India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA)

The Therapist's Compass: Bridge to Practice Programme for Early Career Psychologists The Therapist’s Compass (TTC) is a 4 month long online programme that has been developed to address critical quality gaps in mental health care in India. - The programme supports recent psychology graduates in developing key competencies to practice as ethical, competent, and reflective mental health professionals. - Through a blend of skill development, perspective-building, and reflective supervision, participants will build a strong foundation to become robust practitioners who can shape the future of the mental health care landscape in India. - This crucial initiative is one of the India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA)'s key capacity building programmes, focused on strengthening the mental health ecosystem from the ground up. Visit our website for more information.

What an inspiring experience at the Manotsava National Mental Health Festival! We are truly thankful for the opportunity to participate and connect with so many dedicated individuals and organisations in the mental health sector. It was a pleasure to meet so many prospective alliance members.

On 14th November, as we celebrated Children's Day, we affirmed that our children are not just the future—they are the most immediate indicator of the health of our systems. Speaking at the IMHA National Convening, Dr. Shelja Sen shared a profound truth: the problem in mental health is often that we locate the problem in the child, rather than in the social structures around them. Schools are the most critical and effective hubs for social change. By shifting our perspective and transforming the socio-cultural context within schools, we define the worth of our children and create nurturing spaces for their mental well-being. Afterall, we heal in kinships, not in silos, as Dr. Shelja puts it. This year, let's commit to making every school a centre for health and holistic development. Watch the whole Thought Bite on YouTube. Link in Bio. #ChildrensDay #IMHAConvening #DrSheljaSen #SchoolMentalHealth #SocialChange #FutureOfCare #IMHA #NationalConvening2025 #IMHAconvening2025 #CapacityBuilding #CollectiveImpact #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthforAll Dr Shelja Sen | Vasvi Bharat Ram | Amit Malik | Dr Kavita Arora | Amit Sen | Neha Kirpal | Alok Sarin | Vivek Benegal | Shekhar Saxena | Amitav Virmani | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Poornima Bhola | Poornima Viswanathan | Chetna Duggal | Vijay Nallawala | Dr Tasneem Raja

📢 A Children's Day Call to Action: The Crisis of Our Youngest Minds This Children's Day, we must look beyond celebration to acknowledge a critical reality: India's youngest minds are at high risk for mental health disorders. • Expert analysis, featured today on NDTV, signals that this is a public health crisis. Recent school-based research suggests that up to one in four children (approximately 23 percent) may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or behavioural concerns. • The urgency is undeniable: Globally, the World Health Organization notes that up to half of all mental-health conditions begin by age 14, often preceded by subtle early childhood warning signs. • Protecting our children requires rethinking care and demanding unified, cross-sectoral action. Early detection and support are a must. Current systems focus on physical growth and nutrition, but screenings for emotional regulation, social and peer interaction, and relational behaviour are often overlooked. As Dr Kavita Arora (IMHA Founding Cohort) writes, the difficulty does not reside in the individual child—it emerges from profound shifts in our psychosocial and environmental systems. Read the full article and find out why India must re-examine how it supports young children today: https://lnkd.in/ddFJaD_N #ChildrensDay #ChildMentalHealthCrisis #PublicHealth #IMHA #MentalHealthData #IMHA #MentalHealthJourneys #CapacityBuilding #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #CrossSectoralCare #CollectiveAction #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness #childmentalhealth #mentalhealthforall

Children’s Day reminds us of a simple truth: young people don’t just need to be heard — they need to be centred. At our recent IMHA convening on adolescent mental health, we witnessed this in the most powerful way. For two hours, the room shifted — because adolescents took the stage themselves. They spoke honestly about feeling judged, unheard, or powerless in systems meant to support them, and about how safety, agency, and belonging are still rare in the spaces they navigate every day. Their stories — from barefoot counsellors in Mumbai’s bastis, to peer-led circles in Adivasi communities, to digital spaces where young people seek connection without fear — reminded us that care is not something given to young people, but something built with them. What emerged was clear: * There is no single model of adolescent mental health. * Healing begins in relationships, communities, and cultures, not only in clinics. * Schools, families, and neighbourhoods are powerful ecosystems of support when designed with empathy. * And most importantly — young people are experts in their own lives, leaders in their communities, and creators of solutions we adults often overlook. This Children’s Day, as we celebrate their curiosity, creativity, and courage, let’s also honour their call for a new way forward: one where mental health is relational, inclusive, culturally grounded, and co-created. Because when we truly listen to young people — not to respond, but to understand — we don’t just support their well-being. We strengthen the future of our communities. Happy Children’s Day from IMHA — where young people’s voices are not an afterthought, but a starting point.

🚀 IMHA Leadership at Manotsava 2025 The India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA) was present across multiple aspects of Manotsava in Bengaluru this year, bringing essential conversations around lived experience and cross sectoral issues to the national mental health stage. Our leadership and team led high-impact sessions across vital themes like Maternal Mental Health, Suicidality, Masculinity, and Innovation, bringing cross sectoral and pan India insights. A Milestone for Lived Experience: The festival kicked off with the special pre-fest launch of Homecoming: Mental Health Journeys of Resilience, Healing and Wholeness. Co-authored by IMHA's Neha Kirpal, this book features 11 powerful women’s lived experiences, aiming to centre Lived Experience alongside clinical expertise to build a collaborative system for care. We are proud to see our collective expertise contributing to these essential dialogues in Bangalore! #IMHA #Manotsava2025 #LivedExperienceExpertise #MaternalMentalHealth #LivedExperience #MentalHealthJourneys #BangaloreEvents #IMHA #Manotsava2025 #Bangalore #CapacityBuilding #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LivedExperience #CrossSectoralCare #CollectiveAction #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness Vasvi Bharat Ram | Manotsava - National Mental Health Festival | Amit Malik | Amit Sen | Dr Kavita Arora | Neha Kirpal | Prabha Chandra | Chetna Duggal | Poornima Bhola | Vivek Benegal | Alok Sarin | Amitav Virmani | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Bakul Dua | Karan Malik | Dr Shelja Sen | Shekhar Saxena | Poornima Viswanathan | Vijay Nallawala | Dr Tasneem Raja

🏳🌈 The Problem is Social, Not the Identity. Speaking at the IMHA National Convening, Dr. Kavita Arora (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Co-Founder at Children First) delivers a crucial message: the mental health struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community do not come because of who they are, but because of the social narrative and stigma surrounding their identity. Solutions must be created within and by the social structures that lead to these issues. We need to create systems that centre individuals and human dignity, regardless of identity or other markers. Watch the full Thought Bite on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dBSm4che #IMHA #NationalConvening2025 #IMHAconvening2025 #CapacityBuilding #CollectiveImpact #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness Vasvi Bharat Ram | Amit Malik | Amit Sen | Dr Kavita Arora | Dr Shelja Sen | Prabha Chandra | Amitav Virmani | Shekhar Saxena | Poornima Bhola | Alok Sarin | Vivek Benegal | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Poornima Viswanathan | Dr Tasneem Raja | Chetna Duggal

🤝 Join The India Mental Health Alliance Today! This image captures the power of the India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA), which now unites over 230 organisations across India. Addressing the scale and urgency of mental health requires collaborative effort, not isolated action. Collective action across sectors is the only way forward to bridge the gaps in care and transform the mental health landscape in India. The India Mental Health Alliance aims to strengthen mental health systems by connecting and convening organisations, enhancing their capacity and fostering collaboration across sectors. This alliance is a shared space for diverse partners—from civil society organisations and academic institutions to funders—who are committed to creating lasting, positive change. When you join IMHA, your organisation becomes a part of an ecosystem built to amplify your impact and ensure every effort contributes to a resilient national system. The time for collaboration is now. Join IMHA today: https://lnkd.in/dgjgAW_z #IMHA #JoinTheAlliance #MentalHealthIndia #CollectiveImpact #EcosystemBuilding #CapacityBuilding #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LivedExperience #CrossSectoralCare #CollectiveAction #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness Vasvi Bharat Ram | Amit Malik | Amit Sen | Dr Kavita Arora | Dr Shelja Sen | Prabha Chandra | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Amitav Virmani | Karan Malik | Bakul Dua | Vivek Benegal | Poornima Bhola | Shekhar Saxena | Alok Sarin | Vijay Nallawala | Dr Tasneem Raja | Chetna Duggal | Poornima Viswanathan

IMHA at Manotsava 2025: Participating in the Mental Health Conversation in Bangalore! The India Mental Health Alliance (IMHA) is proud to have members of its Founding Cohort and Steering Council participate in leading crucial conversations at the Manotsava Festival this November 8th and 9th in Bangalore. Our participation reflects IMHA's commitment to tackling mental health as a cross-sectoral, developmental mandate. We are bringing the critical voices of Lived Experience, clinical research, and ecosystem innovation to the forefront. Also join us for the Bangalore book launch of Homecoming: Mental Health Journeys of Resilience, Healing and Wholeness as a part of the Manotsava Pre-Fest event at Bangalore International Centre (BIC). Catch members of our Founding Cohort and our Steering Council as they take part in important panel discussions through the weekend: • Dr. Amit Sen Founding Cohort at IMHA Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Co-founder at Children First • Dr. Kavita Arora Founding Cohort, IMHA Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Co-founder at Children First • Neha Kirpal Founding Cohort, IMHA Co-founder, Amaha Mental Health Ambassador • Dr. Amit Malik Founding Cohort, IMHA Founder and CEO, Amaha • Dr. Prabha Chandra Senior Professor of Psychiatry and Dean at NIMHANS President of the International Association of Women’s Health Steering Council, IMHA • Dr. Alok Sarin Senior Consultant Psychiatrist Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research Steering Council, IMHA • Dr. Vivek Benegal Head of Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Steering Council, IMHA • Bakul Dua: Head of Program Development, IMHA Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist #LivedExperience #MentalHealthJourneys #BangaloreEvents #IMHA #Manotsava2025 #Bangalore ##CapacityBuilding #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LivedExperience #CrossSectoralCare #CollectiveAction #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness Vasvi Bharat Ram | Prabha Chandra | Amit Malik | Alok Sarin | Amit Sen | Dr Kavita Arora | Neha Kirpal | Vivek Benegal | Nandini Murali | Amaha | Westland Books | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Dr Shelja Sen | Amitav Virmani | Shekhar Saxena | Poornima Viswanathan | Vijay Nallawala | Dr Tasneem Raja | Chetna Duggal

The future of mental health lies in connection — across disciplines, experiences, and voices. Last year, IMHA brought critical perspectives to Manotsava in a cross-sectoral, closed-door session, and we are delighted to build on that association this year. This year, Manotsava’s extensive program brings together doctors, neuroscientists, therapists, social sector professionals, and people with lived experience to explore how mental health shapes every aspect of our lives. Members of our Founding Cohort and Steering Council will be part of multiple sessions across the two days. Also join us for the Manotsava pre-event book launch of Homecoming: Mental Health Journeys of Resilience, Healing and Wholeness at 6:30 pm, 7th November at Bangalore International Centre (BIC). • Dr. Amit Sen Founding Cohort at IMHA Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Co-founder at Children First • Dr. Kavita Arora Founding Cohort, IMHA Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Co-found at Children First • Neha Kirpal Founding Cohort, IMHA Co-founder, Amaha Mental Health Ambassador • Dr. Amit Malik Founding Cohort, IMHA Founder and CEO, Amaha • Dr. Prabha Chandra Senior Professor of Psychiatry and Dean at NIMHANS President of the International Association of Women’s Health Steering Council, IMHA • Dr. Alok Sarin Senior Consultant Psychiatrist Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research Steering Council, IMHA • Dr. Vivek Benegal Head of Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Steering Council, IMHA • Bakul Dua Head of Program Development, IMHA Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist Let's learn, listen, and push the conversation forward together.  Join us – it’s free and open to all. Nov 8–9 | The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru Register here: https://lnkd.in/g4TQUwZy #LivedExperience #MentalHealthJourneys #BangaloreEvents #IMHA #Manotsava2025 #Bangalore ##CapacityBuilding #MentalHealthEcosystem #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LivedExperience #CrossSectoralCare #CollectiveAction #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness Manotsava - National Mental Health Festival | Vasvi Bharat Ram | Amit Malik | Amit Sen | Vivek Benegal | Alok Sarin | Dr Kavita Arora | Neha Kirpal | Dr Shelja Sen | Amitav Virmani | Kairavi Bharat Ram | Bakul Dua | Karan Malik