We're improving and saving lives in India
by providing free mental health crisis intervention and
psychological counselling.
92,263 calls, chats and texts in December 2021
through our Mental Health HelplineOver 400 mental health counsellors trained in 2021
All-India Mental Health Helpline:
+91 9999 666 555How It Works
WhatsApp us at
+91-999966655 to reach a
crisis Counsellor
Crisis messaging line serves everyone, in any type of crisis, providing
access to free, confidential, 24/7 support via a medium people already use and trust:
How Does it Work ?
STEP 1
First, you’re in a crisis. Crisis doesn’t just mean thinking about ending your own life. It’s any painful emotion and anytime you need support.
So, you WhatsApp us at +91-999966655.
Your opening message can say anything. Keywords like "HI" and “HELLO” just help us identify how people hear about us.
STEP 2
The first two responses is automated. They tell you that you’re being connected with a Crisis Counselor and invite you to share a bit more. The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide support, but not medical advice.
STEP 3
It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a Crisis Counselor. (It may take longer during high-traffic times).
When you’ve reached a Crisis Counselor, they’ll introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace.
STEP 4
You’ll then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor. You never have to share anything you don’t want to.
The Crisis Counselor will help you sort through yourfeelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening.
STEP 5
The conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you’re in a “good ” safe place.
After the conversation, you’ll receive an optional survey about your experience. This helps us help you and others like you!
STEP 6
The goal of any conversation is to get you to a calm, safe place. Sometimes that means providing you with a referral to further help, and sometimes it just means being there and listening. A conversation usually lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
We raise awareness
- Mental health problems and illnesses are as important as any physical illnesses.
- Anyone can experience mental health problems during their lifetime—from anxiety and depression to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
- With proper treatment, people experiencing mental health problems can and should be productive members of society.
We improve access
- to diagnosis and treatment;
- to knowledge about mental health issues, symptoms, and treatments; and
- to support groups.
We advocate
We work with governments, educational, institutions, businesses, civil society, and media to:
- Build support for applying necessary solutions to mental health challenges in India;
- Bring to bear best practices to address mental health issues;
- Raise awareness and fight stigma; and
- Create partnerships through which the impact of our efforts can be multiplied.
Mental Health Helpline
In 2009, the Foundation established a crisis intervention and psychological counselling service in Mumbai, India.
To date, our Mental Health Helpline has put in place arrangements with public services such as the police, ambulance services and hospitals, and we’re always looking to further those partnerships.
Paid Video Consultations Pilot Programme
- The Vandrevala Foundation is planning a pilot for paid consultations to help psychotherapists
build a practice of fee-paying patients. - This is not meant to replace our free services, which will still be available via phone, email and chat.
- Our hope is that some of our patients who can afford to will value these services and be willing to pay for them.
- Since mental health is no different from physical health and mental problems and illnesses are treatable, anyone suffering from a mental illness should be treated with dignity
Awareness Campaigns
The Foundation has collaborated with schools and colleges to raise awareness and remove the stigma often associated with mental health issues.
We’ve partnered with several institutions such as the Surat Police, Emannuel Hospital, SHOUT (www.giveusashout.org), the Director General of Shipping and many other offices, schools, and colleges.
Please email us at awareness@vandrevalafoundation.com if you wish to receive posters or material to advertise in your school, college, or office.
Mental Health in the News
.jpg)
Vandrevala Foundation Awarded Best Mental Health Counselling @INDIA TODAY HEALTHGIRI AWARDS 2021
Vandrevala Foundation Awarded Best Mental Health Counselling @INDIA TODAY HEALTH
Read story
Satyamev Jayate makes an impact - Nurturing Mental Health
Satyamev Jayate makes an impact - Nurturing Mental Health
Read story
Vandrevala Foundation improving mental health care in Maharashtra
Vandrevala Foundation improving mental health care in Maharashtra
Read story
Saif Ali Khan Pataudi on Vandrevala Foundation
Saif Ali Khan Pataudi on Vandrevala Foundation
Read story
Student suicides on the rise in India
Experts blame rigid academic setup for student stress
Read story
Festive buzz, but depression helplines are buzzing too
Festive buzz, but depression helplines are buzzing too
Read story
India is the most depressed country in the world
We don't talk about it as much as we talk about other diseases, but 300 million
Read story
Mental health in the workplace - It's Okay to be Not Okay?
What happens when an employee is going through mental health challenges at the
Read story
Five ways to manage post traumatic stress disorder!
PTSD is a neurological disorder which affects individuals after experiencing
Read story
.png){kind=logo}
