ItemArticle

Indian perspectives on single-session therapy: an initial qualitative study with psychiatric social workers

Title
Indian perspectives on single-session therapy: an initial qualitative study with psychiatric social workers
Creator
Joseph, Jasmine; Rayampatt, Manjusha C.; Antony, Febby; Deepa, N.R.
Description
Single-Session Therapy (SST) is an emerging approach to mental-health service delivery that maximises the value of a single clinical encounter. It is gaining traction globally for its brevity and potential to address mental health concerns. This study explores perspectives of five Psychiatric Social Workers (PSWs) at a premier Indian psychiatric institute regarding SSTs suitability for the Indian population. Hybrid thematic analysis of a focus group discussion reveals both promising potential and significant challenges for adapting SST to the Indian context. Although participants noted that intentional one-time visits are currently uncommon at their institution, they identified SST as a responsive intervention for addressing caregiver burden and preventing relapse, suggesting its value as a responsive and opportunity-based intervention. Participants raised practical concerns regarding session structure, time constraints, and unpredictability of client return. Despite these cautions, they recognised SSTs potential to widen access to care in India. The discussion emphasises on need for specialised training, supervision, regulatory frameworks, and broader mental health promotion efforts to incorporate SST as a viable therapeutic intervention delivery method. This preliminary investigation serves as a valuable springboard for further research on the potential of SST in a country like India. 2026 GAPS.
Source
Journal of Social Work Practice;
Date
01-01-2026
Publisher
Routledge
Subject
focus group discussion; India; one-at-a-time (OAAT); psychiatric social work; Single session therapy (SST)
Coverage
Joseph J., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Bangalore, India, School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India; Rayampatt M.C., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Antony F., School of Social Work, Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, India; Deepa N.R., School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 2650533;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Joseph, Jasmine; Rayampatt, Manjusha C.; Antony, Febby; Deepa, N.R., “Indian perspectives on single-session therapy: an initial qualitative study with psychiatric social workers,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22654.

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