Mental Health Services in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu stands out for its robust health infrastructure that extends beyond physical health to include comprehensive Mental Health services. The State has made commendable strides in ensuring that Mental Health services are accessible at every level of care, from primary to tertiary, including specialized de-addiction services.
What sets Tamil Nadu apart is its commitment to providing these services free of cost, reinforcing its dedication to the well-being of its citizens.
Scope of Mental Health Services
Mental Health services in Tamil Nadu cover a broad spectrum through the District Mental Health Programme operational in all 38 districts, including state-specific initiatives such as Emergency Care and Recovery Centres (ECRCs), Comprehensive De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centres (CDRCs), Mana nala Nallatharavu Mandram (MaNaM), Mananala Viyazhan (Mental Health Thursday), Targeted Intervention activities, and the Tele MANAS 24×7 counselling helpline.
Key Mental Health Initiatives
District Mental Health Programme
Community-based mental healthcare services available across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu.
Tele MANAS
24×7 toll-free tele-counselling and mental health support services through helpline 14416.
MaNaM Initiative
Mind Health Support Forum promoting student well-being in Government educational institutions.
Mental Health Thursday
Weekly awareness initiative to improve Mental Health literacy among healthcare workers.
State Mental Health Authority
The State Mental Health Authority is constituted as per the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 to regulate and coordinate Mental Health services in Tamil Nadu.
As mandated under Section 74 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, District Mental Health Review Boards have been constituted at 13 locations covering all districts of the State.
Each Board consists of six members including a retired District Judge as Chairperson, Psychiatrist, Medical Practitioner, District Administration representative, and representatives of persons with mental illness, caregivers, or NGOs working in the field of Mental Health.
District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)
Statewide Coverage
The District Mental Health Programme is implemented across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu and has been highly successful in reaching unreached populations through Tamil Nadu’s strong public health infrastructure.
Mental Health Awareness
Community awareness activities and mental health promotion initiatives.
Workshops & Training
Programs for students, working women and life-skills training for school teachers.
Counselling & Treatment
Counselling and treatment services available in Government Hospitals and Block PHCs.
Social Security Benefits
Free Aadhaar enrolment, UDID cards and other social support services.
Emergency Care and Recovery Centres (ECRCs)
Emergency Care and Recovery Centres (ECRCs) are inpatient Mental Health facilities established to provide psychiatric and medical treatment, family reintegration and rehabilitation services to Homeless Persons with Mental Illness (HPWMI).
The State currently has 29 ECRCs functioning through Government and NGO partnerships. Efforts are underway to establish ECRCs in all districts.
Policy Milestone
Tamil Nadu released the State Policy for Care of Homeless Persons with Mental Illness and Implementation Framework on 27 February 2025 to strengthen care and support for this vulnerable population.
Comprehensive De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centres (CDRC) – Kalangarai Maiyam
De-addiction services are provided through Medical College Hospitals and dedicated Comprehensive De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centres (CDRCs), known as Kalangarai Maiyam.
These centres provide a continuum of care including acute detoxification, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and follow-up services. The Kalangarai model places strong emphasis on emotional healing, family support, relapse prevention and long-term recovery.
NATPUDAN UNGALODU MANA NALA SEVAI – Tele MANAS (14416)
Implemented in Tamil Nadu since October 2022, Tele MANAS provides round-the-clock counselling and mental health support, especially benefiting rural and underserved populations.
The service ensures easy access, anonymity and timely intervention for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety or depression.
Two Tele MANAS cells function in Tamil Nadu – one at the DMS Campus and another at the Institute of Mental Health Campus, supported by Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists and Counsellors.
Mananala Viyazhan – Mental Health Thursday
MaNaM – Mana Nala Nallatharavu Mandram
Student Mental Well-being Initiative
MaNaM is a pioneering initiative introduced in Government Medical, Dental, Nursing and Paramedical Colleges to promote student well-being through awareness, peer support and institutional care.
Awareness Campaigns
Peer-led Support
Sensitization Programs
Healthy Lifestyle Promotion
Timely Counselling Support
The programme will eventually be scaled up to include all colleges across Tamil Nadu with the objective of building psychologically resilient student communities.
District Mental Health Committee (DMHC)
The District Mental Health Committee, chaired by the District Collector, functions as the district-level monitoring committee for services provided to Homeless Persons with Mental Illness (HPWMI).
Key Responsibilities
- Rescue, Reunion and Rehabilitation Services
- Disability Certification and Social Entitlements
- Providing Supportive Supervision to ECRCs
- Joint Inspection of Mental Illness Homes
- Compliance with Minimum Standards for Mental Health Establishments
Tamil Nadu Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (TNIMHANS)
TNIMHANS, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to comprehensive Mental Health services, is currently in the final stages of completion at the Institute of Mental Health Campus, Chennai.
The facility is being established at an estimated cost of ₹40 Crore and is planned for inauguration in the coming months.
