Mental health in India is a hushed topic buried under silence and stigma. Despite growing awareness, mental health issues are still often perceived as personal failings rather than legitimate health concerns. This cultural attitude leads to widespread misunderstanding, where even common conditions like anxiety and depression are misinterpreted or ignored.
Unlike physical illnesses, where people readily seek medical help, mental health issues are frequently hidden due to fear of judgment and discrimination. As a result, millions suffer in silence.
That’s why Helplocal – trusted for local nonprofits in India – decided to share an extensive blog elucidating 10 non-profit organizations and NGOs working for mental health awareness in India. This is important because The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015–16, conducted by NIMHANS, revealed that:
• 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
• The lifetime prevalence of mental illness is 13.7%.
• An estimated 15% of the adult population requires active mental health interventions.
Leading Mental Health Awareness Organizations
Ready to discover mental health organizations and nonprofits active in the field of mental health awareness? Let’s get started:
1. MINDS Foundation
Founded in 2011, the MINDS Foundation aims to eliminate the stigma around mental illness through education, training, and access to cost-effective, high-quality care. They collaborate with local stakeholders—teachers, village and community leaders, local governments, and clinicians—to deliver mental health programs. By integrating arts, media, and storytelling, they aim to increase conversations around mental health.
Website: www.mindsfoundation.org
Contact: amehrotra@mindsfoundation.org, +91-903-383-7227
2. Mindroot Foundation
Established in 2016 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Mindroot Foundation aims to empower individuals through education and access to resources to overcome mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Its initiatives focus on raising awareness, providing counselling and treatment, and fostering a stigma-free environment. The organization works to bridge treatment gaps by improving mental health infrastructure, professional training, and accessibility.
Website: www.mindroot.org
Contact: info@mindroot.org, +91-9352572799
3. White Swan Foundation
White Swan Foundation for Mental Health is a Delhi-based NGO that offers knowledge-led solutions in the area of mental health. Their team collaborates with mental health experts and like-minded organisations to provide well-researched, accessible information for patients, caregivers, and the general public, helping them make informed decisions about mental health issues.
Website: https://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
Contact: connect@whiteswanfoundation.org
4. The Banyan
Based in Chennai, the NGO is committed to empowering individuals with psychosocial disabilities and advancing their full inclusion in society. They work to provide mental health care to those living in poverty and homelessness via culturally resonant clinical and social care pathways. The services include hospital-based care, community housing in rural and urban areas, and clinic-based mental health interventions.
Website: thebanyan.org
Contact: contact@thebanyan.org, +91-9677121099
5. Lone Pack
Lone Pack strives to shatter the stigma that surrounds mental health issues by fostering open dialogue about mental health in a safe and inclusive environment. It runs programs like LonePack Buddy, an anonymous mail-based support program, and LonePack Letters campaigns to spread awareness and support for mental health.
Website: lonepack.org
Contact: contact@lonepack.org
6. AASRA
Located in Mumbai, AASRA is a unit of global NGO Befrienders Worldwide/Samaritans. It aims to provide voluntary, professional, and essentially confidential care and support to the depressed and suicidal. AASRA’s objective is to alleviate human misery through active listening—offering non-judgmental, non-critical care to anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, or despair.
Website: www.aasra.info
Contact: aasrahelpline@yahoo.com, 022-27546667
7. Samaritans Mumbai
Samaritans Mumbai was the first branch of the Samaritans (UK) to be established outside of England. It offers an emotional support helpline for individuals experiencing stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts. The organization is known for working closely with sister organizations in India and globally to support mental health and provide a listening ear to those in need.
Website: www.samaritansmumbai.com
Contact: samaritans.helpline@gmail.com, +91-8422984528/29/30
8. Manas Foundation
It is a Delhi-based organisation working on the issues of mental health and gender justice. Their work entails embedding mental health services within private and public institutions, making care accessible and affordable for the most vulnerable.
Website: manasfoundation.org.in
Contact: info@manasfoundation.org.in, +91-11-41708517 / +91-8209688277
9. Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF)
SPIF is one of India’s first organizations dedicated to prevent suicide. In collaboration with the QPR institute, it offers gatekeeping training that equips individuals with the skills to recognize signs of suicide and provide immediate support. SPIF aims to create a community base for organizations and individuals involved or interested in awareness creation, self care, research, advocacy, training and suicide prevention.
Website: https://spif.in/
Contact: Tele Manas 14416
10. Vandrevala Foundation
Established in 2009, the organisation provides free, 24/7 mental health support and psychological counseling through its helpline. They offer support for individuals experiencing distress related to depression, trauma, relationship conflict, and more. The
foundation also runs a Skill Academy to train employees and volunteers in crisis intervention.
Website: www.vandrevalafoundation.com
Contact: help@vandrevalafoundation.com, +91-9999-666-555
NGOs for Mental Health Awareness: Endnotes
India’s mental health scenario is slowly evolving, but there still remain areas that need improvement. While awareness is growing, significant structural and societal reforms are still needed to close the treatment gap, reduce stigma, and ensure access to quality mental health care. The above listed organisations are playing a vital role in this movement. Through their advocacy, clinical care, helplines and community engagement, these groups are working in the direction of recognising mental health as a public health priority, rather than a private burden.
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