Menu
At Sangath, we strive to make quality mental health care accessible and affordable for all. We understand that mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and we aim to address a wide range of mental health concerns and problems across various age groups; From child development to youth, adolescence, and adulthood.
Started as a child guidance clinic in 1996 to serve families and young people in Goa, today Sangath is recognised as one of the leading public mental health NGO in India. Our approach to mental health care is rooted in cutting-edge research and innovation. By leveraging technology and evidence-based practices, we develop solutions that enhance mental health outcomes. We have harnessed the wisdom of task-sharing, a pioneering strategy that empowers ordinary people and community health workers, to deliver transformative mental healthcare. By utilising low-cost human resources and providing appropriate training and expert supervision, we have unlocked a compassionate and effective approach that is now recommended across various settings.
With the help of our supporters, partners and community members we have been able to take our work across twelve states in India, and directly influencing research groups and health policies in India, as well as countries as diverse as Nepal, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia and South Africa.
Mental health and well-being are important across the life course; with the early years from childhood through young adulthood being especially critical for the emergence of mental health problems. Poor mental health is a cause and a consequence of a range of social adversities, including poverty, compromised education, gender inequality, physical ill-health, societal discrimination and violence
Nearly 7.5% of the Indian population suffers from some form of mental disorder. India accounts for 15% of the global mental, neurological and substance abuse disorder burden. Moreover, persons with mental disorders are also known to be associated with a wide range of social and societal problems, if their illness is unrecognised or is inappropriately managed.
Mental illness is a leading contributor to health-related disability and, in young people, to premature mortality, but receives only 1.3% of health expenditure is on mental health. The National Mental Health Survey shows that less than 10% of the over 100 million Indians living with mental health problems received any care.
There is an extreme shortage of mental health workers like psychologists, psychiatrists, and trained nurses in India. For example, there are only 3 psychiatrists per million people in India, while the corresponding figures for the USA and China are 105 and 22 psychiatrists, respectively. A huge majority of mental health professionals are limited to urban areas hence, the shortage of trained mental health specialists in rural India is more severe.
Our Mission
Sangath promotes good health - physical, psychological, and social across the lifespan for children, adolescents, and families. Our primary focus areas are child development, adolescent, youth and adult mental health.
Our Vision
Sangath endeavours to innovate solutions to improve mental and physical health across the life span for children, adolescents, young people and adults.
People and communities are the centre of everything we do. Our mission is to make good mental health a reality for everyone through science, service and partnerships.
Our journey through 25 years (1996-2021):
Sangath is a people driven organisation. Each member of our community contributes to our overall vision, through their commitment, skills, perspectives and expertise. With leaders who provide the vision and a team that makes it possible, we are determined to create a world where mental health is a priority, compassion is the norm, and every individual can embrace hope and healing.
Meet our team:
Over the years, Sangath and our people have been recognised, both nationally and globally, for their contribution to mental health and related fields.
Our journey toward achieving our goals is only possible because of the unwavering support of our esteemed partners and supporters. Our partnerships include state government departments of health, medical schools, research institutes and universities and civil society groups. Each partnership is built on a shared goal and, working hand in hand, we seek to transform lives and make a meaningful impact in our communities.
do_shortcode(‘
‘)
