The Department of Psychology organized a Field-based Exposure visit to Yencourage Mental Health & Rehabilitation Centre, Mangaluru on Saturday, 29th March 2025. Twenty-five final year BA students of Psychology accompanied by Prof. (Dr) Sandra Sunitha Lobo visited the centre from 10.00 am to 11:30 am. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the facilities, activities, and treatment approaches used at the center.
Upon arrival at the centre, we were warmly welcomed by the psychologist Mrs. Sowmya Puthran. She addressed the students on the history of the centre through before and after visuals via a PPT. She even spoke on the facilities and activities for inmates. She mentioned the varied psychometric assessment tests that are used for patients at the centre such as the Binet Kamat Test of Intelligence (BKT), Seguin Form Board test, WAIS-PR, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC), Cattell's 16 personality factors, projective techniques, Stroop test, and Tower of London test. She encouraged students to take up internships/observership that would help in choosing a career path.
The psychiatric social worker named Anjana Joy addressed on the varied activities that patients engage in - candle making, pottery, incense stick making, art, stitching, and playing games like carrom.
The centre boasts a well-stocked library, with books donated by generous individuals. Additionally, there is a designated area for reading newspapers. In the morning, patients participate in yoga, exercise, and meditation sessions. The center also features an open space with abundant plant life, where patients contribute to the care of plants and feed birds. Ms Anjana spoke about sheltered workshops where patients are offered a controlled work environment after receiving training.
Ms Shwetha Shetty coordinates with all the activities that patients are engaged in depending on their health condition and interest. Patients are involved in painting, preparation of newspaper bags and diyas besides tailoring.
At the time of the visit, there were a total of 7 admitted patients. The center accommodates both male and female patients separately, with male and female general wards containing five beds each. Additionally, there are single rooms available for patients requiring individualized care.
The visit to Yencourage Mental Health & Rehabilitation Centre offered valuable insights into the comprehensive care provided to patients with mental health conditions. The clean, homely and calming environment created a sense of tranquility as it provided opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation and personal growth. Ms Afreen Kolachalil rendered a vote of thanks to the professionals at the centre.
This visit met the goal of a short-term experiential education towards encouraging students’ career choices.
Reported by Aaralyn Janice DCruz (III BA)
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