National Mental Health Helpline – 1926

NIMH has launched round the clock National Mental Health Helpline with short code 1926 from 15th 0f October 2018 to support the population, who are in need of Mental Health services in addition to its regular activities.

Currently 1926 Call line has 05 active lines 24/7.

The unique feature and main advantage of linking to 1926 over other support lines is its close integration with regional mental health support services, via our network of Psychiatric Clinics, Psychiatric Social Workers, and Community Psychiatric Nurses we can directly link our callers to get help in their localities.

Helpline covers a wide spectrum of mental health inquiries.

Routine Duty at Call Centre is done by Nursing Officers under the supervision of a Medical Officer and Consultant Psychiatrist.

The most challenging cases such as a caller attempting suicide are handled by a senior member of the 1926 team such as Medical Officer, Registrar in psychiatry, Senior Registrar in Psychiatry or Consultant Psychiatrists.

1926 SMS chat line made available from 08.00 am to 4.00 pm 07 days of the week.

All Clinical teams and Community Mental Health Teams are advised to cooperate with the 1926 to help patients who contact NIMH through 1926. The relevant Consultant Psychiatrist for the client based on their area of residence should be contacted by the on call Medical Officer or the Senior Registrar when needed.

The administrative functions of the 1926 centre will be under the supervision of a Lead Consultant Psychiatrist and a Nursing Officer in Charge appointed by the Director.

Special Grade Nursing Officers must ensure that the 1926 line is manned by Nursing Officers with training, uninterrupted.

Services provided must be based on pre-designed approved guidelines and protocols.

Quality Assurance will be done by reviewing the recordings on periodical basis

Monthly summaries of activities should be sent for review by the Director through the SGNO by the on-duty Nursing Officers. After review by the Director the data will be sent to the Health Informatics Section of the PDU for records.