Recovering mental health over a cuppa

When Sumathi Chandrasekaran, a counselling psychologist with over a decade of work in the field, dropping out of sessions after seven to eight consultations, she wanted to find a solution to the problem. Moreover, she also wanted to address people who needed immediate appointments. “Cost factor, less psychologists to patient’s ratio, and the mindset of calling even minimum distress a mental problem propelled me to come up with an informal space where counselling was affordable and accessible. Moreover, Chennai is reported to have the highest number of suicides among other cities. We have a number of people grappling with various issues like sleep deprivation, loneliness, etc. but they do little about it,” says Sumathi, who established the cafe through her NGO Yuvathi.

Operating on Bells Road, the new cafe established in September has three psychologists who are available for consultation. One can fill up a form and pay Rs 250 and avail a session of 45 minutes with any of the psychologists over a cup of coffee that looks at beating stress associated with a formal clinic. “Upon discussion, the counsellor will give you suitable therapy and help you find a solution to the issue by identifying the underlying cause. In the case of depression, they will be assessed right there at the assessment corner. They will also be taught the practice of mindfulness that can help them live and dwell in the present moment to tide over the issue,” she adds.

While the cafe has slowly been seeing visitors, Sumathi plans to start 30 more centres in various parts of the city in the coming months, after spreading awareness.

The NGO will also organise a happiness chain, a human chain event in support of Youth Mind Well Being at the Elliot’s Beach next month to reach out to youngsters about mental health. A prelude event to the chain will be held at VR Mall on December 2 through a festive dance event.