The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative in October 2022 to transform mental health service delivery across India.
From receiving just 12,000 calls in December 2022 to over 1 million by May 2024, the platform now handles an average of 3,500 calls daily, underscoring the growing acceptance of the platform.
The platform provides access to counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, referral services, and urgent care support, via telephone. It also has multi-language support (20 languages) and direct access to mental health professionals.
Tele-MANAS offers more than just instant support. It conducts follow-up calls, to address an equally important need of the callers – sustained guidance, and assistance.
Tele-MANAS is able to do this because this service operates through a well-structured two-tier system:
Tier 1: Provides access to trained counsellors and mental health professionals for tele-counseling and tele-consultation. They offer immediate support and can address emergencies requiring prompt intervention.
Tier 2: Offers additional resources, including in-person consultations and audiovisual consultations through e-Sanjeevani, facilitated by specialists from District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) facilities and medical colleges. They also refer individuals to suitable mental health establishments for advanced treatment and further evaluation when necessary.
Tele-MANAS currently operates through 51 cells across all states and union territories.
On Mental Health Day 2023, the platform launched a mobile app and video consultation services. The app offers mental health resources like self-care tips, stress management tools, early distress detection, interactive activities, and free 24/7 counseling. Video calls enable mental health professionals to perform more comprehensive assessments by directly observing the caller. As of October 2024, this service is available in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, with plans to roll out across the country soon.
Call the Tele-MANAS toll-free helpline number 14416 for support and guidance.
