CHENNAI: As a step toward strengthening mental health education and interventions in Tamil Nadu, along with addressing growing screen addiction among youth, the elderly and everyone alike, Jeppiaar Academy of Psychology and Research has been launched in Chennai.
The facility was inaugurated by philanthropist Nalli Kuppuswami Chettiar. The institute is headed by educational psychologist Saranya Jaikumar, who also serves as the director of the academy.
The academy has begun issuing application forms for the academic year 2026-2027 for advanced diploma programmes in specialised areas of psychology, including child psychology, organisational psychology, forensic psychology, and art therapy.
The programmes are designed to address emerging mental health challenges and to prepare trained professionals to work across educational, clinical, and organisational settings.
"The programmes are also open to career changers from engineering and other disciplines, offering a structured pathway into psychology through strong foundations and practical training, in response to the growing demand for mental health professionals," stated the press note.
A distinctive focus of Jeppiaar Academy of Psychology and Research is its work on screen addiction and digital dependency, particularly among children and adolescents.
During the inauguration, speakers noted that India requires nearly 15 lakh trained mental health professionals, while the country currently has only about 15,000 to 20,000 qualified experts, underscoring a critical gap in access to mental health care and trained practitioners.