Mental health services in India continue to face significant gaps, both in availability and in access to adequately trained and supervised professionals. Over the years, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences has taken a leadership role in addressing the psychosocial needs of diverse communities, adopting innovative and inclusive approaches to bridge these gaps. iCALL is one such initiative, rooted in this commitment to accessible mental health care.
iCALL – Initiating Concern for All is a pioneering and empowering mental health project established in 2012 by the School of Human Ecology at TISS, Mumbai. It aims to provide free and accessible professional counselling services through technology-assisted mediums such as telephone, email, and chat. The service is open to anyone seeking emotional support, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race, while ensuring confidentiality and overcoming geographical barriers, making it easier for individuals to seek help when they need it.
Since April 2015, iCALL has been primarily supported by the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI), a leading mental health funding organisation in India. MHI adopts a rights-based approach and works towards building a more inclusive and accessible mental health ecosystem by supporting innovative, community-based interventions, particularly for marginalised populations.
iCALL’s counselling services are delivered by trained and qualified mental health professionals, available from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The service is further strengthened through collaborations with academic institutions, corporate organisations, and government and non-government bodies. Faculty from the School of Human Ecology at TISS play an active advisory role, contributing to recruitment, training, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of services.
When you reach out to iCALL, you can expect:
- Professional support: Qualified and trained counsellors providing ethical and skilled mental health care
- Immediate connection: During working hours, your call will be answered directly by a counsellor. During high call volume, there may be a short wait if all counsellors are engaged, but your call will be attended to by a counsellor as soon as one becomes available.
- Complete anonymity: You are not required to share your name or any identifying details
- Empathetic listening: A safe space where you are heard with patience and understanding
- Non-judgmental approach: The freedom to share your concerns without fear of criticism, judgement or stigma
- Ongoing support: The counsellor would offer continued support and guidance until you feel better equipped to navigate your concerns
Beyond helpline services, iCALL is actively engaged in a range of mental health initiatives:
- Workshops and trainings for corporates, educational institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, tailored to their specific needs
- Outreach and awareness activities through conferences, events, talks, and informational materials such as posters and brochures.
- Public education efforts, including free newsletters and social media engagement, to promote mental health awareness and prevention
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for organisations
At the heart of iCALL’s work is a strong commitment to inclusion and equity. Special focus is placed on supporting marginalised and vulnerable groups, including women facing violence, children experiencing abuse, the LGBTQIA+ community, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and individuals living with or recovering from mental health concerns.
Through its services and outreach, iCALL continues to work towards creating a more compassionate, accessible, and inclusive mental health ecosystem.
is a psychological helpline that aims to provide high quality telephone counselling and internet based support services which will significantly improve mental health and the well being of individuals as well as the community.
