Despite numerous counselling centres and helplines in Bengaluru, citizens say affordable psychological support remains hard to access. Metrolife spoke to city-based non-profits offering free counselling.
Their clients range from ages 10 to 85 and seek help for issues such as academic or job stress, relationship problems, family illness, financial worries, conflicts over responsibilities, and low self-esteem.
Prasanna Counselling
Shankarapuram’s Prasanna Counselling Centre has been offering free psychological counselling since 1980. “For online sessions, we charge a one-time registration fee of Rs 100,” says psychologist Sushma Kaushik.
The centre has 22 volunteer counsellors and also hosts weekly consultations with psychiatrists from NIMHANS, and Victoria Hospital. These sessions are free, though clients have to pay for medication if prescribed.
Monday-Saturday (10 am-8 pm); call 96069 51405.
Vishwas Society
Jayanagar’s Vishwas Society for Mental Health, founded in 1991, has counselled over 18,000 people through in-person sessions. Cofounder Ramesh Venkateswaran says, “We prioritise personal interaction over telecounselling as it is more effective.”
Entirely volunteer-run, the centre has about 20 counsellors. Most clients are aged 35-45 and seek help for marital, family, or parenting stress.
Monday-Wednesday (5.30-7.30 pm) and Saturday (10.30 am-12.30 pm); call 63643 20707.
Sneha Society
For over 20 years, Malleswaram’s Sneha Society for Counselling has been offering in-person and telecounselling services from the campus of Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha Composite PU College. Its 25 trained volunteers handle around 400 cases a year.
Director Lakshmi Rajan says, “Anxiety related to studies, work, or relationships tops the list of concerns we get, followed by marital distress.”
Monday and Wednesday-Saturday (5-7 pm, including public holidays); call 98455 60209.
Samadhana
For 18 years, Samadhana, founded by Dr C R Chandrashekar, has supported over 36,000 people. “Our 60 counsellors handle in-person and online sessions. We are approached by 15-30-year-olds facing academic or career stress, and seniors coping with loneliness or health anxiety,” he says.
Monday-Saturday (10.30 am-1.30 pm and 5.30-8 pm); call 080 264 8292.
Banjara Academy
For nearly 40 years, Banjara Academy, a training institute in R T Nagar, has provided free counselling. “We address everything from academic stress to relationship issues,” says founder Ali Khwaja. The team offers counselling in person, over phone, and by email.
Monday-Saturday (9.30 am-5.30 pm); call 88614 21666.