Mental Health & Social Work Education Programmes
BALM’s specialised programmes in mental health and social work are developed by experienced faculty and grounded in rigorous research. The curriculum combines theory with real-world application, preparing students and professionals to effectively respond to complex mental health needs—particularly in underserved and marginalised communities.
Master of Social Work
in Mental Health
- A two-year interdisciplinary programme in collaboration with the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW)
- Curriculum developed with experts, rooted in real-world challenges and social contexts
- Graduates from the programme will be equipped to work across clinical, community, and public policy settings—shaping care, driving research and informing mental health policy in diverse institutions.
- Eligible graduates can apply for the BALM–Sundram Fasteners Fellowship for intensive practical training.
Certificate Course in Open Dialogue & Dialogical Practices
Learn a revolutionary humanistic approach to mental health care that places dialogue and collaboration at the center.
Diploma
Diploma in Integrated Mental Health Care (DIMHC)
Train to bridge India’s mental health care gap. Gain hands-on experience and a rights-based approach to support individuals in community and residential settings.
Duration: 6 months | Free | In-person (English & Tamil)
Diploma in Mental Well-Being of Vulnerable Children (DMVC)
Empower vulnerable children through mental health care. Learn skills to support children facing adversity and promote resilience.
Duration: 6 months | Free | In-person (English & Tamil)
Diploma in Transdisciplinary Research & Practice (TDRP)
Tackle complex societal challenges with transdisciplinary tools. Ideal for those passionate about health, sustainability and social change.
Duration: 8–12 months | Fee: ₹25,000 (Scholarships available) | Hybrid (English)
Short Courses
Short Course on
Public Mental Health
Understand mental health from a public health perspective. Explore prevention, policies, and programs to strengthen communities.
Duration: 5 weeks | Online | English
Short Course on Trauma-Informed Approaches in Mental Health Care
Master trauma-informed principles to support healing in vulnerable communities. Practical, evidence-based and essential for caregivers.
Duration: 5 weeks | Online | English
Visiting Scientists
Nachiket Mor
Economist and Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Information Technology and Public Policy IIIT Bangalore
Barbara Reeger
Professor
Faculty of Science, Athena Institute Vrije University Amsterdam
Joske Bunders-Aelen
Visiting Professor
Faculty of Science, Athena Institute Vrije University Amsterdam
Pina Ridente
Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Certified Open Dialogue practitioner Mental Health Department, Trieste, Italy
Deborah K. Padgett
Professor
Silver School of Social Work, New York University
Dr R K Radha Krishnan
Senior Associate Director
Frontline, India
Andrew C. Wilford
Professor of Anthropology, Cornell University
Faculty – Cornell-Keystone Nilgiris Field Learning Centre
BALM & BANYAN Faculty
Dr Vandana Gopikumar
Co-founder & Managing Trustee - The Banyan
Dr Lakshmi Narasimhan
CEO, BALM
Dr Lakshmi Sankaran
Director, Training - BALM
Dr KS Ramesh
Director - Academics
Dr KV Kishore Kumar
Executive Director - The Banyan
Dr Archana Padmakar
Director - Programs, The Banyan
Dr Preetha Krishnadas
Director - Programs, The Banyan