Policy, Research & Mental Health Advocacy

India’s mental health reforms are frequently hindered by a disconnect between national policy ambitions and lived realities. While frameworks exist on paper, their translation into equitable, accessible, and accountable systems remains inconsistent. Furthermore, much of mental health advocacy in India has historically centred around awareness, rather than structural transformation. RIHA addresses this gap by producing research-driven, field-informed policy inputs and strategic advocacy efforts that elevate mental health as a development and governance priority. We work at the intersection of field data, system analysis, and policy dialogue. Our team develops white papers, briefs, and reform proposals grounded in community realities, institutional bottlenecks, and delivery gaps. Each piece is designed to inform ministries, legislative stakeholders, international partners, and academic bodies, while also remaining accessible to civil society actors.

Our approach includes:

Field-rooted evidence building — through consultations, systems mapping, and behavioral insights
Strategic policy contributions — via reform proposals, stakeholder briefs, and institutional submissions
Cross-sector dialogue — bridging legal, academic, administrative, and public health domains
Public-facing knowledge platforms — to ensure accessibility and civic engagement

This domain aims to ensure that mental health is no longer treated in isolation, but integrated into India’s core public systems and policy priorities with reforms that are participatory, evidence-guided, and institutionally actionable.

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