PSYCHIATRY
The Psychiatry and
Counselling Department of IHM Marygiri Hospital was established in 1984,
marking a significant milestone in the development of mental health care
services in the Meenachil Taluk. The Department of Counselling was initiated
first, followed by the Department of Psychiatry within six months. This
pioneering initiative was the first of its kind in the taluk, addressing a
critical gap in accessible psychiatric and psychological care in the region.At
the time of its inception, although several hospitals such as Marian medical
Centre, Carmel Hospital, Cherupushpam Hospital, and Erattupetta Hospital were
functioning in the area, none offered specialized psychiatric services. Mental
health care was available only at Medical College Kottayam and Caritas
Hospital, both located outside the taluk. In this context, the establishment of
the Psychiatry and Counselling Departments at IHM Marygiri Hospital represented a visionary step toward
community-based mental health care.
Initially, the Counselling
Department focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with
alcohol dependence through individual counselling and group therapy. In the
same year, the hospital introduced Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first
initiative of its kind in the Meenachil Taluk. The program witnessed strong
community participation, with more than 40 individuals attending weekly
meetings, reflecting the urgent need and positive acceptance of such services. Counselling
services were provided by Sr. Dr. Joan
Chunkappura, a trained Clinical Psychologist, who visited the hospital
twice a week. She was supported by Sr. Rose Mary, Sr. Anamma, and Sr. Michael,
whose dedicated involvement greatly strengthened counselling activities and the
AA group meetings. These services became a source of comfort, guidance, and
emotional support for many individuals and families in the community.
Over the years, the
department expanded its scope to include family counselling, child and
adolescent counselling, alcohol-related interventions, and support for
individuals with neurological and neurotic conditions. Specialized care is also
provided for anxiety disorders, stress, examination phobia, emotional
disturbances, and psychological challenges related to various stages of life.
Through its sustained commitment to compassionate care and mental health
awareness, the Psychiatry and Counselling Department of IHM Marygiri Hospital continues to play a pioneering role in
delivering accessible, holistic, and patient-centred mental health services in
the Meenachil Taluk.
Our Psychiatry Department provides outpatient (OP) psychiatric service only and offers compassionate
and confidential care for mental health and emotional well-being. The
department offers evaluation, counselling and treatment for various
psychological conditions. Our experienced team focuses on holistic care,
helping patients achieve better mental health and quality of life in a
supportive and respect full environment. Inpatient (IP) facilities are not available for psychiatry service.
Memory Clinic: - A team of experienced physicians, neurologists,
psychiatrists, surgical doctors, psychologists, social workers, trained nurses,
alternative medicine specialists, palliative care specialists, volunteers and
other health workers, work together to provide comprehensive treatment, care,
and education to caregivers of individuals with memory disorders.
Services available at memory clinic
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Comprehensive screening
for memory related conditions
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Individual care plans
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Treatment and care for
related diseases
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Temporary respite care
for those in needs
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Memory screening for
people over 55-year-old
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Support groups and
counselling