Mental health and psychosocial support program for people of tribal origin in Wayanad: Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences model

Abstract

Mental health of people of tribal origin in Wayanad is a great cause of concern since there is limited accessibility of mental health services. Our pilot visits to the interior tribal colonies of Wayanad reveal many cases of untreated psychosis and high rates of substance abuse, especially alcohol and tobacco. To improve their mental health access and utilization, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kozhikode, recently initiated a novel community mental health program in selected tribal colonies at Wayanad. This pilot program contains a situational analysis, training of grass root-level workers, awareness program, and mental health and psychosocial support services through a multidisciplinary mobile team.