Dharwad Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences (DIMHANS)-Dharwad

Directorate of Medical Education

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

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DIMHANS has established a team of doctors, psychiatric social workers, and clinical psychologists who work together to provide outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services to children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years. A separate ward has also been allotted to children and adolescents. A multidisciplinary approach is used in the clinical evaluation and management of children and adolescents with various disorders. The head of the unit is Dr. Raghavendra B Nayak. The team collaborates with physiotherapists, neurologists, and speech and hearing professionals to provide holistic care to the patients. 

The children and adolescents are first seen in the OPD and screened using a proforma specially designed for this age group. Children needing medical management are prescribed necessary medication and are also seen by the professionals for more specialized and focused assessments and interventions which includes extensive work with parents. Children presenting with developmental issues such as Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Autism, etc., are evaluated in detail on an appointment basis. Apart from issuing disability certificates, family members are given psychoeducation and parent management training, which includes using behavioral techniques to teach skills to the child/adolescent based on their individual needs. The team is also actively involved in preventive and promotive services, by making regular visits to schools and colleges to raise awareness, teach skills, and screen and offer early intervention. The team has collaborated with Block Education Officer to make regular school visits to government schools in the district. The team also supports the mental health needs of the children at juvenile homes by making regular visits to the center. The team has conducted workshops for child helpline workers, teachers, and others working with children and adolescents to raise awareness on the mental health needs of children and adolescents.

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