India faces 80–85% mental health treatment gap, warns IPS ahead of ANCIPS 2026

The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has expressed concern over the persistently high mental health treatment gap in India, noting that nearly 80–85 per cent of individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders do not receive timely or appropriate care. This was highlighted during the Curtain Raiser Event of the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026), scheduled from 28th to 31st January at Yashobhoomi, Delhi. Mental health experts warned that despite advances in treatment and growing awareness, most people with mental illness remain outside the formal healthcare system.

Data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) indicate that India faces one of the widest treatment gaps globally, with over 85 per cent of people suffering from common mental disorders not seeking or receiving treatment. Globally, more than 70 per cent of individuals with mental illness do not receive care from trained healthcare professionals. In many low-income countries, fewer than 10 per cent of those in need access necessary treatment. India, with its large population and limited mental health infrastructure, remains particularly vulnerable.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, said, “Mental health disorders are highly treatable, yet the majority of patients in India continue to suffer in silence. The fact that over 80 per cent of people do not receive timely psychiatric care reflects deep-rooted stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate integration of mental health services into primary healthcare. This is not just a medical concern; it is a social, economic, and developmental issue that demands urgent national attention.”

Experts at the event outlined several interlinked reasons for the long delays in seeking psychiatric care, which often range from months to years. Social stigma and discrimination remain major barriers, as individuals fear being labelled, judged, or marginalised by family, workplace, and society. Lack of awareness further compounds the problem, with many people failing to recognise early symptoms of mental illness as medical conditions requiring professional help. Instead, symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, personal weakness, or temporary emotional disturbances.

Another significant contributor to the treatment gap is the shortage of mental health professionals in India. The number of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers, and mental health nurses remains inadequate, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where the majority of the population resides. These factors collectively discourage timely help-seeking and continuity of care.

Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, Chairperson of the Organising Committee and former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS), highlighted the consequences of delayed or absent treatment. “When psychiatric care is delayed, the illness often becomes more severe and chronic, leading to greater disability, family distress, loss of productivity, and a significantly increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Mental health must be addressed with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health. Strengthening community-based services, training primary care doctors, and improving referral systems are essential steps to bridge this unacceptable treatment gap.”

Highlighting the role of the upcoming conference, Dr. Deepak Raheja, Organising Secretary of ANCIPS Delhi and Director of Hope Care India, said, “Integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, increased budgetary allocation, expansion of the mental health workforce, and sustained nationwide awareness campaigns are urgently needed to reduce stigma and improve access. ANCIPS 2026 Delhi will serve as a vital platform for mental health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together and develop practical, evidence-based solutions to improve access, affordability, and acceptability of mental healthcare. Our collective aim is to ensure that no individual is denied mental health support due to fear, stigma, or lack of resources.”

The burden of untreated mental illness is particularly severe among vulnerable groups. Nearly 80 per cent of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental disorders in certain regions do not receive treatment, affecting their education, emotional wellbeing, and long-term outcomes. Similarly, around 84 per cent of older adults with mental health conditions in India remain untreated, often due to neglect, lack of awareness, social isolation, or the mistaken belief that psychological symptoms are a normal part of ageing.

Delayed treatment has consequences for individuals, families, society, and the economy. Untreated mental illness contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, higher rates of substance use disorders, unemployment, family breakdown, and suicide. India accounts for a significant proportion of global suicide deaths, making early identification and timely psychiatric intervention a critical public health priority.

While initiatives such as the Tele-MANAS national mental health helpline, expansion of the District Mental Health Programme, and increased policy focus on mental health are positive steps, IPS experts stressed that these efforts must be scaled up substantially to meet growing demand.

The Indian Psychiatric Society reiterated that closing the mental health treatment gap is essential for building a healthier, more productive, and compassionate nation. IPS emphasised that mental health must be recognised as an integral component of overall health, deserving the same priority, investment, and urgency as physical healthcare.