Addressing a Growing Crisis
On World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, launched a pioneering Artificial Intelligence-based mental health and wellness programme known as ‘Never Alone’. This innovative initiative is tailored for college and university students and aims to tackle the alarming rise in student suicides by offering personalised, secure, and affordable mental health support across India. This programme is also designed to diminish the stigma associated with mental health treatment, making help accessible for even the most hesitant students.
The Student Suicide Epidemic
Suicide rates in India have reached historic highs. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report in 2022, over 1.7 lakh lives were lost to suicide—the highest in over five decades. Tragically, young adults aged 18-30 make up 35 percent of those deaths. Students, facing academic pressure, social challenges, and mental health struggles, are particularly vulnerable. The ‘Never Alone’ app represents a timely response to this public health emergency by delivering comprehensive mental health care at scale.
What is the ‘Never Alone’ App?
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‘Never Alone’ is a web-based and highly secured platform that is accessible 24x7 via WhatsApp and a dedicated website. The service offers students:
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Personalised mental health screening through AI-powered algorithms to assess risks and symptoms accurately.
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Virtual and offline access to consultations with mental health and wellness experts including psychiatrists, counselors, and faculty.
Designed to be cost-effective, the basic screening costs just 70 paise per student per day for institutions with 5,000 or more students, making this solution scalable and affordable for widespread adoption.
Key Features and Benefits
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Comprehensive Care: From initial screening to intervention and continuous follow-up, the app facilitates a full spectrum of mental health services.
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Stigma Reduction: The anonymous and confidential platform encourages students to seek help without fear of judgement, combating cultural and social stigma.
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Accessible Anytime, Anywhere: The WhatsApp integration means students can use the service on their smartphones seamlessly.
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Scientific Evaluation: Utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) standards to provide clinical evaluation and guidance.
Deployment and Expansion
Initially launched by AIIMS Delhi, the programme simultaneously rolled out at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Shahdara, Delhi. Further expansion plans aim to include more educational institutions nationwide. AIIMS has also committed to offering this service free of cost across all its branches through the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a nonprofit initiative led by AIIMS alumnus Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Nand Kumar, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi and a key contributor to the app’s development, emphasized the urgent need for such innovations. He highlighted the staggering treatment gap in mental health, with 70-80% of affected individuals in India not seeking care, often due to stigma or lack of awareness. ‘Never Alone’ aims to bridge this gap by offering easy, affordable, and expert-backed mental health support tailored for students’ needs.
How Institutions Can Benefit
Educational institutions can subscribe to this service by contacting AIIMS Delhi. Schools and colleges offering the app to students can enhance their mental health support infrastructure without major capital investment. The subscription model keeps costs minimal while scaling assistance to thousands of students simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
The launch of ‘Never Alone’ represents a significant leap forward in combating mental health challenges and suicides among India’s youth. Combining AI’s precision with human empathy and support networks, the app promises a safer educational environment where students no longer feel isolated in their struggles. Through such cutting-edge solutions, AIIMS Delhi hopes to foster a society where mental wellness is accessible, normalized, and vigorously supported.
Relevant Sources: India Today, OC Academy, NewsOnAir, Medical Dialogues, Hindustan Times, Indian Express
