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‘Mental health not a privilege but fundamental for overall well-being and everyone deserves access to consultations'

‘Mental health not a privilege but fundamental for overall well-being and everyone deserves access to consultations'

Time of India13 hours ago
Ranchi: At a time when mental health remains stigmatised and often inaccessible to the economically weaker sections of society, a city-based psychiatrist, Dr Bhoomika Sachacher, is quietly leading by example.
While managing a demanding clinical practice, she has consistently committed herself to providing free mental health consultations and counselling sessions to those who cannot afford paid care.
Refusing to let financial hardship become a barrier to mental well-being, she ensures that no patient is turned away from her clinic due to their inability to pay. "Mental health is not a privilege. It is a fundamental part of overall well-being and everyone deserves help," says Dr Sachacher.
Beyond her regular clinical duties, Dr Sachacher is also actively involved in community awareness efforts. She is frequently invited by educational institutions, colleges, NGOs and rural organisations to conduct free workshops, mental health talks, and stress management sessions for adolescents, students, parents and caregivers. These sessions often focus on early detection of psychological issues, coping strategies and eliminating stigma around those who are seeking help.
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Dr Sachacher has conducted more than 100 workshops and awareness programmes across the state, from urban schools to remote villages, since 2015.
In several rural outreach camps, she has taken the lead in educating children and their parents about emotional resilience, trauma recovery and mental well-being, often partnering with local NGOs to ensure recurring support. She is also engaged with digital mental health outreach, running a free Instagram page and a YouTube channel, where she shares expert insights, recorded sessions and helpful guidance on emotional health, depression, substance use and adolescent struggles.
"During my academic training and early work as a research officer on addiction and mental illness, I realised the stark gap in access to professional help, especially for vulnerable groups. That understanding shaped my commitment to mental health equity," Dr Sachacher said.
Even in her private clinic practice, patients, especially students who could not afford full consultation fees, were allowed to pay nominally or as per their capacity. If further psychiatric treatment or medication is needed, she ensures referrals to govt hospitals, where services are available free of cost.
Sakshi Jaiswal, a student, said, "During a difficult phase of my life, she helped me find peace of mind and clarity in my thoughts."
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