Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Tele MANAS helpline aims to enhance access to mental health services across India.
The toll-free helpline (14416) has effectively handled over 1.47 million calls since its introduction in October 2022, providing a range of mental health services. Tele MANAS offers telephone-based counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, and referral services, including urgent care, all without the barriers of distance or cost.
Launch of Tele MANAS Recognizing the significant gap in access to mental health services for its vast population, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiated Tele MANAS to make mental healthcare accessible to everyone. According to PIB data, India, which accounts for 18% of the global population, is grappling with a substantial mental health crisis. Mental disorders are the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs), and suicide is the third leading cause of death in many states. National studies indicate that 15% of India’s adult population faces mental health issues requiring intervention, yet there is a treatment gap of 70-92%, leaving millions without adequate care.
Despite the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 establishing access to mental health services as a statutory right, over 110 million people in India continue to suffer from mental health disorders, with 80% not seeking help. More than 100,000 individuals die by suicide each year, while countless others attempt to take their lives, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
App and Video Consultations To further improve access to mental health support, Tele MANAS launched its mobile app and video consultation services on World Mental Health Day. The Tele MANAS app serves as a comprehensive platform offering mental health resources, including self-care tips, stress management strategies, and tools for recognizing early signs of distress. It engages users with interactive activities such as mind challenges, games, and mindfulness practices, ensuring a user-friendly experience. The app provides free, confidential counseling 24/7, connecting users to trained mental health professionals across India.
Video consultations add an additional layer to the existing audio call services, allowing mental health professionals to conduct more thorough assessments by observing callers directly. This feature aids in gathering history, clarifying concerns, and enabling brief physical or Mental State Examinations (MSE) when necessary. Currently, this service is available in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, with plans for nationwide expansion.