Mental health helplines in India
In an emergency, call 112. For free mental health support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS, the Government of India helpline, on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. Other free helplines include iCall, the Vandrevala Foundation and the NIMHANS helpline.
Last updated 2 November 2026
In an emergency
Call 112, the national emergency number for police, ambulance and fire, 24 hours. Or go to the nearest hospital.
Free helplines
- Tele-MANAS (Government of India): 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. Free, confidential mental health support, 24 hours, in many Indian languages.
- iCall (TISS): 9152987821. Free counselling by psychologists, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 9 PM IST. Closed on Sundays.
- Vandrevala Foundation: +91 9999 666 555. Free mental health helpline, 24 hours, every day, by phone call or WhatsApp.
- NIMHANS psychosocial support helpline: 080-46110007. NIMHANS free psychosocial support helpline, 24 hours.
What to say when you call
You do not need a diagnosis or a plan. You can say that you are struggling and want to talk. Helplines are for support, and they can point you to a doctor or service near you.
If you want to see a psychiatrist
A helpline is a good first step. When you are ready, you can see a psychiatrist online. Read when to see a psychiatrist, or see our resources page for the full list.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is Tele-MANAS free?
Yes. Tele-MANAS is a free, confidential service of the Government of India, available 24 hours.
Do I need to be in crisis to call a helpline?
No. You can call when you feel low, anxious or overwhelmed, or when you are worried about someone else.
Is Mindly Health an emergency service?
No. Mindly Health is not an emergency service. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Related
- Helplines and resources
- Support someone who feels hopeless
- When to see a psychiatrist
- What people ask psychiatrists: 12 common questions, answered
- What to do during a panic attack
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.