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Under this collaboration, a structured and evidence-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programme will be introduced in India to provide better support for people struggling with serious mental health conditions such as suicide risk and self-harm.
This initiative is considered especially important for students, young people and individuals experiencing emotional distress. India reports over 1.7 lakh suicide deaths every year, with a significant number of cases involving people between the ages of 15 and 29. Experts believe that while awareness around mental health is increasing, access to quality and scientific treatment is still limited.
What is the DBT Programme?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a scientific and structured therapy developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan. It is globally recognised for reducing suicide attempts, self-harm behaviour and severe emotional distress.
Through this programme, mental health professionals, doctors and counsellors will receive specialised training so they can provide better treatment and emotional support to high-risk individuals.
Programme Begins in Mumbai
As part of this initiative, the first DBT Intensive Programme has been launched in Mumbai. It is a one-year structured training programme that includes basic and advanced modules, case-based consultations, team learning and real-world clinical practice.
Several leading institutions and experts from across the country are part of this programme, including NIMHANS, Punjab Health Ministry, Sion Hospital, Nair Hospital, KEM Hospital, Thane Regional Mental Hospital, Mindset Wellness and Masina Hospital. The aim is to further strengthen mental healthcare services within the public healthcare system.
Special Focus on Youth Mental Health
Experts believe that academic pressure, career stress, social pressure, and digital lifestyles are increasingly affecting the mental well-being of students and young people. In such a situation, timely counselling, therapy and mental health support have become extremely important.
Mpower aims to build a strong network of DBT-trained mental health professionals in India over the next five years so that this therapy can be widely implemented across public and private healthcare institutions.
What Did Neerja Birla Say?
Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower and Aditya Birla Education Trust, said that India is at a critical stage in its mental health journey. Awareness is increasing, but there is still a large gap between the need for treatment and access to care.
She said that DBT is one of the world’s most effective and scientifically validated therapies. Through this collaboration, efforts will be made to strengthen the capabilities of mental health professionals in India, provide better clinical tools and build stronger mental healthcare communities.
Support Under CSR Initiative
The initiative has also received support from Marsh India as part of its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme. Marsh India CEO Sanjay Kedia said that mental health is extremely important for both society and the economy and such scientific programmes help build stronger and safer communities
Meanwhile, Behavioral Tech Institute CEO Dean Lester said that the need for high-quality and evidence-based mental healthcare services in India is growing rapidly and this partnership is a significant step in that direction.
What is Mpower?
Mpower is a leading mental health initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, launched in 2016 under the leadership of Neerja Birla. Over the past decade, the initiative has played an important role in spreading mental health awareness in India, providing counselling services and helping people access professional support without social stigma or discrimination.
Through clinical services, helplines, school and college programmes, awareness campaigns, and sports-based mental health initiatives, Mpower has reached millions of people. Its objective is to create a positive outlook towards mental health in society and ensure that those in need can access professional support with dignity and confidence.
