Mental health care in India is undergoing a transformation. Once shrouded in stigma, therapy is now part of mainstream conversations. Yet, for many, the journey from awareness to access remains a financial hurdle. As we approach World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to examine the economics of mental healthcare in India—where costs, insurance gaps, and community initiatives intersect.
The Cost of Therapy: A Barrier to Access
Therapy in India isn’t cheap. In metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai, a single session can cost between 1,800/- and 5,000/-. For many, this expense is prohibitive. Even in smaller cities, the average cost hovers around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per session. With multiple sessions often required, the financial burden is significant.
Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 mandates insurance parity for mental health, implementation is inconsistent. Many health insurance policies offer inpatient coverage for mental health conditions but exclude outpatient services like therapy and counselling. This leaves individuals seeking regular therapy sessions without financial support, exacerbating the accessibility issue.
“Mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” says Varinderr Manchanda, a Delhi-based life coach. “We need to create systems where therapy is as accessible as a doctor’s visit. It’s about building a society that values emotional well-being.”
A Call for Action
The shift in societal attitudes towards mental health is commendable, but it must be accompanied by systemic changes. Affordable therapy, comprehensive insurance coverage, and robust community support systems are essential to ensure that mental health care is accessible to all.
“We need to stop treating mental health as an afterthought,” Manchanda asserts. “It’s time to integrate it into our healthcare system, our workplaces, and our communities.”
As we approach World Mental Health Day, let us reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done. Mental health care should not be a privilege—it should be a right. Corporates should have mental health experts on their panels and introduce a mental health day off, just like period leave, to normalise care at work.
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