A new report highlights India’s severe shortage of mental health professionals—just 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below WHO’s recommended ratio of 1.7. Psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and counselors are also scarce, leaving large parts of the population underserved. States like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan bear the brunt, lacking regional capacity for mental healthcare  

This deficit has intensified under mounting mental health needs—post-pandemic stress, unemployment, and youth depression. Experts warn inadequate numbers of trained professionals exacerbate wait times, misdiagnosis, and unmet demand at both urban and rural facilities. 

Stakeholders are urging government investment in training programs, expanded recruitment in public health services, and integration of psychosocial interventions into primary health centers to close the gap.