The Department of Psychiatry was established in February of 2020. The department is in the process of commencing outpatient services in collaboration with the General hospital of Karaikal until the establishment of the hospital building of JIPMER, Karaikal. The department envisages to increase awareness about mental health and illness through IEC activities in and around Karaikal and streamline the treatment of patients with mental illness by setting up special clinics in the outpatient department along with inpatient facilities. The department plans to set up a separate de-addiction ward for persons with addiction problems and ensure adequate follow-up in the outpatient clinic on a specific day of the week dedicated exclusively to them. The department will strive to inculcate mental health curriculum in undergraduate teaching and improve theoretical and clinical competencies among students.  The department also plans for a strong consultation-liaison program with fellow departments of various disciplines both academically and clinically.