What We Do
MSF has been providing free, high-quality counselling to people affected in the valley since 2001. Currently, our teams provide counselling services at hospitals in four districts: Baramulla, Shopian, Pulwama and Srinagar. To combat the stigma associated with mental illness, MSF teams also raise
awareness on the importance of mental health and the need for availability of mental health services in the valley.
- Jammu and Kashmir
Years of conflict in Jammu and Kashmir have taken a toll on people’s mental health in the state. According to a survey conducted by MSF in 2015, nearly 1.8 million adults (45% of the adult population) in the Kashmir Valley show symptoms of significant mental distress. This is compounded by the stigma associated with mental illness.
In 2021
We continued to provide counselling services through four district hospitals and primary healthcare centers in the Kashmir division, and added coverage for a fifth as we expanded our program in Sopore. Additionally, we provided phone counselling services due to movement restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanded this remote service by offering both individual a group sessions through online video calls.
