‘Tele-MANAS’ helpline offers lifeline for mental health in Andhra Pradesh

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh’s mental health outreach initiative, Tele-MANAS, is emerging as a critical support system for individuals grappling with stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, with officials reporting a steady rise in calls, particularly from women.

The 24x7 toll-free helpline (14416), operated under the Tele-MANAS programme, is providing round-the-clock counselling services through dedicated centres in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. The initiative, jointly supported by the Centre and the state, is aimed at delivering accessible mental health care through tele-counselling.

Reviewing the functioning of these centres, Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar directed officials to treat every incoming call with seriousness and sensitivity. He noted that nearly 3,000 individuals are receiving counselling and guidance every month, with many callers reportedly overcoming suicidal tendencies and emotional distress through timely intervention.

Officials revealed that the helpline has received a total of 67,573 calls since its launch, beginning October 2022 in Vijayawada and expanding to Visakhapatnam in 2023. Of these, about 31,000 calls were recorded between October 2022 and June 2024, while the remaining calls were logged between July 2024 and April 2026, indicating a surge in outreach and awareness.

Following the recruitment of 40 additional counsellors and technical staff in October 2025, the system has been further strengthened. Monthly call volumes have steadily increased, from 1,432 in October 2025 to over 3,000 in April 2026. Notably, women account for 52% of callers, reflecting growing openness in seeking mental health support.

The counselling services, supervised by qualified psychiatrists, include both voice and video consultations, depending on the caller’s needs and consent. Sessions typically last between 10 to 20 minutes, with some individuals engaging in repeated counselling interactions for sustained support.

Data analysis shows that 19.87% of callers report depression and emotional distress, 19.20% cite job or exam-related anxiety, 15.57% struggle with insomnia, while others report fears, substance dependence, and related issues.

The helpline ensures complete confidentiality, with caller identities and phone numbers remaining undisclosed to counsellors. Calls are automatically routed to available centres within the state, allowing users to communicate in their native language.

The programme is part of a larger national framework led by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which serves as the apex body for Tele-MANAS centres in southern India. Nationwide, 53 such centres are operational, addressing the needs of millions affected by mental health conditions.

With estimates suggesting that nearly 10% of India’s population experiences mental health disorders, officials emphasised the importance of early intervention. The minister urged citizens to utilise the helpline for professional guidance, noting that individuals requiring further care are also referred to medical specialists when necessary.