Center aims to increase accessibility of mental health services

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Prafulta Center for Psychological Wellness, located in Andheri, a suburb in Western Mumbai, India, marks its 27th anniversary of making professional mental health services more accessible, especially for youth. It was founded in 1998, by Father Godfrey D’Sa, a professional counselor, educator and compassionate pastor.

Over nearly three decades, Prafulta has supported individuals through counseling, psychiatry, occupational therapy, remedial education, psychometric testing and career guidance. Each year, the team of dedicated mental health professionals conducts over 800 workshops and more than a dozen training programs for mental health professionals. The team reaches 50,000 individuals annually, including youth, teachers, parents and professionals in the field.

To make mental health care more inclusive and accessible, Prafulta runs weekly group sessions for women and adolescent girls. These safe spaces encourage participants to express themselves, build resilience and strengthen relationships. Using art, games, movement, and discussions, counselors also provide education on mental health and child development. Individual counseling is available whenever required.

A Salesian explained, “In low-income communities, mental health is often overlooked. To bridge this gap, Prafulta has combined therapy with handcraft work. Every Monday, a psychotherapist skilled in macramé and crochet conducts sessions where women weave while engaging in meaningful conversations around self-esteem, parenting, and relationships. The sale of handcrafted items provides women with not only economic empowerment but also confidence and emotional strength.”

Since October 2021, in partnership with The Banyan (Chennai), Prafulta has also been running a weekly mental health clinic at the Aghai Village Clinic in Aghai. Around 50 patients benefit each week from free psychiatric consultations, psychological therapy and essential medication. Social workers ensure continuity of care through psychoeducation, caregiver support and follow-ups. This initiative is restoring dignity, reducing stigma and bringing trusted care to a region that previously had no mental health services.

The Salesian added, “These are just a few of the many programs that are offered through the organization. As we celebrate 27 years, we pause to thank God for the countless opportunities we have had to touch lives and nurture emotional well-being. We remain deeply grateful to our staff, partners, supporters, and above all to our founder-director Fr. Godfrey D’Sa.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – India – “Prafulta: Outreach to the Marginalised”: Celebrating 27 Years of Service in Mental Health

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India