Availability and Accessibility of Treatment for Persons with Mental Illness Through a Community Mental Health Programme

N Janardhan (1), Shravya Raghunandan (2), D M Naidu (3), H Hampanna (4)
(1) Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bangalore 560029, Karnataka, India,
(2) Research and Policy, Basic Needs India, Bangalore, India,
(3) Basic Needs India, Bangalore, India,
(4) Samarthya Samuha, Koppal, North Karnataka, India

Abstract

This article describes experiences in implementing a community mental health and development project in a rural district in southern India, including the  position of persons with mental illness when the project was initiated, the challenges the faced and the strategies that were developed to overcome these challenges. The authors conclude that when  services are locally available, persons with mental illness can be treated and rehabilitated within their own community. They can live with dignity and their rights are respected. There is a great need for inclusion of persons with mental illness in the existing developmental activities and in disabled persons’ organizations.

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Authors

N Janardhan
janardhannimhans@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Shravya Raghunandan
D M Naidu
H Hampanna
Author Biographies

N Janardhan, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bangalore 560029, Karnataka

Dr. Janardhana currently works as the Assistant Professor in Department of Psychiatric Social Work at NIMHANS (a deemed university). He holds a Ph.D in social work from Bangalore University., M.Phil from NIMHANS and Masters Degree in social work from Bangalore University. He started his career as a consultant in psychiatric social work and later worked in a NGO for 8 years, following which he moved back into academics teaching pre-doctoral degree and doctoral students.

As a Programme Officer in Basic Needs India, a national NGO, Dr. Janardhana provided leadership for community mental health and development programme research. Dr. Janardhana has published over 40 professional papers in scientific journals and edited a book in Kannada on ‘Mental Illness and Disability: A Handbook for Multipurpose Rehabilitation Workers’.  

Shravya Raghunandan, Research and Policy, Basic Needs India, Bangalore

Programme Officer

D M Naidu, Basic Needs India, Bangalore

Programme Manager and Secretary

H Hampanna, Samarthya Samuha, Koppal, North Karnataka

Programme Director
1.
Janardhan N, Raghunandan S, Naidu DM, Hampanna H. Availability and Accessibility of Treatment for Persons with Mental Illness Through a Community Mental Health Programme. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2011 Oct. 15 [cited 2025 Mar. 14];22(2):124-33. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/44

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