Special: Yogi govt’s Tele-Manas emerges as a lifeline for mental health support in Uttar Pradesh
Recognizing its impact, the Central Government has awarded Uttar Pradesh’s Tele-Manas service under the large states category....
- Counseling service reaching remote areas with the help of 64 trained professionals across the state
- Launched in October 2022, the service has benefitted over 3.45 lakh people so far
- On average, 525 individuals are receiving free and confidential mental health support daily
Lucknow: Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visionary leadership, Uttar Pradesh is undergoing a healthcare transformation—from Ayushman Bharat health IDs to expanded telemedicine in rural areas. The state’s Tele-Manas mental health helpline further strengthens this progress, providing accessible and reliable psychological support to people across the state.
Recognizing the rising need for mental wellness, the Yogi government launched the Tele-Manas helpline in October 2022, extending mental health services to both urban and rural areas. Since then, over 3.45 lakh people have benefited from the initiative.
National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director Dr. Pinky Jowel highlighted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s deep concern for mental health, describing it as one of the most pressing issues of our time. “He believes timely counseling and support are crucial to addressing mental health challenges. It was with this vision that the Tele-Manas service was launched,” she said, adding that efforts are now being intensified to extend the service to remote areas.
A standout feature of Tele-Manas is its round-the-clock availability, offering free and confidential counseling from trained mental health professionals. Currently, 64 trained counselors are active across the state, collectively responding to an average of 525 callers daily.
Four Tele-Manas centers are operational in Uttar Pradesh—at the Department of Psychiatry, BRD Medical College (Gorakhpur), Mental Health Institute and Hospital (Agra), Mental Hospital (Bareilly), and Mental Hospital (Varanasi). Through these centers, callers receive primary consultation, guidance, and referrals to further medical support when required.
The Central Government has recognized Uttar Pradesh’s Tele-Manas service as one of the best in the country, awarding it third place among large states. This recognition is a testament to the Yogi government's commitment to prioritizing mental health, its effective handling of service delivery, and its ability to reach the maximum number of beneficiaries through a responsive and efficient system.
Mission Director Dr. Pinky Jowel shared that in the financial year 2024–25 alone, Tele-Manas counselors have handled 2,13,779 calls, taking the total number of calls since the inception of the service to 3,45,783. On average, around 525 individuals are benefitting from the service each day.
To ensure easy access, the Yogi government has launched two helpline numbers — 14416 and 1800-891-4416 (toll-free) — through which anyone in need of mental health support can connect with expert counselors. The entire consultation process is confidential, providing a safe and supportive environment for callers to express their concerns freely.
The Tele-Manas mental health counseling service has not only helped raise awareness about mental well-being but has also emerged as a lifeline by offering free and high-quality consultations to those struggling with mental health challenges.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is actively considering expanding this initiative to reach even more people, ensuring that mental wellness becomes a priority for every citizen in the state and guiding millions toward a healthier, more positive life.
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