Child, Adolescent & Geriatric Care

Specialist Care for Children, Adolescents & the Elderly in Kochi

India is home to over 444 million children and adolescents — the largest such population in the world — as well as a rapidly growing senior population projected to cross 340 million by 2050. Yet mental health and psychiatric care for these most vulnerable age groups remains deeply inadequate, often invisible, and heavily stigmatised in Indian society. At CBB Hospital (Cochin Hospital for Brain and Behavioral Health), Kochi, we are committed to changing that — one family at a time.

Our Child, Adolescent & Geriatric Care department offers compassionate, age-appropriate, evidence-based psychiatric and psychological services for children as young as 3 years, teenagers navigating the pressures of modern India, and elderly individuals dealing with the challenges of ageing. We work closely with families — because in India, mental health is not just an individual issue; it is a family matter.

Child Psychiatry & Mental Health Services

Indian children today face unique challenges — intense academic pressure (board exams, IIT/NEET coaching, competitive entrance tests), changing family structures, increasing screen time, and reduced physical activity. These pressures are contributing to a rising tide of childhood mental health problems that parents and schools often struggle to recognise and address.

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): One of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders in India, ADHD is frequently missed or mistaken for “bad behaviour” or laziness. We provide thorough assessments and tailored treatment plans including therapy and, when appropriate, medication — with full parental guidance and school coordination.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Early identification and structured therapy are crucial for children with autism. Our team provides comprehensive ASD evaluations and evidence-based interventions including behavioural therapy, speech therapy coordination, and family support.
• Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Many children with learning difficulties are unfairly labelled as “slow learners” in Indian classrooms. We provide detailed assessments, reports for school accommodations (including board exam concessions), and remedial guidance.
• Childhood Anxiety & School Refusal: Excessive worry, school avoidance, and separation anxiety are increasingly common among Indian children. We help children and families understand and manage these issues effectively.
• Childhood Depression: Contrary to popular belief, children can and do suffer from depression. Untreated childhood depression has serious long-term consequences. We offer early intervention and family-centred treatment.
• Speech & Developmental Delays: Evaluation and management of children with delayed milestones, including referrals to allied health professionals.

Adolescent Mental Health — Caring for India’s Youth

Adolescence in India today is profoundly challenging. Teenagers are dealing with academic stress, peer pressure, social media, identity questions, and — particularly post-COVID — loneliness and anxiety at rates never seen before. India’s National Mental Health Survey found that approximately 7.3% of adolescents suffer from mental disorders, yet the vast majority never receive help.

• Depression & Anxiety in Teenagers: Safe, confidential, non-judgemental counselling and psychiatric care for adolescents experiencing low mood, worry, panic attacks, or social withdrawal.
• Exam Stress & Academic Pressure: We understand the unique pressures of the Indian education system — from Class 10 and 12 boards to NEET and JEE preparation. We help students manage stress, prevent burnout, and develop healthy coping strategies.
• Social Media & Internet Addiction: Helping adolescents and families navigate problematic internet and smartphone use, which is emerging as a significant mental health concern across India.
• Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts: India accounts for a significant proportion of global adolescent suicides. We provide urgent, sensitive assessment and intervention for adolescents at risk, along with family guidance and crisis support.
• Eating Disorders: Body image issues and disordered eating are increasingly recognised in Indian urban adolescents. We offer confidential evaluation and multidisciplinary treatment.
• Substance Use in Young People: Addressing early cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use among teenagers, with school-friendly intervention approaches.

Geriatric Psychiatry — Dignity & Care for the Elderly

India’s elderly population faces unique challenges — loss of independence, bereavement, chronic physical illness, financial dependency, and the emotional adjustment of changing family roles. Many elderly Indians live with untreated depression, anxiety, or dementia, simply because families assume these are “normal” parts of ageing.

• Late-Life Depression & Anxiety: Depression in the elderly is vastly under-recognised in India. Symptoms are often masked by physical complaints (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance). We provide sensitive evaluation and effective treatment.
• Dementia & Memory Loss: We assess and diagnose all forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Early diagnosis enables better planning and family support.
• Delirium Management: Acute confusion in elderly hospital patients is a medical emergency. Our team provides rapid assessment and management.
• Caregiver Support & Counselling: In India, caring for an elderly parent or family member with dementia falls primarily on family members. We offer dedicated support, education, and respite planning for caregivers.
• Medication Review in the Elderly: Our psychiatrists carefully review all medications to optimise safety and effectiveness in elderly patients.

Family-Centred Approach — The Indian Way

At CBB Hospital, we believe the best outcomes happen when families are educated, involved, and supported. We welcome family participation, offer counselling for parents and caregivers, and provide practical guidance that works within the realities of Indian family life — across all communities in Kerala and beyond.

Breaking the Stigma — It’s Okay to Seek Help

In many Indian families, admitting that a child or elderly parent is struggling mentally is still seen as bringing shame. We want to reassure every family: seeking help is an act of love and strength, not weakness. Mental health conditions are medical conditions — and they respond very well to early, proper treatment. A child’s future should never be compromised by delay.

Book an Appointment

If your child is struggling at school, your teenager is showing signs of distress, or an elderly family member is becoming increasingly forgetful or withdrawn — please do not wait. Early help makes all the difference.

📞 +91-9048215757 / +91-9048213838
📧 contact@cbbhospital.com
📍 CBB Hospital, HMT Colony, North Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala – 682021