I am a consultant psychiatrist working with Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF). I did my psychiatry training at Institute of Mental Health, Madras Medical College and post-doctoral fellowship at University of Florida, USA. I am involved in various research projects at SCARF, especially pertaining to youth mental health and first episode psychosis. I am interested in understanding the unique needs of youth mental health, developing and testing effective community based interventions for the prevention, identification and early treatment of mental disorders among youth and pushing youth mental health research in india.
About Us.
About Us
As per the last census, India has one of the highest proportions of young people (below the age of 29) who constitute nearly half of our population. We also know from mental health literature that nearly 50% of all mental health issues have their origin before the age of 15 and 75% by the age of 18. With such a huge youth population, investment in protecting and promoting their mental health and wellbeing is essential. Thus the youth mental health program of SCARF was conceptualized to provide the nurturing environment to assist the youth grow into adulthood with optimal mental health and not be hindered by mental health problems.
SCARF YMH IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION FOCUSED SPECIALLY FOR THE YOUNG MINDS TO COPE WITH MENTAL HEALTH.
We conduct research which helps to find and create change in the society. Directly working with the youth and their families helps indeveloping different approaches to provide solutions to treatment and caregiving. Our programs and initiatives are set to fulfil the motive of creating awareness and empowering the youth and their caregivers to help with their mental health issues.
Resource center for Youth Mental health by SCARF (pronounced Rhymes) is a project aimed at providing a safe space for the youth (ages 15-25) to engage with each other, create an environment for caring for themselves and their peers and learn about mental wellbeing.
SCARF YMH TEAM
Hi, I am Dr. Shiva Prakash Srinivasan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist working with SCARF after having undergone training in psychiatry both in India and in the United States. I am involved in developing comprehensive youth mental health services ranging from providing clinical care to empowering youth to understand mental health and destigmatize help seeking behaviours. I am interested in working with families and communities of youth with various mental health difficulties.
DR. SHIVA PRAKASH
I am a psychologist, part of the First Episode Psychosis Program at SCARF since 2009. My interests include youth mental health, particularly, the prevention and early intervention, including for serious mental illness such as psychosis.
MS. GREESHMA MOHAN
My name is Hanisha Arulvendan. Currently, I’m working as a Junior Research Assistant in a school mental health project at SCARF (Schizhophrenia Research Foundation) and volunteering at r Y M s (Resource Centre for Youth Mental Health by SCARF). Also, I’m in my second year pursuing Master’s of Science in Psychology from Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras. I completed Diploma in Mental Health Care & Counselling from SCARF last year after completing my bachelor’s of science degree in Media from M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women. I’m passionate about mental health promotion in young people.
MS. HANISHA
Hi, I am Angelin Lidiya, and I have finished my Bachelors in Social Work from Madras Christian College and a diploma course in mental health care and counselling from SCARF. The work at SCARF gives me an opportunity to work with young people as I connect with, empower, motivate and encourage them while advocating for their needs and rights. I am passionate in promoting mental health in the youth and curious about research.
MS. LIDIYA
I’m a Public Health researcher associated with SCARF since 2019. I did my Masters of Public Health at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. I work as a Research Assistant at SCARF. As there is still a major concern in the promotion of mental health around the world, I’m more interested in working with the community and youth to create awareness on mental health and well-being.
MR. CHIRANJEEVI
Hi! I’m Sangeetha Chandrasekaran a Psychiatric Social Worker working in Schizophrenia research foundation (SCARF). I did my M.Phil at Central Institute of Psychiatry CIP, Jharkand. I’m involved in various research projects at SCARF pertaining to Youth Mental Health. I work closely with clients with first episode psychosis and Youth mental program. I am involved in the screening and recruitment of clients, assessment of clinical parameters, regular follow-up and case management. This work has heightened my appreciation of young people’s need for rapid, appropriate care and of the importance of clinical research for designing and delivering such care. This experience has also expanded the scope of my interest and clinical capabilities with youth mental health.
MS. SANGEETHA CHANDRASEKARAN
I am working as the Care Coordinator for the Youth Mental Health Program run by SCARF. I have completed my Masters in Psychological Counselling in 2016 from Montfort College, Bangalore and have been associated with SCARF since 2018. I am engaged in clinical activities, program development, training & facilitation along with various research activities. I work closely in the area of empowering the youth to create more awareness towards mental health and well being with a parallel aim to help overcome obstacles that inhibit timely support and intervention.
MS. SYED RABIYA AHMED
Hi, I’m Vijayalakshmi. I’m working as a Research Assistant at SCARF, I pursued my post graduate in Social Work from Chevalier T.Thomas Elizabeth College for Women, 2019. I’m personally interested in working with young people and am curious about uniqueness of individuals, it helps me to understand different aspects in each person’s mental health and I’m raising fund for the needy and helping them for my personal satisfaction and happiness…!
MS. VIJAYALAKSHMI
I am Ms. Guhapriya working as a research nurse at SCARF.I did my master in psychiatric nursing from Apollo college of nursing Chennai. I am interested in developing self confidence among youth population. I am passionate about learning new skills and I have developed self confidence enhancement program in order to develop the level of self confidence among youth population. I am eager to make full use of this in a larger working environment.
MS. GUHA PRIYA
Hey! I’m Sarah Syed, a Psychology graduate. Currently working as a research assistant at SCARF and the operations manager at rYMs. With a great zeal and passion for youth mental health, I am fascinated with the functioning of the human mind. Trying to make a small difference in the universe.
MS. SARAH SYED
Having completed BSc. Psychology from Women’s Christian College and undergone training in mental health care and counseling from SCARF, I believe in contributing significantly towards initiatives that promote community engagement and the accessibility of psychological services. Mental health Advocacy and Research are also domains I am keenly interested in. For recreation, I enjoy traveling, yoga and reading.
MS. SANJANA GOUTHAM
Hi! I am Priyadharshni, a psychology graduate. Currently working as a research assistant at SCARF and an operations manager at rYMs. I have a strong interest in personality traits and the workings of the how the human brain works. I am passionate about promoting mental health and help seeking behaviours among the youth.
MS. PRIYADARSHINI
