Sponsor: Sponsor

Leadership in Mental Health Programme

The Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) is a pioneering fellowship programme under the Government of Punjab's flagship Yudh Nashean Virudh (War Against Drugs) initiative. Anchored by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Medical Science (AIMS), Mohali, the knowledge-cum-training partner is the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.

The fellowship programme aims to strengthen the state's comprehensive response to substance use and addiction by building a skilled cadre of professionals trained in addiction-focused public mental health practice.

A 2-year long opportunity to transform Punjab’s mental health services

A cadre of skilled, exceptional professionals shall serve as fellows, who shall lead mental health efforts in the administrative bodies to embed evidence-based mental health practices within Punjab’s drug de-addiction framework, enabling a more holistic and sustainable response to the rising epidemic of addiction in the state.

 

Are you ready to be a part of the change?

 

We are looking for young professionals who are:

• Postgraduates in Psychology or Social Work

• 2+ years of full-time experience in mental health

• Up to 32 years of age

 

Remuneration: Rs. 60,000/- per month

 

Apply by 7th December!

 

Apply here: https://forms.gle/yDxY28eW2uQehNvC8

 

Contact Information:

For any queries, contact lmhp@tiss.ac.in

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

• What is this fellowship about and what is its core purpose?

The Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) is part of the Government of Punjab's flagship Yudh Nashean Virudh (War Against Drugs) initiative, working towards comprehensive and holistic action against substance use in the state.

Its core purpose is to facilitate collaboration with administrative bodies to embed evidence-based, person-centred mental health practices within Punjab’s drug de-addiction framework.

• What is the eligibility to apply for the Leadership in Mental Health programme?

 

The candidate must hold a Masters Degree from a reputed institute/recognized university in Psychology or Social Work, and possess a minimum paid work experience of 24 months as of 1st November 2025.

• What are we looking for in a Leadership in Mental Health fellow?

 

We are looking for dynamic social changemakers who can lead with compassion, and:

• Liaise with multiple stakeholders

• Work with government systems

• Understand community mental health

• Work with youth

 

• What is the duration of the fellowship?

 

This is a two-year long engagement.

• Is this a full-time, on-ground commitment?
  

Yes, it is a full-time, on-ground commitment.

 

• Are students or fresh graduates eligible to apply?

 

No, the current fellowship requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time experience after obtaining a Master’s degree.

 

• Does a full-time MPhil or PhD degree substitute the 2-year work requirement?

 

No, all candidates must have at least 2 years of work experience, irrespective of the highest-degree of qualification.

 

• Will I receive a stipend, and how much?

 

Yes, all fellows will be given a cumulative stipend of Rs. 60,000/- per month.

 

• What will my primary roles and responsibilities be?
  

As a Leadership in Mental Health Fellow, you will:

1. Lead change: Fellows will spearhead the institutionalization of a comprehensive mental health framework in the state by co-ordinating with medical professionals and counselors in de-addiction centres, rehabilitation centres, OOAT centres, and district administration. The fellows will also engage with the families of individuals suffering from addiction and other relevant stakeholders to improve treatment and aid relapse prevention.

2. Implement state policy: Fellows will work closely with the district and state administration to achieve the objectives of various programs under Government of Punjab's Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative. This may include planning, organising and facilitating the conduct of preventive activities in school, colleges, and community centers, and supporting the rollout of novel pilots and initiatives focused on whole-of-community approach to prevention and deaddiction.

3. Embed cutting-edge practices: Fellows will embed evidence-based, people-centred mental health practices through organizing capacity building trainings, workshops, and campaigns. They will ensure that policy and practice are cohesive, and informed by state of the art treatment models, cutting-edge research, and compassion.

 

 

• What is the application and selection process like?

 

The selection process includes two phases. Phase one comprises an extensive application form. After submission of the form, candidates will be shortlisted based on their eligibility, background, and responses. Phase two will include an interview and reference checks for shortlisted candidates.

 

• What documents or materials do I need to submit with my application?

No documents are required to be submitted along with the application form. The application comprises three sections:

Section 1 requires you to fill in details of your educational background and work experience.

Section 2 includes eight reflective questions that need to be answered.

Section 3 (optional) requires you to upload a Video stating your reasons for applying for the fellowship. Once shortlisted for the next phase, you are required to upload the video on the statement of purpose.

All details about each section, along with the format for the video have been outlined in the form. Shortlisted candidates will have to present relevant documents to verify the submitted details, including work experience and relieving letters.

 

• What is the timeline for the selection process?

 

We are inviting applications from 22nd November 2025 till 7th December 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview during mid-to-late December. The selected individuals will be notified shortly thereafter and the training for the first cohort of LMHP will begin in the first week of February 2026.

 

• What is the role of TISS Mumbai in the fellowship?

 

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai is the knowledge-cum-training partner for this fellowship. TISS is responsible for selection of the fellows, capacity building of fellows, and supervision of fellows.

 

• What kind of training and mentorship will I receive?
  

Fellows will undergo intensive induction training after selection. The training will cover thematic essentials on addiction, mental health, clinical skills, supervision, and ethics, and also delve deeply into the necessity of community engagement and the know-hows of working with state administration. Across their engagement, fellows will receive constant mentoring and support from the involved stakeholders.

 

• Where will I be placed during the fellowship?

 

Twenty-three fellows will be placed in 23 districts of Punjab, 10 fellows in five Cluster Resource Centres, and two fellows at the DITSU headquarter in Mohali.

 

• What are Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs)?

 

Cluster Resource Centers are designated medical colleges in Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Faridkot, and Mohali, that act as operational and technical arms translating state strategies into district-level actions. CRCs facilitate smooth conduct of training programs (for Medical Officers, counsellors, psychologists), monitor progress, and ensure effective implementation of Yudh Nashean Virudh initiatives.

 

• What is the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit (DITSU)?

 

DITSU acts as the technical backbone for the Yudh Nashean Virudh response ecosystem, working in close collaboration with law enforcement, health departments, and academic and nonprofit organizations, ensuring inter-departmental cohesion. It provides structured training to bridge the existing skills gaps to deal with substance-use . DITSU creates and implements evidence-based psychosocial strategies tailored to rehabilitation centers, OOAT clinics, and community outreach efforts.

 

• Can I defer my offer if I’m selected?
  

No, we do not offer a deferment option. All selected candidates are expected to join the cohort from the training workshop in February itself.

 

• Who can I reach out to for queries or technical issues with the application?

In case of any queries or concerns you can email us at lmhp@tiss.ac.in