Plan on anvil to appoint mental health, career guidance counsellors in all mandals: Samagra Shiksha official

Samagra Shiksha Assistant State Project Director (ASPO) M.R. Prasanna Kumar on Friday (November 7) said mental health and career counsellors are crucial in educational institutions because they provide holistic support for students’ well-being and future success.

Participating in a “Mental Health and Career Counsellors Training Programme” at Maris Stella College in Vijayawada, Mr. Prasanna Kumar said mental health counsellors help students cope with stress, anxiety and depression, while career counsellors guide them in choosing a career path aligned with their strengths and interests. “Together, they create a supportive environment that enhances academic performance, develops life skills and improves overall student resilience and satisfaction,” he said.

Mr. Kumar said there was a proposal to appoint mental health and career guidance counsellors in every mandal and urged the trained counsellors to further train teachers and students at the field level. He advised them to look at students’ problems with empathy and provide appropriate and timely guidance.

Secretary, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), D. Devananda Reddy spoke about the crucial role of counsellors in strengthening mental health and self-confidence among students. He said early signs of psychological stress among adolescent girls must be identified promptly and stressed the importance of creating a safe, caring, and inspiring environment in KGBVs.