Helplines in India
In an emergency, call 112, which connects you to police, fire and rescue, and health services. For mental health support, the government's Tele-MANAS line on 14416 is free and answered 24 hours a day, and it routes you to a trained counsellor in your state.
AASRA (022 2754 6669) works in English and Hindi, around the clock. iCALL at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (9152987821) offers English and Hindi as well as Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Konkani, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 9pm; you pay your usual call charges. The official pages for the other services do not say which languages they use. If you can't make yourself understood, still call 112 in an emergency, as emergency services usually find a way to help.
Women facing violence or distress can call the Women Helpline (Mission Shakti) on 181, free and 24/7, which links callers to police, One Stop Centres, hospitals and legal help. Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, and the helpline can arrange a place. The National Commission for Women also runs a 24-hour line on 14490. Children in need of help can call Child Helpline 1098 at any time. There are national lines for addiction (14446) and for older people (Elderline, 14567), and the Vandrevala Foundation offers free crisis support by phone or WhatsApp on 9999 666 555.
From a foreign SIM, dial numbers as shown or use the +91 versions listed. Each number was checked at its official source, with the date shown.
Emotional support
Tele-MANAS (National Tele Mental Health Programme)
Government mental health helpline that routes callers to a trained counsellor in their state; also reachable on the toll-free number 1-800-891-4416.
- Hours: 24/7
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
iCALL (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)
9152987821 (+91 9152987821 from abroad)
Free counselling by trained mental health professionals by phone and email (icall@tiss.ac.in); callers pay their usual call charges.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 9pm
- Languages: Hindi, English, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Konkani
- English available
- Cost: standard rate
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Suicide prevention
Vandrevala Foundation Mental Health Helpline
9999 666 555 (+91 9999 666 555 from abroad)
Free crisis and mental health counselling by phone or WhatsApp on the same number, available from anywhere in India.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
AASRA
022 2754 6669 (+91 22 2754 6669 from abroad)
Mumbai-based confidential suicide prevention helpline answered by trained volunteers.
- Hours: 24/7
- Languages: English, Hindi
- English available
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Sneha
044 2464 0050 (+91 44 2464 0050 from abroad)
Chennai-based suicide prevention helpline; a second line, 044 2464 0060, is also listed, and walk-in visits are possible from 10am to 8pm daily.
- Hours: 24/7
- Cost: unknown
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Domestic violence
Women
Children
Alcohol and drugs
Older people
Questions about getting help in India
What is the emergency number in India?
In India, call 112 in an emergency. If someone's life is at risk, don't wait: call straight away. Emergency calls are free.
Is there a free mental health helpline in India?
Yes. Tele-MANAS (National Tele Mental Health Programme) (14416), Vandrevala Foundation Mental Health Helpline (9999 666 555) and AASRA (022 2754 6669). Details, opening hours and the official source for each number are listed on this page.
Can I get help in English in India?
Yes. These services say they offer English: AASRA (022 2754 6669) and iCALL (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) (9152987821).
Where can women experiencing violence get help in India?
Contact Women Helpline (Mission Shakti) (181) and National Commission for Women 24x7 Helpline (14490). Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, so the helpline is the way in. In immediate danger, call 112.
Is there a helpline for children and young people in India?
Yes. Child Helpline (1098).
Numbers are checked against each service's own website on the date shown. Services change, so if a number doesn't work please tell me: hello@michellefernando.com.