October 10 is observed as World Mental Health Day – its main purpose being to raise awareness of mental health issues as well as provide support to the afflicted.
The Pandemic may have taken a toll on our mental well being, but mental health issues were common even way before that, and in 2019, before Covid-19 struck, roughly one in eight people were living with a mental disorder globally.
Even though Goa is the go-to destination for people wanting to get away from it all, the state, too, has its fair share of mental health woes. Those battling mental health ailments can find help at these locations in Goa.
SANGATH GOA
Sangath is an NGO, not-for-profit organisation, working in Goa and other Indian states, providing physical, psychological and social therapy since 1996. The organisation focuses on child development, mental health, adolescent and youth health.
LOCATION: Porvorim
CONTACT: +91 9552530557
COOJ
COOJ is a charitable trust which has been in the field of mental healthcare for over 15 years, and is involved with psycho-social rehabilitation, suicide prevention, geriatric health, community awareness etc.
LOCATION: Bastora, North Goa
CONTACT: +91 9822562522
DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME
The District Mental Health Programme is functional at both District Hospitals – North Goa and South Goa. Regular psychiatric OPD is conducted on common mental health disorders such as alcohol dependence, substance dependence, tobacco dependence, anxiety dependence, depression, adjustment disorder and serious mental health disorders such as psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder etc.
Supportive psychotherapy, relaxation training, psychological rehabilitation, cognitive behaviour therapy, substance abuse counselling, alcohol and drug detoxification etc are also provided.
LOCATION: Various
CONTACT: +91 9579289508
DISHA CHARITABLE TRUST
Formed in 1994, this NGO provides emotional and educational support, which can help in the rehabilitation and social integration of mentally-impaired individuals.
LOCATION: Behind Education Department, Panjim
CONTACT: 0832 2231028
MANOVED CENTRE
ManoVed Centre for Psychological Testing, Counseling and Psychotherapy, provides psychological testing, psychotherapy, counselling and psychological growth.
The centre offers treatment for psychological problems such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, phobias, OCD, addictions, psychosomatic illnesses (unexplained physical illnesses), adjustment disorder, insomnia, learning disability, autism, anger dyscontrol, body dysmorphia, ADHD, dementia (loss of cognitive functions such as memory, attention span due to Alzhiemer's, Parkinson’s, stroke, head trauma, epilepsy), stressful life situations and more.
LOCATION: Ponda & Margao
CONTACT: +91 74993 66577
INSTITUTE OF PSYCHIATRY & HUMAN BEHAVIOR (IPHB)
The Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) was established in 1980, and strives to provide preventive, curative and rehabilitative mental health services. Currently, the hospital has 190 beds with separate wards for male and female patients and those coming from prisons.
LOCATION: Bambolim
CONTACT: 0832 2458687