinator of the Programme Monitoring Unit for structured guidance.
Challenges and Observations from the Field
Early observations indicate serious concerns regarding student behavior and mental health:
- Some students show signs of substance addiction, including smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Adolescent girls are influenced by social media trends, affecting their personal choices.
- Many male students lack discipline and are distracted by mobile phones and social media during classes.
According to P. Meenakshi, District Career and Mental Health Counsellor, Nellore, initial counselling sessions have already yielded positive results, helping students overcome stress and behavioral issues.
A Step Towards Holistic Student Development
The Andhra Pradesh government’s mental health and career counselling initiative marks a significant step in creating a supportive educational environment. While challenges remain, early interventions, structured counselling, and continuous monitoring are expected to improve student well-being and academic performance.
