Every day, thousands of people in India silently struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression - without knowing where to seek help. Many hesitate to talk, and some never get support at all. The Government of India started Tele MANAS to fix exactly this problem - a free helpline you can call any time, from anywhere in the country, and talk to a real counsellor.
If you or someone you know is going through emotional stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern, this service is for you. You don't need money. You don't need a referral. You just need to pick up your phone and dial 14416.
What is Tele MANAS Helpline in India?
Tele MANAS stands for Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States. It is India's National Tele Mental Health Programme, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The Government announced this programme in the Union Budget 2022-23 and officially launched it on 10 October 2022 - World Mental Health Day. It works as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), which has been running across India since 1996.
In simple words, Tele MANAS brings mental health support directly to your phone - free of cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 20+ languages.
Why Did India Need Tele MANAS?
India has a serious mental health crisis that most people don't talk about openly. Here are the hard facts:
- Over 11 crore people in India suffer from mental health disorders.
- Almost 80% of them never seek help - due to stigma, lack of awareness, or no access to services.
- As per the National Carime Records Bureau, more than 1 lakh people die by suicide in India every year.
- For every one person who dies by suicide, 20 others attempt it - and most of these attempts can be prevented.
- The Covid-19 pandemic made things worse, leading to a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and psychological distress across all age groups.
- Access to mental healthcare is a basic human right. No person suffering from mental illness should face discrimination or be left without support.
- Most mental health problems do not need a specialist. Trained counsellors and general healthcare providers can handle the majority of cases effectively.
Tele MANAS was created to bridge this massive gap between the need for mental health care and the availability of it.
What are the Objectives of Tele MANAS?
The programme has four main goals:
- To build the capacity of India's health system to deliver accessible and timely mental healthcare through a tele-mental health network.
- To ensure that mental health services continue without interruption in communities, including through tele-counselling.
- To make sure people with serious mental health conditions get referred quickly to specialist care and receive proper follow-up.
- To strengthen mental health care and networking at every level - from Health and Wellness Centres at the grassroots level all the way up to apex national institutions.
How Tele MANAS Helpline Works (Step-by-Step)
When you call 14416, here is what happens step by step:
- You hear an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that asks you to select your preferred language.
- Your call gets routed to the Tele MANAS Cell in your state or union territory.
- A trained counsellor picks up, listens to you with empathy, and understands your situation.
- The counsellor provides immediate support, basic counselling, and tailored guidance.
- If you need more help, the counsellor connects you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
- If the situation is serious and needs in-person care, the team refers you to the nearest facility for treatment.
The entire process is confidential, free, and available round the clock.
What Services Does Tele MANAS Offer?
Tele MANAS provides three core services:
- Tele Counselling - Trained counsellors talk to you directly and help you work through emotional and psychological challenges.
- Tele Consultation - When needed, a qualified mental health professional — like a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist - steps in to provide expert consultation.
- Referral Services - If your condition needs in-person attention, Tele MANAS refers you to the right place - including Medical Colleges, District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) services, and speciality mental health institutes.
In addition to phone calls, the service now also offers video consultations with e-prescriptions, making it easier to receive face-to-face help and medication from the comfort of your home.
Who Can Call Tele MANAS?
Tele MANAS is open to everyone. The following people can reach out:
- Any individual dealing with mental health issues - stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, exam pressure, relationship issues, addiction, financial stress, or any other concern.
- Family members of a person with mental health issues - you can call on behalf of your loved one to seek guidance on how to help them.
- ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and community health volunteers - they can call on behalf of someone in their community who needs mental health support but cannot reach out themselves.
You do not need any documents, ID proof, or referral letters to call. Anyone can call, anytime.
Who Provides the Services at Tele MANAS?
Tele MANAS runs on a two-tier system, with support from trained healthcare professionals at every level.
Tier 1 - State Tele MANAS Cells
The first point of contact is the State Tele MANAS Cell in your state or union territory. This cell has:
- Trained counsellors who handle the majority of calls.
- Mental health professionals including psychologists and psychiatrists for more complex cases.
Tier 2 - Specialist and In-Person Care
If your case needs deeper attention, you get connected to Tier 2, which includes:
- Mental health professionals at public health facilities under DMHP.
- Mentoring institutes such as NIMHANS, AIIMS, and other leading institutions.
- In-person consultations at district hospitals and medical colleges.
Collaborative Care Providers
Alongside the two tiers, Tele MANAS also involves:
- MBBS primary care doctors (PCDs) - general doctors who provide collaborative care
- AYUSH healthcare providers - Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy practitioners
- Nurses trained in mental health support
Is Your Information Kept Private?
Yes. Everything you share with Tele MANAS is completely confidential.
The counsellor or mental health professional will not share your personal information with anyone - not your family, not your employer, no one.
There is only one exception: if the counsellor believes that you are at immediate risk of ending your life, or that you may cause serious harm to someone else, they may involve family members or others who can help reduce that risk. This is done only to protect your life and the lives of others.
Is the Call Recorded?
No. Tele MANAS does not record audio of your call. Your conversation is not stored as a voice recording. The counsellor only documents basic details in the computer system for record-keeping purposes. Your privacy is fully protected.
What Happens in a Mental Health Emergency?
If you are facing a psychiatric emergency - such as a suicide crisis or a situation involving aggression or violence - Tele MANAS handles it with care.
- The counsellor or mental health professional immediately assesses the situation.
- They advise you or your family member about the nearest hospital or emergency psychiatric facility where the person can receive proper treatment.
- In serious cases, the team guides you on the fastest and safest way to get in-person care.
Is Video Consultation Available?
Yes. Tele MANAS now offers video consultations with e-prescriptions. This means you can have a face-to-face session with a mental health professional from wherever you are, and if medication is needed, you receive a proper digital prescription - without having to physically visit a clinic or hospital.
How Many States Have Tele MANAS?
As of February 2026, 53 Tele MANAS Cells are up and running across 36 States and Union Territories. The service has handled more than 32.84 lakh calls since its launch. Every day, around 4,000 people call the helpline for support.
In Which Languages is Tele MANAS Available?
Tele MANAS is available in 20+ languages. The Tele MANAS app now supports 12 languages including:
| Language | Available On |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Helpline + App |
| English | |
| Bengali | |
| Gujarati | |
| Kannada | |
| Malayalam | |
| Marathi | |
| Tamil | |
| Telugu | |
| Odia | |
| Punjabi | |
| Assamese |
In addition to these, the helpline supports several more regional languages based on the preference of each state.
The Tele MANAS App - What Can You Do With It?
The Tele MANAS mobile app was launched on 10 October 2024 (World Mental Health Day). It is a comprehensive digital platform for mental health support. Here is what the app offers:
- Self-care content - Articles, videos, and exercises to improve your mental wellbeing
- Wellness practice modules - Guided exercises like breathing techniques and mindfulness
- Chatbot 'Asmi' - An AI-powered chatbot that answers your questions about mental health and helps you navigate the app
- Emergency Module - Step-by-step guidance and support during a mental health emergency
- Accessibility features - Specially designed for visually impaired users, including a toll-free phone interface that does not require screen use
- Multi-lingual interface - Available in 12 languages so you can use it in your own language
You can download the Tele MANAS app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching for "Tele MANAS".
Tele MANAS for the Armed Forces
The Government of India recognised that soldiers and military personnel face unique mental health pressures that others may not fully understand. A dedicated Tele MANAS Cell has been set up at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defence.
All armed forces personnel and their family members can access this dedicated cell for 24/7 mental health support tailored to their specific needs.
What Does WHO Say About Tele MANAS?
The World Health Organization (WHO) assessed the impact of Tele MANAS and published a Rapid Assessment Report in 2024. WHO described Tele MANAS as an innovative and effective model for delivering mental health care at scale. The WHO Representative to India congratulated the Ministry of Health and noted that the programme has strong potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes across the country.
Quick Reference - Tele MANAS at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) |
| Common Name | Tele MANAS |
| Full Form | Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States |
| Launch Date | 10 October 2022 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India |
| Toll-Free Number | 14416 |
| Alternate Number | 1800-891-4416 |
| Availability | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Languages | 20+ languages |
| Cost | Completely Free |
| Tele MANAS Cells | 53 cells across 36 States/UTs (as of Feb 2026) |
| Total Calls Handled | 32.84 lakh+ since launch |
| Daily Calls | Around 4,000 per day |
| App Launch | 10 October 2024 |
| Nodal Institute | NIMHANS, Bengaluru |
| Official Website | telemanas.mohfw.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tele MANAS
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What does Tele MANAS mean?
Tele MANAS stands for Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States. It is India's national free mental health helpline run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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What is the Tele MANAS helpline number?
The Tele MANAS toll-free helpline number is 14416. You can also call 1800-891-4416. Both numbers are free of charge and available 24/7.
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Is Tele MANAS completely free?
Yes. Tele MANAS is 100% free. There is no charge for calling, no registration fee, and no cost for consultations. The service is funded by the Government of India.
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Can I call Tele MANAS for someone else?
Yes. Family members and community health workers like ASHAs can call Tele MANAS on behalf of a person who needs help but cannot reach out themselves.
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Will anyone find out that I called?
No. All information you share is strictly confidential. The counsellor will not share your details with anyone. Your call is also not audio-recorded.
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What if I am in a crisis right now?
Call 14416 immediately. The counsellor will assess your situation and guide you to the nearest emergency facility if needed. Do not wait - help is available right now.
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In which language can I speak to the counsellor?
Tele MANAS is available in 20+ languages. When you call, the IVR system lets you select your preferred language, and you get connected to a counsellor who speaks that language.
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What kind of problems can I call about?
You can call for any mental health concern - stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, exam pressure, relationship trouble, addiction, suicidal thoughts, family problems, financial stress, memory issues, and more.
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Is Tele MANAS available in my state?
Tele MANAS is available across all states and union territories. As of February 2026, 53 Tele MANAS Cells operate across 36 States and UTs. Even if your state does not have its own cell yet, your call through 14416 will be handled by the nearest available cell.
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Can I get medicines through Tele MANAS?
Yes. Through video consultation, a Tele MANAS psychiatrist can issue an e-prescription for medicines if required. You do not need to visit a clinic for this.
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Who runs Tele MANAS?
Tele MANAS is run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), Bengaluru is the nodal institution that oversees training and quality of the programme.
Final Word
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are going through a tough time, you do not have to face it alone. Tele MANAS is here - free, confidential, and available in your language, any time of the day or night.
Pick up the phone and call 14416. That one call can make a real difference.
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