Mental Health Helplines in India – 24/7 Free Support & Crisis Lines
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you don't have to go through it alone. India has a growing network of free, confidential helplines offering immediate support – whether you need emotional counselling, crisis intervention, or suicide prevention. This page compiles the most trusted and accessible helplines across India, including 24/7 national services and state-specific resources.
national and state-level mental health helplines are available across India – many of them free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals. Yet, awareness remains low. This page is here to change that.
National Mental Health Helplines
These helplines are available across India – most are free and operate 24/7.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline
🚨 24/7 Crisis 🇮🇳 National24/7, free, confidential – India's dedicated suicide prevention helpline. Trained counsellors provide immediate crisis support.
- Available across India
- Free of charge
- Confidential and anonymous
- For anyone in emotional distress
Tele-MANAS (Govt. of India)
🚨 24/7 Crisis 🇮🇳 FreeThe Government of India's flagship mental health helpline – free, multilingual, and available 24/7 across the country.
- Languages: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, and more
- Immediate counselling and crisis intervention
- Referral to psychiatrists if needed
- Also available via app (Tele-MANAS App)
iCall (TISS)
🇮🇳 FreeRun by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), iCall offers professional counselling for emotional and mental health concerns.
- Timings: Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 8 PM
- Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and other Indian languages
- Email and chat support also available (visit their website)
- Highly trained counsellors
Vandrevala Foundation
🚨 24/7 Crisis 🇮🇳 FreeA well-established mental health helpline offering 24/7 crisis intervention and emotional support in multiple languages.
- Available 24/7, 365 days
- Confidential and non-judgmental
- Trained counsellors
- Also provides support via WhatsApp and email
1 Life – Suicide Prevention
🚨 24/7 Crisis 🇮🇳 FreeA dedicated suicide prevention helpline that provides immediate, compassionate support to those in crisis.
- 24/7, free, confidential
- Specially trained in suicide prevention
- Available across India
Voice That Cares (VTC)
🇮🇳 FreeProvides psychological first aid and emotional support for a wide range of mental health concerns – available across India.
- Free and confidential
- Offers counselling and crisis intervention
- Available in multiple languages
- Check their website for the latest contact number
State-Specific Mental Health Helplines
Many states in India have their own helplines – often supported by the state government or local NGOs.
| State/UT | Helpline Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 📞 1800-425-8866 | State mental health helpline (KGH, Visakhapatnam) |
| Karnataka | 📞 1800-425-3395 | Karnataka State Mental Health Helpline |
| Kerala | 📞 104 | Kerala Health Helpline – also provides mental health support |
| Tamil Nadu | 📞 104 | Tamil Nadu Health Helpline – includes mental health counselling |
| Maharashtra | 📞 1800-102-3505 | State-level mental health helpline |
| Delhi | 📞 011-23389090 | Delhi Government's mental health helpline (DAMAN) |
| West Bengal | 📞 1800-345-0534 | West Bengal Mental Health Helpline |
| Madhya Pradesh | 📞 1800-233-3743 | MP Mental Health Helpline |
| Uttar Pradesh | 📞 1800-180-5544 | UP State Mental Health Helpline |
| Telangana | 📞 1800-425-8866 | Telangana Mental Health Helpline |
| Rajasthan | 📞 1800-200-0411 | Rajasthan Mental Health Helpline |
Note: Please check the latest availability and timings for state helplines, as they may change.
What to Expect When You Call a Helpline
- Confidentiality: You don't need to share your name or personal details – you can remain anonymous.
- Non-judgmental listening: The counsellor is there to listen and support you, not to judge or give unsolicited advice.
- Immediate crisis support: If you're in crisis, they will help you de-escalate and create a safety plan.
- Referrals: If needed, they can refer you to local mental health professionals or services.
- Language: Most helplines offer support in English, Hindi, and regional languages – inform them of your preference.
- Cost: All the helplines listed here are free – you won't be charged.
Who Should Use These Helplines?
- Anyone in emotional distress – feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, lonely, or hopeless
- Anyone having suicidal thoughts – immediate help is available
- Caregivers and family members – concerned about a loved one's mental health
- People unsure about seeking professional help – helplines can be a safe first step
- Anyone needing information about mental health services – helplines can guide you to appropriate resources
Call a Helpline Immediately If:
- You or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts – call 988 or 14416 right now.
- You're in a state of crisis – feeling unable to cope, desperate, or in danger of harming yourself.
- You've experienced trauma – sexual assault, violence, or a life-threatening event.
- You're feeling completely isolated and don't know where to turn.
- You're concerned about a loved one who is in distress – you can call for advice on how to support them.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Call
- Find a quiet place where you can speak freely.
- Have a glass of water nearby – it can help if you feel anxious.
- Speak at your own pace – there's no rush.
- Be honest – the more you share, the better they can help.
- Don't worry about being judged – helplines are designed to be safe spaces.
- If you're calling for someone else, provide as much information as you can.
- Stay on the line – the counsellor will guide you through the conversation.
- Write down any referrals or suggestions – you can ask for the information to be repeated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mental health helplines really confidential?
Yes – reputable helplines (988, Tele-MANAS, iCall, Vandrevala) are strictly confidential. You don't need to provide your name or personal details. Your identity is protected.
Can I call if I'm not in immediate crisis but just need to talk?
Yes – helplines are for anyone in emotional distress, not just crisis situations. If you're feeling lonely, anxious, or overwhelmed, you're welcome to call.
What if I don't speak Hindi or English?
Many helplines – especially Tele-MANAS and iCall – offer support in several regional languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, and more. When you call, you can request a counsellor who speaks your preferred language.
Can I call for a friend or family member?
Yes – you can call a helpline for advice on how to support someone else. They can guide you on how to approach the situation and what resources are available.
What if I'm not comfortable speaking on the phone?
Some helplines offer email, chat, or WhatsApp support. For example, iCall has an email option, and Vandrevala offers support via WhatsApp. Check their websites for details.
Are helplines available 24/7?
988, Tele-MANAS (14416), Vandrevala, and 1 Life are available 24/7. Others like iCall have specific timings (10 AM – 8 PM, Mon-Sat). Always check the details before calling.
📞 Save These Numbers – They Can Save a Life
Mental health crises don't happen at convenient times – and they don't announce themselves. By saving these helpline numbers in your phone today, you could be the lifeline someone needs tomorrow. Share this page with your friends, family, and colleagues – you never know who might be silently struggling.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.
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Medically reviewed disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 988 or 14416 immediately. In case of emergency, dial 112 or go to your nearest hospital.