Chennai: When it comes to mental health counselling, many view it with skeptic eyes. Moreover, two factors normally stop people from going to a counselling session- money and fixing an appointment.

Now imagine going to a cafe where you can just walk in and meet a counsellor and share with him/her your thoughts over a cup of coffee. This is what ‘Mind Cafe’ at Chepauk does.

Run by Yuvathi trust, a city-based NGO that strives to empower women, it focuses on mental health.

Speaking to News Today, founder of Yuvathi Dr Sumathi Chandrasekaran shares how Mind cafe works.

“I have been a psychologist for the past 15 years. I have noticed that many don’t turn up after four or five sessions as they can’t afford. Also fixing an appointment takes time. So I wanted to start a place which can be accessed easily and is affordable and where people can just vent out with ease. That’s how it began.”

Here’s how it works: Visitors fill in their information and then occupy a space with a counsellor with a cup of coffee.

“Anyone can have a casual talk and they can speak about their problems. They can come back again for another session. If the counsellor finds that a person has severe issues like anxiety or depression, they then do assessments and also refer them to others,” says Dr Sumathi.

The counsellors have a database where they have a list of therapists and mental health experts. “We also offer concession to downtrodden people while referring,”she says.

This unique cafe is free of cost. But being an NGO, running such an initiative needs funds. “People can donate us for the Mind Cafe,” says Sumathi.

She speaks how society’s perception stops many from undergoing counselling. “People are stigmatised when it comes to counselling,”says Sumathi. “This stops many from taking counselling and fall prey to the society’s perspective of mental well-being.”

Sumathi is hopeful that her cafe comes up at more localities across Chennai. “We hope to open several more Mind Cafes across Chennai,’ she says and adds that the NGO is working along with the government.

In this age of constant work and studies pressure, Mind Cafe may soon become the go-to hub to ease your brain. It is located at 153 Second Floor, Bells Road, Chepauk. Phone: 9884826162.