Sherab Tsomo, the coordinator of the Telepsychiatry Program for Tibetan settlements in South India, highlights the program’s effectiveness, stating, “The program’s success lies in its respect for privacy, confidentiality, and the ease with which treatment can be accessed.”
With support from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), Improving Access Through Tele-psychiatry in Tibetan Settlements IMPACT-T was introduced in 2021 in four pilot settlements in south India using a new digital platform to address mental health challenges identified in Tibetan settlements. Partnering with Sangath, an experienced NGO in mental health, telepsychiatry is now available in major Tibetan settlements like Mundgod, Bylakuppe, Hunsur, and Kollegal. It tackles barriers such as shortage of psychiatrists, stigma, costs, and lack of awareness. Tsomo notes significant improvements in patient engagement, “It is safer, easier, and more efficient to treat patients. We ensure anonymity, conduct timely follow-ups, and monitor medication closely, fostering deeper patient understanding.”
Common cases treated include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction across all age groups, from eight-year-olds to elderly patients. Settlement nurses are trained to identify symptoms and collaborate with psychiatrists for comprehensive care.
“It is now convenient and safe; patients don’t need to visit the clinic. Sometimes, we conduct home visits or meet them at a location where they feel comfortable and anonymous. We’re seeing more young adults, including college students, reaching out to us. For instance, a 21-year-old struggled with overthinking and negative perceptions. After nine months of cognitive behavioral therapy, his mother reported significant improvement, and he’s now thriving in the USA. Another case involved a 12th-grader with a family history of mental illness, who initially struggled with eating and isolation. With patience and support, she embraced treatment, leading to a normal life and pursuing a nursing career now.”
Funding from PRM has sustained the program, allowing patients with mental health issues to access timely treatment, save on travel costs, and move towards leading normal lives. Sherab Tsomo emphasizes, “We currently treat around 70 patients. This program has made a significant impact, enabling us not only to provide treatments but also to conduct studies and raise awareness about mental health. I am grateful for the support and proud to be part of this initiative.”
Sherab has a Masters in Clinical Psychology & Mental Health Counseling specializing healthy Activity Program (HAP) for Depression from Chandigarh University. She has been the coordinator since the program’s inception in 2021.
