Yes, you can get free counselling in India. But many lists online are out of date, and some pages that promise “free therapy” turn into a sales pitch. This guide covers what really exists, what each option can and can’t do, and how to keep going when money is tight. We checked every number and service in October 2026.
The short answer
- To talk to someone today, free: call Tele-MANAS on 14416. It is run by the Government of India and open 24×7.
- For ongoing free or very low-cost care: the psychiatry department of a government hospital or medical college.
- If you are a student: your college counsellor, or the Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan helpline.
- If you have a job: check whether your employer offers free sessions through an employee assistance programme.
- For private therapy on a small budget: student rates, lower-fee providers, and a free first session to find the right person.
Free helplines you can call
| Service | Number | When | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tele-MANAS (Government of India) | 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 | 24×7, free | Trained counsellors in about 20 Indian languages, who can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist (including by video) or to services near you. There is also a Tele-MANAS app. |
| Vandrevala Foundation | +91 9999 666 555 | 24×7, free | Counselling by phone call or WhatsApp |
| iCall (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) | 9152987821 | Monday to Saturday, 8am–9pm | Free counselling by phone and email from trained professionals |
| AASRA | +91 98204 66726 | 24×7 | Support if you are in distress or thinking about suicide |
| Manodarpan (Ministry of Education) | 8448440632 | Check current hours | Free tele-counselling for school and college students, their parents and teachers |
Two things to know. First, older lists still show the KIRAN helpline. The government merged KIRAN into Tele-MANAS in 2024, so use 14416. Second, helplines are for support, guidance and referral. They are a good first step, and they can be a lifeline in a bad moment, but they are not usually weekly therapy with the same person.
What to expect when you call a helpline
You don’t need to be in a crisis to call. You can simply say, “I’ve been feeling low and I don’t know who to talk to.” The person on the line will listen, ask a few questions, and help you think about next steps. Share as much or as little as you want. If they suggest a doctor, counsellor or service near you, note down the name and number. If you can’t get through, try again a little later, or try another line.
Free or low-cost care at government hospitals
Most government medical colleges and many district hospitals have a psychiatry outpatient department (OPD). The registration fee is usually small. These departments often have clinical psychologists too, so talking therapy may be possible as well as medicine, although waiting times can be long.
The law is on your side here. Under section 18 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, every person has the right to mental healthcare from services run or funded by the government. People living below the poverty line (with or without a BPL card), and people who are destitute or homeless, are entitled to that treatment free of charge.
A few tips: go early in the day, carry any old prescriptions or reports, and ask the doctor directly whether you can be referred to the psychology team for counselling.
The government’s free online doctor service, eSanjeevani, is also available for general medical consultations. Which specialists you can reach there varies.
Free counselling for students
Many colleges and universities have a counselling cell or a student wellness centre, and using it is free. In July 2025, the Supreme Court issued guidelines on student mental health. Under them, institutions with 100 or more students should have at least one qualified mental health professional, and smaller ones should have arrangements to refer students to outside professionals. If you don’t know who your counsellor is, ask the student welfare office or the dean of students.
Students, parents and teachers can also call Manodarpan (8448440632). If you prefer private sessions, Mindara has a student rate: confirm your college email and the lower price appears at checkout. Your college is not told.
Free sessions through your employer
Many companies pay for a set number of confidential counselling sessions through an employee assistance programme (EAP). Your HR team or benefits portal will have the details. Your employer does not normally see what you talk about. Our article on what an EAP can and cannot see explains the privacy side.
Can I get free therapy sessions online from a private therapist?
Honestly, ongoing free therapy from a private therapist is rare, and you should be careful of anyone who offers it without a clear reason. Some real options:
- Ask about reduced fees. Some therapists keep a few lower-fee or pro bono (free) places for people who can’t afford the full fee. It is fine to ask politely.
- University training clinics. If there is a university with a psychology department near you, ask whether it runs a counselling clinic. Some do, often at a low fee, with trainees supervised by senior staff.
- A free first session on Mindara. Some providers on Mindara offer eligible new clients one free first session of 15 or 30 minutes. It is a real session where you talk through what’s going on and see whether the provider is a good fit. No card is needed. It is a first conversation, not a free course of therapy. See how the free first session works.
Making paid therapy more affordable
- Compare real fees. Our therapy cost in India page shows what verified providers charge, and therapy under ₹500 lists providers within that budget.
- Look at session length. Some providers offer shorter sessions at a lower price; the options are shown when you book.
- Space sessions out. Once things are steadier, sessions every two weeks can work well.
- Match the professional to the need. For everyday stress or relationship worries, a counsellor’s fee may be lower than a psychiatrist’s.
- Use the time well. Agree on clear goals and practise between sessions. Free self-help tools, like a short breathing exercise or a thought record, can make each paid session go further.
Free self-help while you wait
Self-help won’t replace a professional, but it can help while you wait for an appointment or between sessions. Mindara’s free self-help tools include short exercises for worry, low mood, sleep and stress, such as the worry time technique for overthinking. Simple habits matter too: a regular wake-up time, daylight and some movement each day, and talking to one person you trust.
Watch out for “free therapy” traps
- A “free chat” that turns into a sales call for an expensive package.
- Apps that ask for your card details for a “free” trial that renews on its own.
- Unqualified healers or coaches offering free “healing” sessions and then asking for money for remedies.
- Anyone who promises certain results. No honest professional does that.
- Services that don’t explain who they are or what they do with your data.
Not sure whether someone is qualified? Our guide on how to find a therapist in India shows how to check a registration on the official registers.
If you are in crisis right now
If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. More numbers, including what to do if someone is with you, are on our crisis resources page.