Useful Resources For Mental Health

Licensing Authority: Indian Medical Council Act, 1956

A general practitioner (GP) also known as a medical practitioner can recognise symptoms of a mental illness developing and provide the following types of help:

  • Look for a possible physical cause.
  • Explain the illness and how the person can best be helped.
  • Prescribe medication, if needed.
  • Refer the person to a psychologist or allied health professional, who can help the person learn ways of coping with and overcoming the illness.
  • Refer the person to a psychiatrist, particularly if the symptoms are severe or long-lasting.
  • Link the person to community support.

Licensing Authority: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021

A psychologist is a specialist who has studied human behaviour at the university and has supervised professional experience in the area. Some psychologists provide treatment to people with mental illnesses. Psychologists do not have a medical degree, so they do not prescribe medication. Some psychologists work for public health services, while others are private practitioners.

Licensing Authority: Rehabilitation Council of India, 1992

A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who has undergone additional specialist training to treat people with mental health problems and illnesses. They are particularly skilled at providing cognitive behaviour therapy and other types of psychotherapies.

Licensing Authority: Indian Medical Council Act, 1956

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists mostly focus on treating people with severe or long-lasting mental illnesses. They can prescribe medications and also advise different types of therapies that can help in the process of treatment and recovery.

Licensing Authority: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021

A social worker with a postgraduate degree in medical and psychiatry and relevant experience in mental health functions is an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team in a mental health setting. They play the role of a case manager and conduct psychosocial assessment and social diagnosis. Further, they support in guiding individuals to welfare measures and legal aid, if needed, and monitor the rehabilitation and follow-up plan.

Licensing Authority: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021

A psychiatric social worker is a professional who has undergone additional training in clinical mental health settings. They are particularly skilled at conducting clinical assessments and providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups.

Licensing Authority: Homeopathy Central Council Act, 1973

Alternative medical professionals who specialise in Ayurveda, Yoga, Homeopathy, Unani, or Siddho streams of medicine are largely known as AYUSH practitioners. They use traditional non-allopathic medication and treatment methods for addressing mental health problems.

Licensing Authority: Nursing Council of India Act, 1947

Registered nurses specialised in caring for people with mental illnesses are called Mental health nurses. They generally care for people with more severe illnesses who are treated in hospitals or in the community. They can aid with medication and practical support.

Licensing Authority: Not registered by the Indian Government

Counsellors can provide psychological support However, counsellors are not a profession registered by the government; therefore, anyone can call themselves a counsellor without any qualification. A well-qualified counsellor may also be a psychologist or other registered professional. Some counsellors may have specific training and skills in niche areas such as drug and alcohol addiction counselling.

Licensing Authority: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021

Most occupational therapists work in health or welfare services and some have additional training in mental health. They can provide treatments in mental health inpatient or outpatient care.

The following helplines are the national 24x7 lines, which may help you address several emergencies and find out more information. The helpline does not necessarily provide you or the person you are supporting with appropriate counselling services.

Helpline Name Number
National Mental Healtd Rehabilitation Helpline (KIRAN) 1800-599-0019
National Healtd Helpline 1800-180-1104
National Tobacco Helpline 1800-11-2356
Drug De-Addiction 1800-11-0031
AIDS Helpline 1097
Police Control Room 100
All-in-one Emergency Number 112
Emergency Management 108
Catastrophe and Trauma Services 1099
Women’s Helpline 1091
ChildLine 1098
Crime Against Women and Children 1091
Women in Distress 181
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence 181
Ambulance National Healtd Mission Ambulance 102
Hospital on Wheels 104
Helpline Name Location Number
Sumaitri New Delhi +91 01123389090
Sanjeevani New Delhi 011 24311918, 24318883, 26862222, 26864488, 40769002
Fortis Stress Helpline Delhi +91 8376804102
Saath Ahmedabad +91 79 26305544, 26300222
Kashmir Lifeline Srinagar 1800-180-7020
Parivarthan Counselling Helpline Services Bengaluru +91 7676602602
SNEHA Chennai +91 044 24650050
Sa-Mudra Yuva Helpline Bengaluru +91 9880396331
Thanal Suicide Prevention centre Kozhikode +91 0495 276000
Hitguj help number Mumbai +91 022 24131212
Aasra Navi Mumbai +91 9820466726
Vandrevala Foundation Mumbai 1800-233-3330
Tata Institute of Social Sciences iCall Mumbai 022 25521111
The Samaritans Mumbai Mumbai +91 84299 84528, 84529, 84530
Maitra Helpline Thane +91 022 25385447
Roshni Trust Secunderabad +91 40 66202000, 66202001
Title Author Remarks
I Had a Black Dog: His Name Was Depression Johnstone M. This is an insightful self-help picture book for adults
Living with a Black Dog: How to Take Care of Someone with Depression While Looking After Yourself Johnstone M, Johnstone A. This is another insightful self-help picture book for carers
Guide to What Works for Depression Jorm, AF Allen NB, Morgan AJ, Ryan S, Purcell R. A This booklet looks at what the scientific evidence has to say about a wide range of treatments for depression. It is designed to help consumers make informed choices when seeking treatment
Beating the Blues: A Self-Help Approach to Overcoming Depression Tanner S, Ball J. This is an Australian self-help book based on cognitive behaviour therapy
Title Author Remarks
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook Bourne E. This is an excellent self-help book based on cognitive behaviour therapy
Living with Fear Marks I. This book is based on cognitive behaviour therapy. It includes a very useful chapter on self-help for fears and anxiety
A Guide to What Works for Anxiety Reavley NJ, Allen NB,Jorm, AF, Morgan AJ, Ryan S, Purcell R. This booklet looks at what the scientific evidence has to say about a wide range of treatments for anxiety disorders. It is designed to help consumers make informed choices when seeking treatment
Title Author Remarks
10 Simple Solutions to Panic: How to Overcome Panic Attacks, Calm Physical Symptoms, and Reclaim Your Life Antony MM, McCabe R. This small-format self-help book is based on cognitive behaviour therapy principles and may help people who experience panic attacks. The focus is on thinking realistically about future attacks rather than worrying about them
Title Author Remarks
Rapee RM. Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia: A Step-by-step Guide Rapee RM. This self-help book is based on cognitive behaviour therapy
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven Techniques for Overcoming Your Fears Antony MM, Swinson RP. This large-format self-help workbook uses the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy to help people overcome shyness and social phobia
Title Author Remarks
I Can Do It - series of books Various authors They describe cognitive behaviour therapy techniques for people to work on specific phobias
Title Author Remarks
The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms Williams MB, Piojula S. This self-help book draws on techniques and interventions used by post-traumatic stress disorder experts to offer trauma survivors the most effective tools available to conquer their most distressing symptoms
Title Author Remarks
Stop Obsessing: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions Foa EB, Wilson R. A cognitive behaviour therapy based self-help manual for overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder. It also includes self-tests and case studies from the authors' significant clinical backgrounds
Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save and How You Can Stop Neviroglu F, Bubrick J. A set of self-help workbooks that focus on practical strategies for overcoming specific types of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Overcoming Compulsive Checking Free Your Mind From OCD Munford P.
Overcoming Compulsive Washing: Free Your Mind From OCD
Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD Purdon C. Clark DA.
Title Author Remarks
The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and their Families Compton MT, Broussard B. This US guide is for people who have had a first psychotic episode and their families. It encourages them to take an active informed role in their care
Coping with Schizophrenia: A Guide for Patients, Families and Caregivers Jones S, Hayward P. This guide, designed for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, their caregivers, friends and families, addresses myths and includes personal stories from people who are recovering
Title Author Remarks
Overcoming Bipolar Disorder Bauer MS, Kilbourne AM, Greenwald DE, Ludman E. This self-help guide is for people who are in treatment for a disorder. It includes strategies for preventing relapse, safe and effective goal setting, and medication
Living With Bipolar: A Guide to Understanding and Managing the Disorder Berk L, Berk M, Castle D, Lauder S. This Australian book provides practical information for people with bipolar disorder, their families and friends.
Mastering Bipolar Disorder: An Insider's Guide to Managing Mood Swings and Finding Balance Eyers K, Parker G (eds). This book, produced by the Black Dog Institute, incorporates the latest research on bipolar disorder and personal stories of people with bipolar disorder
Title Author Remarks
Sober for Good: New Solutions for Drinking Problems - Advice from Those Who Have Succeeded Fletcher AM. Based on interviews with over 200 recovered problem drinkers, this book gives guidance about different paths to recovery, whether the goal is abstinence or occasional use. It also includes advice for friends and family on helping someone who is reluctant to change
Title Author Remarks
8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Practice and Personal Experience Costin C, Schubert,Grabb G. -
Getting Better Bite by Bite: A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders Schmidt U, Treasure J, Alexander J. These books provide self-help cognitive behaviour therapy for bulimia and binge eating.They work best when a clinician guides their use
Overcoming Bulimia Self-Help Cooper PJ.

List of District Mental Health Programmes across the country as resourced by the MoHFW in May 2018

State Name District Name
Andaman & Nicobar Islands South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman, and Nicobar
Andhra Pradesh East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam,Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore, Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram,Visakhapatnam, and the Rayalaseema region that comprises the 4 districts: Kurnool, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Anantapur
Arunachal Pradesh Naharlagun, East Siang, Tirap, Changlang, and Lohit
Assam Goalpara, Nalbari, Darrang, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Tinsukia, Karimganj, Dhubri, Dhemaji, Baksa and Majuli, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Golaghat, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur, Kokrajhar, Kamrup Metropolitan, Hailakandi, and Dima Hasao
Bihar East Champarna, West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali,Rohtas, Jamui, Kaimur, Buxar, Banka, Gopalganj, Purnea, Gaya and Bhagalpur, Araria, Begusarai, Katihar, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Madhepura, Madhubani, Saharsa, Samastipur, Saran,Sheikhpura, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Supoul, Aurangabad,Nawada, and Munger
Chandigarh Chandigarh
Chattisgarh Bastar, Bilaspur, Dhamtari, Raipur, Raigarh, Durg, Jangir Champa, Korba, Mungeli and Mahasamund, Gariyaband,Balodabajaar, Kanker, Kawardha, and Jashpur
Dadra Nagar Haveli Silvassa
Daman & Diu Daman and Diu
Delhi South West, West, North, and South East
Goa South Goa and North Goa
Gujarat Mehsana, Kheda, Rajpipla, Dahod, Gandhinagar, Morbi,Tapi,Gir,Somnath, Sabarkantha, Anand, Valsad, Bharuch, Botad, Patan,Porbandar, Navsari, Godhra, Surendranagar, Amreli, Junagadh,Dang, Banaskantha, Rajkot, and Aravalli
Haryana Gurgaon, Hissar, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Ambala, Faridabad, Jhajar, Yamuna Nagar, Fatehabad, Narnaul. Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Mewat, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak, Sirsa, Sonipat, and Palwal
Himachal Pradesh Kangra and Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Chamba, Una, Sirmaur, Lahul and Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, Shimla, and Solan
Jammu & Kashmir Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri, Doda, Pulwama, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Bandipore, Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kargil, Kathua, Kishtwar, Kupwara, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Shopian, and Srinagar
Jharkhand Gumla, Dumka, Daltoganj, Dhanbad, Khunti, Koderma,Lohardaga, East- Singhbhum, Ramgarh, Sahibganj, Saraikela,and Simdega
Karnataka Chamrajnagar, Bidar, Gulbarga,Yadgiri, Karwar, Ramanagar,Shimoga, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bijapur, Belgaum,Chikkamagalur, Dharwad, Bangalore rural, Dakshin Kannada,Bangalore Urban, ChikkabalList of Government Mental Health Institutions across the countrylapur, Bagalkote, Mysore,Davanagere, Hassan, Gadag, Bellary, Haveri, Mandya, Kolar,Tumkur, Koppal, Udupi, Bruhat Bangalore Mananagar Pallika, and Kodagu
Kerala Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikkode, and Kasaragod
Ladakh Leh and Kargil
Lakshadweep Kavaratti
Madhya Pradesh Dewas, Chindwada, Sehore, Badwani, Ratlam, Damoh, Guna,Shivpuri, Mandal, Satna, Shahdol, Singrouli, Sheopur, Dhar,Khandwa, Hosangabaad, Chattarpur, Balaghat, Rajgarh, Katni,Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Ujjain, Betul,Neemuch, and Morena
Maharashtra Raigadh, Satara, Amravati, Jalgoan, Buldhana, Parbhani, Nashik, Osmanabad, Ahmednagar, Wardha, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, Dhule, Gondiya, Nandurba, Sindhudurga, Thane, Pune, Nagpur,Ratnagiri, and Chandrapur
Manipur Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur, Senapati,Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tamenglong (new districts created- Jiribam, Kamjong, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Noney, Pherzawl, and Kangpokpi)
Meghalaya West GaroHills, West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, North GaroHills, Ri Bhoi, South Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and West Khasi Hills
Mizoram Aizwal, Lunglei, Champhai, Saiha, Kolasib, Serchhip, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Aizawl East
Nagaland Dimapur, Mokochung, and Kohima
Orissa Balasore, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Kandhmal, Keonjhar, Khurda, Koraput, Mayurbhani, Puri, Rayagada, Sundargarh, Angul, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jajpur,Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Nuapada, and Sambalpur
Puducherry Puducherry and Karaikal
Punjab Sangrur, Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Tarantaran,Mansa, Bhatinda, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Barnala, Fazika,Faridkot, Firozpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mansa, and Moga, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Rupnagar, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar
Rajasthan Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunihunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Sri Ganganagar, Tonk, and Udaipur
Sikkim East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim, and South Sikkim
Tripura West Tripura, Gomati, Dhalai, Unakoti, North District, Khowai, South District, and Sepahijala
Tamil Nadu Ariyalur, Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri,Dindigul, Erode, Kancheepuram, Karur, Krishnagiri, Madurai,Nagapattinam, Kanyakumari, Namakkal, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Salem, Sivagangai, Thanjavur, Theni, Thiruvallur, Thiruvarur, Tuticorin, Trichirappalli,Tirunelveli, Tiruppur, Thiruvannamalai, The Nilgiris, Vellore, Villupuram, and Virudhunagar
Telangana Medak, Mahaboobnagar, Nalgonda, Rangareddy, and Khammam
Uttarakhand Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi
Uttar Pradesh Banda, Etawah, Kampur Urban, Hardoi, Raebarelly, Sitapur, Unnao, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Barabanki, Faizabad, Sultanpur,Bahraich, Moradabad, Agra, Mathura, Bareilly, Basti, Mahoba,Muzzafar nagar, Ghaziabad, Saharanpur, Jhansi and Varanasi,Meerut, G.B. Nagar, Aligarh, Hathras, Firozabad, Jalaun,Hamirpur, Chitrakoot, Allahabad, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, Deoria,Gorakhpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Amethi,Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahajahanpur, and Badaun
West Bengal South 24 Parganas, West Midnapur, Bankur, Nadia, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, North 24 Parganas and Burdwan, Darjeeling (SMP and GTA), Purba Medinipur, and Hooghly

List of Government Mental Health Institutions across the country

State Name District Name
Andhra Pradesh Government Hospital for Mental Care, Chinnawaltair,Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh PIN Code: 500023
Assam Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Institute of Mental Health, P.O.Tezpur, Dist. Sonitpur, Assam, PIN Code: 784001
Bihar Institute of Mental Health, Koelwar, Bhojpur, Bihar
Delhi Institute of Human Behaviour &Allied Sciences, G.T. Road, P.O. Box 9520, Jhilmil, Delhi, PIN Code: 110095
Goa Institute of Psychiatry &Human Behaviour, Altinho, Panaji, Goa. PIN Code: 403001
Gujarat Hospital for Mental Health, Bhuj, Gujarat. PIN Code: 370001
Hospital for Mental Health, Vikasgruh Road, Jamnagar, Gujarat, PIN Code: 361008
Hospital forMental Health, Behind Kapadia High School, Outside Delhi Gate, Shahibaug Road, Ahmedabad 380 004. Gujarat Pin Code: 380004
Hospital for Mental Health, Karelibag, Baroda, Gujarat PIN Code: 390018
Himachal Pradesh Himachal Hospital of Mental Health &Rehabilitation Boileauganj, Shimla, HP, PIN Code: 171004
Jammu & Kashmir Govt. Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases, Rainawari,Khatidarwaze, Srinagar, J&K, PIN Code: 190003
Psychiatric Diseases Hospital GMC, B.C. Road, Amphalla, J&K, PIN Code: 180001
Jharkhand Central Institute of Psychiatry, Kanke P.O. Ranchi, Jharkhand, PIN Code: 834006
Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Allied Science(RINPAS), Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, PIN Code: 834006
Karnataka Karnataka Institute of Mental Health, Belgaum Road, Dharwad, Karnataka, PIN Code: 580008
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences(NIMHANS), P.O. Box No 2900, Bangalore, Karnataka, PIN Code:560029
Kerala Mental Health Centre, Oolampara, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, PIN Code: 695005
Govt. Mental Health Centre, Kuthiravattom P.O. Kozhikode,Kerala, PIN Code: 673016
Govt. Mental Health Centre, Poothole P.O., Thrissur, Kerala, PIN Code: 680004
Madhya Pradesh Gwalior Manasik Arogyasala, Central Jail Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, PIN Code: 474012
Mental Hospital, Banganga Sawer Road, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, PIN Code: 452002
Maharashtra Regional Mental Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, PIN Code: 440029
Regional Mental Hospital, Yeravda, Pune, Maharashtra, PIN Code: 411006
Regional Mental Hospital, Wagle Estate, Thane West,Maharashtra, PIN Code: 400604
Regional Mental Hospital, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, PIN Code: 415612
Meghalaya Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health &Neurosciences, Shillong, Meghalaya, PIN Code: 793001
Nagaland Mental Hospital, Kohima, Nagaland, PIN Code: 797001
Orissa Mental Health Institute, S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, Orissa, PIN Code: 753007
Punjab Dr. Vidyasagar Punjab Mental Hospital. Circular Road, Amritsar, PIN Code: 143001
Rajasthan Mental Hospital (Psychiatric Centre), Janta Colony, Jaipur, Rajasthan, PIN Code: 302004
Mental Hospital, (Psychiatric Centre), Shastri Nagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, PIN Code: 342001
Tripura Modern Psychiatric Hospital, Narsingarh, Agartala, West Tripura, PIN Code: 799009
Tamil Nadu Institute of Mental Health, Medavakkam Tank Road, Kilpauk,Chennai, Tamil Nadu, PIN Code: 600010
Telangana Institute of Mental Health, Govt. Hospital for Mental Care, S.R.Nagar, Hyderabad, Telengana, PIN code: 500038
Uttarakhand State Mental Health Institute, Selaqui, Dehradun, PIN Code:248001
Uttar Pradesh Institute of Mental Health & Hospital, Billochpura, Mathura Road, Agra, UP, PIN Code: 282002
Mental Hospital Bareilly, Civil Lines, Bareilly, UP, PIN Code: 243005
Mental Hospital, S2/1 Pandeypur, Varanasi, UP, PIN Code:221002
West Bengal Lumbini Park Mental Hospital, 115, G.S. Bose Road, Calcutta, West Bengal, PIN Code: 700010
Institute for Mental Care, Purulia P.O., Purulia, West Bengal, PIN Code: 723103
Mental Hospital Berhampur, Berhampur P.O., Murshidabad,West Bengal, PIN Code: 742101
Mental Hospital Berhampur, Berhampur P.O., Murshidabad,West Bengal, PIN Code: 742101
Calcutta Pavlov Hospital, 18, Gobra Road, Calcutta, West Bengal, PIN Code: 700046

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