The National Tele Mental Health Programme, launched on 10 October 2022, has expanded access to counselling and care services across India. The initiative now operates through Tele-MANAS Cells in States and Union Territories, offers services in multiple languages, and has handled millions of calls since inception. It also includes referrals for specialised care, digital support through a mobile application, and outreach activities for students, workers and vulnerable groups.
Tele-MANAS Network and Reach
Tele-MANAS is a national tele-mental health service designed to provide accessible support for mental health concerns, from stress and anxiety to more serious disorders. As of 3 March 2026, 36 States and Union Territories had established 53 Tele-MANAS Cells. The service is available in 20 languages, depending on the language chosen by the State or Union Territory. More than 34.34 lakh calls have been handled on the helpline since its launch.
Digital Support and Referrals
The Tele-MANAS Mobile Application was launched on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2024. It is a comprehensive digital platform for mental health support. The system also provides referral pathways for further care. These include:
- 47,487 referrals for non-emergency in-person services.
- 9,590 referrals for detailed clinical evaluation.
- 19,135 referrals to Mental Health Professionals.
- 1,319 referrals to the District Mental Health Programme.
- 10,240 referrals to medical or surgical specialists.
- 5,083 urgent referrals to psychiatric hospital emergencies.
- 345 referrals to medical colleges and tertiary hospitals.
Linkages with Youth and School Health
Mental health support is also being integrated with adolescent and school health programmes. Under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, awareness and counselling are provided through Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics, Peer Education, and Adolescent Health and Wellness Days. Peer educators conduct participatory sessions on adolescent health, including mental well-being. Mental health training is also part of the programme for medical officers, ANMs and counsellors.
Institutional Outreach and Public Awareness
The Manodarpan initiative of the Ministry of Education provides psychosocial support to students, teachers and families through online advisories, audio-visual resources and guidance on emotional well-being. The School Health and Wellness Programme also includes a dedicated module on emotional well-being and mental health. Tele-MANAS teams have conducted outreach in schools, colleges, hostels, ITIs, universities, NGOs, old-age homes, orphanages, health facilities, workplaces and professional groups, including railway staff, police personnel and students.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026