Tele-MANAS Project

The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) programme was launched by Government of India on 10th October, World Mental Health Day.
The initiative is part of the Mental Health Programme which was declared in the Budget Plan May 2022. The Tele-MANAS aims to provide free tele-counselling services across the country, specially in remote areas.
The project will be helmed by National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) with Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IITB) providing technology support.
A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number -14416 has been set up across the country. The caller can call on this toll-free number and avail the language of their choice.
Tele-Manas will connect you to the trained counsellors and mental health specialists available in your area, provide you resources of psychiatrist and hospitals for physical consultations.
Currently, there are 5 regional coordination centres. They are in the process of centralising Interactive Voice Response System and basic counselling information.