The Central Government is undertaking a range of initiatives to address mental health challenges in India. Recognizing the growing need for accessible and high-quality mental healthcare, these measures span from infrastructure development to digital innovations.
Central to the government’s efforts is the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), designed to strengthen mental healthcare delivery. The program includes the establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence, which has expanded postgraduate intake in mental health disciplines and provided advanced treatment facilities.
Additionally, 19 medical colleges and institutions have received support to improve their mental health departments, enhancing 47 postgraduate programs in the process. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), implemented in 767 districts, focuses on equipping both specialists and general healthcare providers with the skills needed to address mental health issues effectively.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme has upgraded over 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These centers now offer integrated primary care, including mental health services. Operational guidelines and training manuals have been distributed to assist in treating Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS).
The government has introduced digital learning programs at prominent institutions such as the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru; Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur; and the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. Since 2018, these academies have trained over 42,488 professionals through online modules, improving mental healthcare expertise in underserved regions.
Educational opportunities in mental health have also expanded significantly. Currently, 66 institutions across the country offer M.Phil programs in Clinical Psychology. Starting from the academic year 2024-25, a B.Sc. Clinical Psychology (Hons.) program has been introduced, with 19 universities approved to offer this course. These efforts aim to build a robust talent pipeline to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals.
A key initiative to improve accessibility is the National Tele Mental Health Programme, launched on World Mental Health Day in October 2022. The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) program has made counselling and care services available across all 36 States and Union Territories.
Since its inception, the program has handled over 15.95 lakh calls, providing critical mental health support. In October 2024, the Tele MANAS app was launched, offering user-friendly access to general wellness resources and assistance for mental disorders.