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Mental health remains one of India’s most urgent and overlooked health challenges. Nearly 197 million people live with mental health concerns, yet the treatment gap stands at nearly 85 percent — leaving millions without support, particularly the poor and marginalized.
To help bridge this gap, Americares India integrated mental health and psychosocial support into our mobile health centers, which bring primary care to 130 informal settlements in Mumbai.
This year, our counselors provided 5,911 sessions of psychosocial support — for many, the support session was the first time they had spoken openly about their mental health. Patients have reported improved sleep, reduced anxiety and improved coping mechanisms. To reduce stigma, education and awareness are critical: Last year, 1,758 health education sessions reached more than 23,000 people.
By embedding mental health into primary care, this initiative is reshaping the way communities view health — showing that dignity, resilience and recovery are possible when the mind is cared for alongside the body.