Andhra becomes first state to appoint career and mental health counselors in government schools

Career and mental health counselors are now available in government schools in Andhra Pradesh, making them the first in India.

Samagra Shiksha and the School Education Department have partnered with EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited) to appoint 255 dedicated counselors throughout the state.

Addressing a major gap in the educational system, the program aims to provide students with career guidance and crucial mental health support.

Students today face immense stress due to the increasing demands of society and constant academic pressure.

They often experience distress from even minor setbacks, which can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes.

The government has taken this step in recognition of the urgent need for intervention to ensure that students receive proper direction and support.

“Our goal is to empower students with emotional resilience and equip them with essential life skills. By integrating mental health support into the education system, we are laying the foundation for a healthier and more confident generation,” said B Srinivasa Rao, the State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha.

Counselors at the district level will offer both individual and group counseling to secondary and higher secondary students.

Through psychometric tests, they will provide career advice while also addressing issues such as stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

To promote mental health, they will conduct workshops and awareness events for parents, teachers, and students.

Counselors received specialized training at the YES-J Excellence Centre, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, from January 20–23, 2025, to ensure successful implementation.

Sessions involving role-playing, simulated counseling, and creative exercises were led by NIMHANS experts Dr E Aravind Raj and B. Ashok Kumar.

The counselors learned advanced methods for assessing and supporting children’s mental health.

Two counselors will visit schools in each district to offer support, monitor student behavior, and report back to the District Coordinator of the Program Monitoring Unit to ensure coordinated instruction.

District Career Mental Health Counselor P Meenakshi of Nellore mentioned that she had observed concerning behaviors among students, such as alcohol and cigarette addiction, while visiting four government schools spread across eight mandals.

She noticed that male students lacked respect for teachers and were increasingly reliant on mobile chatting and social media during class.

Meanwhile, teenage girls were more affected by Instagram, leading to relationships and, in some cases, lesbianism.

“We started counseling each individual and observed positive results,” she said.