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Support Directory

Mental Health Resources

A curated, verified directory of crisis helplines, government programmes, and support organisations — for anyone in Jammu, Kashmir, or across India who needs help, or is trying to help someone they love.

✍️ Written by: Dr. Varun Gupta, MBBS, MD Psychiatry Reviewed by: Dr. Varun Gupta, MBBS, MD Psychiatry 🗓️ Last updated: 9 July 2026
If You Are In Crisis

Please reach out right now — you don't have to be certain, just willing to talk

National Emergency

Immediate danger to life

Tele-MANAS (Govt. of India)

24/7 · Free · English + 20 regional languages

KIRAN Mental Health Helpline

24/7 · Free · Govt. of India

Source: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Tele-MANAS

National Support Organisations

Free, confidential helplines across India

iCall — Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Mon–Sat, 8 AM – 10 PM

Vandrevala Foundation

24/7 · Phone, text & chat

AASRA

24/7 · Suicide prevention

Sneha Foundation (Chennai)

24/7
Local to Jammu & Kashmir

Regional support, closer to home

The Sara — Jammu Tawi

Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM · Chatbot: 9797600601

Kashmir Lifeline (Healing Minds Foundation)

Sun–Thu, 10 AM – 5 PM · Free, anonymous

Women's Helpline (Jammu Police)

24/7

Dr. Varun Gupta — Jammu & Katra Clinics

In-clinic & online consultations

Source: Kashmir Lifeline, Indian Psychologists Network directory

Government Programmes

National mental health infrastructure

Tele-MANAS

A Ministry of Health & Family Welfare initiative offering free, round-the-clock counselling by phone, with referral to psychiatric care — including e-prescriptions where needed — across every state and union territory.

Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

India's governing law on mental health treatment, guaranteeing confidentiality, the right to access care, protection from discrimination, and the right to make informed decisions about your own treatment.

National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

India's long-running public mental health programme, working to integrate mental healthcare into general health services at the district level, including in Jammu & Kashmir.

Ayushman Bharat

India's public health insurance scheme, which has progressively expanded to cover select mental health treatment costs — check current coverage with your nearest empanelled hospital.

Self-Help & Education

Understanding your condition, in your own time

Reading about a condition doesn't replace treatment, but understanding what you're going through can make the first step toward help feel less daunting.

WHO — Mental Disorders

Global, evidence-based overviews of common mental health conditions.

Visit WHO.int →

Our Articles

In-depth, India-specific guides on depression, anxiety, addiction, and more.

Browse the Journal →

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers on booking, confidentiality, and what treatment involves.

Read the FAQ →
Clinical Insight

Patients who read even a little about their condition before their first visit tend to arrive with more specific questions and less fear of the unknown — understanding what's happening doesn't remove the need for treatment, but it consistently makes the first conversation easier.

For Families & Caregivers

Supporting someone you love

What helps

  • Learning about the condition without judgment
  • Encouraging professional help without pressuring
  • Listening more than advising
  • Taking care of your own wellbeing too

What to avoid

  • Dismissive language ("just snap out of it")
  • Forcing disclosure before they're ready
  • Comparing their experience to others'
  • Making treatment decisions without involving them

Family counselling sessions are available at both the Jammu and Katra clinics — particularly relevant for parents of children and teenagers.

Know Your Rights

Patient rights under Indian law

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 guarantees every person in India the right to confidentiality, the right to access mental healthcare, protection from discrimination, and the right to be involved in decisions about their own treatment. You are entitled to ask questions, seek a second opinion, and decline treatment you don't understand or agree with.

Source: Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 — India Code

FAQ

Common questions about these resources

What number should I call in a mental health emergency in India?

Call Tele-MANAS at 14416 (or 1-800-891-4416) — a free, 24/7, government-run helpline in English and 20 regional languages. For immediate danger to life, call 112.

Is there a helpline specifically for Jammu?

Yes — The Sara, based in Jammu Tawi, at +91-9697-606060, daily 10 AM–5 PM. Kashmir Lifeline (Srinagar) also serves the wider J&K region at 1800-180-7020, Sunday to Thursday.

Are these helplines free and confidential?

Yes. All listed helplines are free to call and confidential — none require your real name, and none share your information without consent except where there is immediate risk to life.

What legal protections do mental health patients have in India?

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 guarantees confidentiality, the right to access care, protection from discrimination, and the right to make informed decisions about your own treatment.

Are these resources a substitute for seeing a psychiatrist?

No. Helplines and self-help resources offer valuable support, but they don't replace a proper clinical assessment and ongoing treatment if symptoms persist.

How can I support a family member with a mental health condition?

Educate yourself, avoid dismissive language, encourage help without pressuring, and consider a family counselling session — available at both our Jammu and Katra clinics.

Explore More

Related pages

Need more than a helpline can offer?

Ongoing support is available — confidential, evidence-based, and never rushed. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll confirm your appointment within a few hours.

⚠ Medical & Directory Disclaimer: This page is for general educational and referral purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Helpline details are compiled from publicly available sources and were verified as of the "Last updated" date above, but hours and numbers can change without notice — please verify directly with the organisation if a number doesn't connect. Dr. Varun Gupta and this clinic do not operate, endorse, or guarantee the quality of third-party helplines listed here. If you are in immediate danger, call 112 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.