Mental Health Care in India Still Inaccessible for Most in Need, Say Experts
Despite growing awareness and policy interventions, mental health care in India continues to remain out of reach for the majority who need it, according to health experts and mental health practitioners. They emphasize that inadequate
Despite growing awareness and policy interventions, mental health care in India continues to remain out of reach for the majority who need it, according to health experts and mental health practitioners. They emphasize that inadequate infrastructure, social stigma, and a severe shortage of trained professionals are widening the treatment gap in one of the most pressing public health challenges of the decade.
Recent estimates indicate that nearly 1 in 7 Indians suffers from a mental health disorder, ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Yet, less than 30% of those affected receive adequate treatment or counselling support. Experts attribute this alarming gap to the unequal distribution of mental health professionals, with most psychiatrists and psychologists concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural areas underserved.
Dr. [Expert Name], a leading psychiatrist, noted, “While India has made significant policy progress with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the inclusion of mental health in the National Health Mission, accessibility remains a major hurdle. The lack of affordability, awareness, and integration into primary healthcare systems keeps millions from seeking timely help.”
The economic burden of untreated mental illness is also substantial, impacting workplace productivity and overall well-being. Experts call for greater government investment, digital mental health initiatives, and community-based programmes to make care more inclusive and affordable.
In recent years, several startups and telehealth platforms have emerged to bridge the gap by offering online counselling and therapy sessions. However, experts argue that while technology can aid accessibility, it cannot replace the need for systemic policy-level reforms and grassroots mental health education.
As India observes World Mental Health Day this month, the call for action grows louder: to transform mental health care from being a privilege to a universal right accessible to all.
