Where to find support

Talk to someone now

Free, and open any time.

• Tele-MANAS

  The Government of India's mental health helpline: trained counsellors, in many Indian languages.

  Call 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. Call 14416

• Childline

  Help and protection for children and young people under 18.

  Call 1098. Call 1098

• Emergency

  Police, ambulance and fire, if anyone is in danger right now.

  Call 112. Call 112

Specific worries

Free national helplines.

• Drug de-addiction helpline

  Confidential advice about alcohol, drugs, vaping or someone else's use.

  Call 14446. Call 14446

• Cyber crime and online bullying

  Report online harassment, blackmail, scams or images shared without consent.

  Call 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in. Call 1930Website (opens in a new tab)

• Women's helpline

  Support for girls and women facing violence or harassment.

  Call 181. Call 181

Public health services

Free or low-cost care near you.

• District hospital mental health services

  The District Mental Health Programme runs psychiatry and counselling at district hospitals.

  Ask at your district hospital's outpatient department.

• District Early Intervention Centres (DEIC)

  Free checks for children and teenagers with developmental, learning or attention concerns, under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram.

  Ask at your district hospital or your child's school health programme.

• Government medical colleges

  Psychiatry departments, often with child and adolescent clinics.

  Visit the psychiatry outpatient department, or ask your family doctor for a referral.

• NIMHANS, Bengaluru

  The national institute for mental health and neurosciences, including child and adolescent psychiatry.

  See nimhans.ac.in for outpatient details.Website (opens in a new tab)

At school or college

Often the quickest place to start.

• School counsellor

  Many schools have a counsellor or a wellness teacher for students to talk to in confidence.

  Ask your class teacher or the school office.

• Your family doctor or paediatrician

  A good first stop for sleep, energy, attention or mood worries, and for a referral.

  Book an ordinary appointment. The preparation sheet below helps.

Checking a professional

• Clinical psychologists and rehabilitation professionals

  Registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Ask for their registration number and check it on the RCI website.

• Psychiatrists and other doctors

  Registered with the National Medical Commission or a state medical council. Check the Indian Medical Register.

• Counsellors and coaches

  Ask about their training and supervision. A coach can help with skills but isn't a substitute for clinical care.