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

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 SST’s 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 SST’s 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.