Maharani College counselling cell to offer internships

Jaipur: The Department of Psychology at Maharani College is set to expand the activities of its in-house counselling cell by introducing internship opportunities for psychology students interested in counselling and mental health support.

The initiative aims to provide accessible emotional support to nearly 9,000 students enrolled in the college while also giving psychology graduates practical exposure through supervised internships. College officials said students from all years of the psychology department would be able to participate in the programme.

Vice Principal and professor of psychology Chandrani Sen said the counselling cell follows an open-door policy, allowing students to walk in for short, judgement-free conversations and immediate support. “Gen Z students often seek instant emotional reassurance and safe spaces to express themselves. They generally prefer brief interactions instead of lengthy counselling sessions, and that is the model we are trying to adopt,” she said.

The cell will also assist prospective students during the admission season by offering aptitude screening and career guidance to those confused about academic streams and career choices. Though the expanded initiatives are not yet formally listed on the college website, details about the functioning cell have already been displayed on campus notice boards. Incoming students will also be informed about the facility during orientation programmes.

The administration said complex cases, if required, would be referred to professionals, though no such case has emerged so far. Sen said the transition from school to university often becomes emotionally challenging for students, and the cell aims to assure them that support is available within the campus.

The department also conducts annual mental health awareness flash mobs based on World Health Organization themes.