Effectiveness of Tele-mental Health Services among Adolescents: A Study with Special Reference to Madhya Pradesh

India consists of the 253 million adolescent population, which is the largest population in the world. (Census 2011), and the increasing incidences of mental health issues among them such as suicidal tendencies, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, social isolation is a matter of greater concern. According to the report of World Health Organization (WHO), 1 out of 4 adolescents experiences such symptoms leading to cause of deaths among them. The Madhya Pradesh is the 2nd largest state in India with 7.2 million population having 53 districts (Census 2011). National Institute of Mental Health Survey (2015-16), supported by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, reveals that the treatment gap for mental health problems is about 91% in the state of Madhya Pradesh along with high suicidal risk and substance use in the state (NIMHANS, 2016). It is also considered as a high priority State for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A). According to this report, the mental illness among individuals less than 18years of age is found to be 13.9%. Through the National Mental Health Programme, Government if India has launched various initiatives to address adolescent mental health. Despite of addressing mental health issues through traditional means among adolescent population, the use of technology has profoundly impacted to provide mental health services even to the remotest areas. Presently Tele counselling has become an important medium of addressing such issues through skilled professionals. The article aims to understand the effectiveness of tele-counselling services in the State of Madhya Pradesh. The study also examines the challenges associated with the tele-mental health programme in order to make recommendations for future interventions.10 adolescents of both genders in the age group of 10 - 19 year, who had used the tele- counselling service named Umang Kishor Helpline, were chosen for the study.Findings highlight the need, effects, potential of the service. It also suggests increased awareness about such services leading to greater reach of addressing adolescent mental health issues.