India's Mental Health: A 2026 Call to Action

India's mental health sector is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by increased public discourse and a greater demand for services. However, the system grapples with substantial challenges, including a critical treatment gap estimated between 70% and 92%, and mental health funding constituting less than 0.6% of the national health budget. As of 2025, the urgency for systemic reform is paramount.

To address this, India must prioritize eleven critical shifts by 2026. These include integrating mental health across all development sectors, expanding skills beyond clinical cadres, and adopting culturally grounded care models. Furthermore, bridging the funding gap, reducing ecosystem fragmentation, and integrating physical and mental healthcare are essential steps. Placing lived experience expertise at the center of care is also crucial for developing responsive services.

The path forward involves strengthening community-based care, expanding digital mental health responsibly, investing in participatory research, and recognizing mental health as a core development priority. By fostering collaboration, increasing funding, and centering lived experience, India can build a robust and inclusive mental healthcare system by 2026.