Expert Talk on Community Mental Health and Addiction
31 March 2026, Tuesday
31 March 2026, Tuesday
11:00 AM
01:00 PM
Department of Psychology, School of Liberal Art and Social Sciences, IILM University, Gurugram
Dr. Aanchal Chaudhary & Ms. Aradhya Sharma
IILM University, Gurugram
The Expert Talk aimed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of mental health issues within community settings and the growing concern of substance use and addiction, emphasising the importance of community-based approaches in addressing mental health challenges particularly in diverse and underserved populations and the need for early identification, prevention strategies, and accessible intervention models. Dr. Kaloiya discussed the epidemiology of substance use disorders, highlighted risk factors such as socio-economic conditions, family dynamics, and peer influence, explored various forms of addiction including substance-related and behavioural addictions and their impact on individuals and society, and emphasised the role of community outreach programmes, rehabilitation services, and multidisciplinary approaches, drawing on real-life case examples from clinical and community settings. The session provided detailed coverage of six objectives: understanding community mental health; awareness of addiction and substance use disorders with insights into psychological and neurobiological underpinnings; the role of prevention and early intervention; community-based intervention models; reducing stigma around mental health; and career and research orientation providing guidance on opportunities in community mental health and addiction counselling. A major highlight was the interactive discussion segment where students actively engaged with questions and reflections on stigma, barriers to mental health care, and challenges in implementing community-based interventions, with the session providing clarity on misconceptions surrounding addiction and encouraging a more empathetic and informed perspective. The session concluded with a vote of thanks, with students reflecting on their learnings and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interact with a Professor of Clinical Psychology from AIIMS, New Delhi. Signed by Dr. Aanchal Chaudhary (Assistant Professor & MA Coordinator) and Ms. Aradhya Sharma (Assistant Professor & MA Mentor, 2024 Batch).
Students developed a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues in community settings, gained insight into the complexity of addiction and its psychological, biological, and social dimensions, and enhanced their awareness about the importance of accessible and inclusive mental health services. Students developed sensitivity toward stigma and the need for empathetic engagement in mental health care, and were inspired to explore careers and research opportunities in community mental health and addiction — broadening their professional horizon beyond traditional clinical roles. Students actively engaged in the interactive discussion on stigma, barriers to mental health care, and challenges in implementing community-based interventions, gaining clarity on misconceptions surrounding addiction and developing more informed and empathetic professional perspectives. Students reflected on their learnings at the valedictory session and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact with a Professor of Clinical Psychology from AIIMS, New Delhi — one of India’s foremost medical institutions — gaining access to expert-level clinical and academic knowledge rarely available in standard coursework. The Expert Talk proved to be an enriching learning experience that integrated theoretical knowledge with real-world insights, successfully enhancing awareness, sensitivity, and critical thinking among students regarding mental health challenges and intervention strategies in community contexts.