AI Mental Health App “Never Alone”

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, launched a new AI Mental Health App called Never Alone in 2025. This initiative directly targets the rising cases of student suicides and growing mental health concerns among India’s youth. Launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, the programme combines AI therapy, round-the-clock consultations, and both online and offline support to ensure students never feel isolated.

For SSC aspirants, this topic is highly important under Current Affairs, Government Schemes, and Health & Education Initiatives.

Background and Urgency

India faces a serious mental health crisis. According to official reports, 1.7 lakh suicides were recorded in 2022, the highest in more than 50 years. Out of these, nearly 35% were from the age group of 18–30 years, which includes college and university students.

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that one person dies by suicide every 45 seconds. Low- and middle-income countries account for 73% of this burden. In India, challenges are worsened by stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services. Nearly 70–80% of affected individuals do not seek help.

This is why AIIMS introduced the AI Mental Health App “Never Alone” to bridge the treatment gap.

Features of the Never Alone Programme

The AI Mental Health App comes with multiple unique features:

• Affordable Mental Health Screening: Institutions with more than 5,000 students can provide access for just 70 paise per student per day.

• Accessibility via WhatsApp: Students can use the WhatsApp AI counselling app for youth for quick and easy communication.

• Virtual and Offline Consultations: The virtual counselling app allows 24/7 online support while also enabling in-person sessions.

• Screening, Intervention, and Follow-up: The app is designed as a complete cycle to ensure long-term support.

• High Security and Confidentiality: The secure AI counselling app with post-intervention follow-up protects student privacy.

Currently, the app is available at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and IHBAS Shahdara, with plans for national expansion.

Implementation and Support

Educational institutions can subscribe by approaching AIIMS Delhi. All AIIMS across India will get the service free of cost through the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a non-profit supported by Dr. Deepak Chopra. The GCIH promotes wellness, integrative health, and personal transformation.

This makes the programme highly sustainable and impactful, positioning it as possibly the best mental health app India has seen so far.

Tackling Stigma and Awareness

One of the biggest challenges in India is the mental health stigma that prevents students from seeking help. Even with professional services available, many avoid them due to fear of judgment.

The AI Mental Health App aims to normalize counselling by offering confidential, affordable therapy app options. Making access easier helps reduce the hesitation that comes with traditional counselling.

Role of AI in Mental Health

The AI therapy chatbot and AI chatbot for emotional support and stress relief provide immediate, non-judgmental communication. These tools are especially useful for students facing anxiety, depression, or stress but unwilling to reach out to a counsellor directly.

Unlike a regular depression app or wellness app, the AI Mental Health App combines AI mental health support, real counsellors, and institutional backing, making it a powerful and scalable solution.

Significance for Students and India

• Targeted at Students: College and university students are the most vulnerable, and the AI Mental Health App specifically addresses their needs.

• Public Health Approach: By treating suicide as a public health challenge, the programme combines counselling, awareness, and professional training.

• Cost-Effective Model: Institutions can cover thousands of students at minimal cost.

• 24/7 Availability: The 24/7 AI-powered mental health consultation app ensures that students can access help at any time.

For SSC exam preparation, note that this programme reflects India’s push towards digital health, AI solutions, and youth welfare policies.

Key Takeaways for SSC Exams

• Launched By: AIIMS New Delhi

• Programme Name: Never Alone

• Year: 2025

• Occasion: World Suicide Prevention Day

• Focus Area: Student mental health, suicide prevention

• Cost: 70 paise per student per day (for institutions with 5,000+ students)

• Free Service For: All AIIMS via Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH)

• Supporter: Dr. Deepak Chopra, AIIMS alumnus

Final Thoughts

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, launched a new AI Mental Health App called Never Alone in 2025 to address the rising cases of student suicides and mental health challenges in India. The programme provides round-the-clock virtual and offline consultations through a WhatsApp-accessible platform, making mental health support affordable, personalised, and secure.

India faces a serious mental health crisis, with young adults aged 18–30 being highly vulnerable, and a large portion of affected individuals not seeking help due to stigma and lack of awareness. The AI Mental Health App bridges this gap by offering screening, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up, ensuring continuous care for students.

The app integrates AI therapy chatbots for emotional support, depression and anxiety screening tools, and connects students to professional counsellors when needed. With minimal costs for institutions and free access for all AIIMS campuses, the programme promotes mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and ensures timely support for students across India.

By combining technology and human care, the AI Mental Health App makes mental health services accessible, safe, and effective, providing a modern solution to one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.