Uttar Pradesh is stepping up its mental health initiatives with the launch of new counseling centers across the state, aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis. Backed by government funding and partnerships with NGOs, these centers offer free and affordable therapy, targeting rural and urban populations. The move aligns with India’s National Mental Health Programme to reduce stigma and improve access to care.
Uttar Pradesh Expands Mental Health Infrastructure with Counseling Centers
Government-Backed Initiative: Uttar Pradesh has rolled out a network of counseling centers under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), launched in 1982 and scaled up through the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). As of February 2025, the DMHP operates in 716 districts nationwide, with UP prioritizing community-based mental health services. These centers provide outpatient counseling, psycho-social interventions, and suicide prevention programs, focusing on accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Tele MANAS Integration: The state has integrated its counseling efforts with the Tele MANAS helpline, which has handled over 1.81 million calls since its launch in 2022. UP hosts several of the 53 Tele MANAS Cells, offering 24/7 tele-counseling by trained professionals and referrals to psychiatrists for severe cases. The Tele MANAS app, launched in October 2024, provides self-care tools and stress management resources, enhancing rural outreach.
Focus on Rural Accessibility: With over 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (upgraded Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres) now offering mental health services, UP is bridging the urban-rural divide. These centers provide basic counseling and psychiatric medication, with general physicians trained to handle mild-to-moderate conditions. Linkages to district hospitals ensure advanced care for complex cases, making mental health support community-centric.
NGO and Private Sector Collaboration: Partnerships with NGOs like Sangath and Banyan are strengthening UP’s mental health ecosystem. Sangath trains lay counselors to deliver collaborative stepped-care interventions, while Banyan’s community-based models, such as ‘Home Again’ for long-term care, are being adapted in UP to support individuals with severe mental disorders. These efforts aim to reduce the treatment gap, estimated at over 85% for common mental disorders.
Addressing Stigma and Awareness: The counseling centers are part of a broader strategy to combat stigma, a major barrier to mental health care in India. Public awareness campaigns, supported by digital platforms and community outreach, are promoting positive attitudes toward mental health. The iGOT-Diksha platform is training healthcare workers and volunteers to enhance early intervention and community support, particularly in rural areas.
Infrastructure and Expertise: The centers are staffed by qualified professionals, including RCI-registered clinical psychologists and psychiatrists trained at premier institutions like NIMHANS. UP’s investment in 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities at the district level ensures holistic care, combining therapy, medication, and psychosocial support. These facilities are equipped to handle conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Policy Support and Funding: The state’s efforts are backed by a Rs. 159.75 crore allocation for 2022-23 under the National Health Mission for DMHP. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, further strengthens protections for individuals with mental illnesses, ensuring rights-based care. UP’s alignment with the National Health Policy 2017 emphasizes integrating mental health into primary healthcare.
Impact and Challenges: With 197.3 million Indians affected by mental disorders, UP’s counseling centers are a critical step toward closing the treatment gap. However, challenges like overburdened primary health centers, limited staff, and lack of psychotropic medications persist. Cultural reluctance to seek psychiatric care, with many preferring faith healers, underscores the need for sustained awareness efforts.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and publicly available data from government and NGO sources. Information is accurate as of August 2025 and subject to change. Readers are advised to verify details with official health authorities for the latest updates.