The Department of Social Work, Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science organized an orientation visit to “Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre and Research Institute” for the 1st year Master of Social Work Students on 22nd August, 2019. Vazhikatti is a Mental Health Center and Research Institute and it is in its 18th successful year in the field of Mental Health. They are a private hospital and provide various services to people who have Psychological/Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopment disorders. Dr. Kalpana Prakash, Assistant Professor of Social Work guided and accompanied the students in this orientation visit.
Mr. S. Fernando Ethelbert, Counselling Psychologist, Vazhikatti introduced and briefed us about the organization and various services they provide and how they are also active in social awareness of Mental Health related issues. He was very concerned that the students understand about the organization and mental health before leaving the organization. He interacted with the students and answered all their questions. Mr. R. Kanagaraj, Clinical Social Worker, Vazhikatti then briefed the structure of the organization, showed the students various working units in the hospital and gave handouts which had basic information about the organization to all the students.
The students had an opportunity to visit the inpatient ward, outpatient ward and research center and observe the people who are undergoing treatment, understand their daily activities and facilities they are provided with. Overall the visit was of great use to the students.