Navigating the complexities of mental health can be a daunting task. The journey often feels isolating, especially when unsure where to seek help. 

Therapy helps, of course. 

Support groups also.

But sometimes, when the way seems too dark, waiting for therapy or support groups may not be ideal.

Helplines were created literally for this purpose. They function as the last call for help. 

In a country where mental health is still a stigma, these helplines provide callers with anonymity and much-needed support. 

If you need help, you shouldn’t have to go far to find it. Here are our top 7 mental health helplines in India. These resources offer a lifeline to individuals seeking help, their loved ones, and mental health professionals alike. We’ll delve into the services they offer, their operating hours, and how they maintain confidentiality. 

Helplines offer a safe space to express feelings without fear of judgment. Moreover, they play a crucial role in suicide prevention. Trained professionals on the other end can provide life-saving intervention in crisis situations. Each of these helplines offers unique services and support.

1. Vandrevala Foundation Helpline

• Services: Provides 24/7*365 days  mental health support, including individual counseling for stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Offers follow-up support.
• Specialized Support: Handles a variety of mental health issues.
• Languages: Available in multiple languages based on availability. WhatsApp messages are only in English.
• Collaborations: Works with mental health professionals for extended support.
• Contact: 9999666555
• Email: help@vandrevalafoundation.com

2. iCall: A Service By TISS

• Services: Telephone and email-based counseling, available Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm. Offers individual and family counseling.
• Specialized Support: Provides support for a range of mental health issues, specifically psychological support for gender based violence.
• Languages: Multilingual support available.
• Follow-up Support: Yes, offers follow-up support.
• Collaborations: Linked with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for extensive support.
• Contact: 9152987821 
• Email:  icall@tiss.edu

3. AASRA Suicide Prevention Helpline

• Services: 24/7 suicide prevention and emotional support. Offers face-to-face counseling by appointment.
• Specialized Support: Focuses on emotional crisis situations, mental illness issues, and suicidal ideation
• Languages: Services available in Hindi and English.
• Follow-up Support: Yes, follow-up support provided.
• Collaborations: Collaborates with mental health professionals for extended care.
• Contact: 9820466726 
• Email: aasrahelpline@yahoo.com 

4. Roshni Trust Helpline

• Services: Provides emotional support and counseling from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm. 
• Specialized Support: Handles various mental health issues.
• Languages: Multilingual support available.
• Follow-up Support: Yes, provides follow-up support.
• Collaborations: Partners with mental health organizations for extended care. Partners include Datla Foundation (CSR arm of Biological E. Limited), Modi Builders, Sonata, Dr. Reddys.
• Contact: +91 8142020033/+91 8142020044 

5. Sumaitri Crisis Intervention Centre

• Services: Crisis intervention and emotional support, available Monday to Friday, 12.30 pm to 5 pm, 365 days. 
• Specialized Support: Focuses on crisis intervention for the depressed and suicidal.
• Languages: Support available in English.
• Follow-up Support: Yes, follow-up support available.
• Collaborations: Works with mental health organizations for comprehensive care.
• Contact: 9315767849 / feelingsuicidal@sumaitri.net

6. Lifeline Foundation

• Services: Emotional support and counseling, available 7 days a week, 10 am to 10 pm. Provides individual and family counseling.
• Specialized Support: Offers support on suicide awareness
• Languages: Multilingual support provided.
• Follow-up Support: Yes, follow-up support available.
• Collaborations: Partners with mental health professionals for extended support.
• Contact: +91 3340447437 / +91 9088030303

7. Snehi Suicide Prevention Helpline

• Services: Offers emotional support and suicide prevention, available Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm. Provides individual and family counseling.
• Specialized Support: Focuses on emotional and psychological crises, post-exam counseling for children, suicide prevention.
• Languages: Services offered in multiple languages.
• Follow-up Support: Yes, offers follow-up support.
• Collaborations: Works with local mental health professionals.
• Contact: 9582208181 / snehi.india@gmail.com and snehi.india@yahoo.com

Overcoming barriers to accessing mental health support

Accessing mental health support can sometimes be challenging due to stigma, lack of awareness, and geographical barriers. However, helplines are bridging this gap by providing immediate, anonymous support, breaking down many of these barriers. Remember, reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. Don’t let anything stop you from taking that step.