The Government of India’s Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing 24 lakh (2.4 million) calls since its inception in October 2022. This landmark underscores the nation’s growing awareness and utilization of digital mental health services.

Tele-MANAS, a flagship 24×7 service under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), operates through 53 cells across all 36 States and Union Territories. The helpline—accessible via toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416—offers multilingual counselling and crisis intervention led by trained mental health professionals. The initiative ensures equitable, accessible, and free support for diverse mental health needs, including stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and sleep disturbances.

Since its launch, Tele-MANAS has played a pivotal role as a digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme, offering a continuum of care that includes both immediate support and specialist referrals. As part of a comprehensive, two-tier care system, individuals can receive phone-based counselling as well as advanced interventions through linkages with District Mental Health Programme facilities and public health institutions nationwide.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to invest robustly in mental health infrastructure, having integrated Tele-MANAS into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and expanded specialist support, outreach, and training. In October 2024, the Government launched the Tele-MANAS Mobile Application to further streamline access to mental health services and resources.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, credited the success to the collaborative effort of health professionals nationwide, emphasizing, “Tele-MANAS is revolutionizing mental healthcare across India, providing accessible, timely, and quality support to millions who need it most.”