DC

Dr.Jayakumar C

NIMHANS, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences

ORCID iD 0000-0002-5957-3984
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About

With over 25 years of experience in psychosocial care, disaster mental health, and humanitarian response, I have worked in leadership positions at national and international levels, including as Senior Consultant for Psychosocial Care at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, and as Director of Operations for the American Red Cross in India.

During my tenure at NDMA, I was responsible for the preparation and release of the National Disaster Management Guidelines on Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services (PSSMHS). I also represented India in the development of the SAARC Minimum Standards of Care for Psychosocial Support. As part of the national response team, I initiated and operationalized the COVID-19 Psychosocial Support Helpline under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, providing mental health services in 13 Indian languages across the country.

Over the years, I have coordinated psychosocial responses during numerous major disasters and served as the Principal Investigator for more than 25 national and international projects. My work has contributed to the evolution of psychosocial care models, population-specific interventions, national and international policy frameworks, and large-scale capacity building efforts—including a stress management program for 125,000 police personnel in Tamil Nadu.

My areas of expertise include psychosocial care in disasters, mental health and well-being of first responders and uniformed services, care for marginalized communities (LGBTIQA+ and persons with disabilities), disaster preparedness, risk reduction, climate change and mental health, and policy development. I regularly serve as an expert resource person to various Indian ministries, NDMA, NIDM, NDRF, academic institutions, and collaborate with international bodies such as WHO, UN, UNICEF, and USAID. I also advise governments of other countries, including Fiji and the Philippines, on psychosocial disaster management.

Employment

  • NIMHANS Additional professor
    2015 - Present
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India

Education

  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences PhD in Psychiatric Social Work
    2003 - 2007

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (25)