It relies on Sangath, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), to train local counsellors.

It is called Manas, which is short for mana shanti sudhar shodh meaning “ search for mental peace” in Konkani, a local language in Goa, and draws on an approach developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that is based on findings from studies in Chile, India and Uganda and on guidelines of the UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence. The project integrates evidence-based mental health treatments – including antidepressants, psychological treatments and yoga – into routine primary health care, using existing primary care staff plus locally-recruited staff. The state launched a pilot project in October 2005 that takes an innovative approach to addressing depressive and anxiety disorders which are a major cause of mental health disability worldwide. Goa, a tiny state on India’s western coastline, is one of the country’s most affluent and literate, but recent studies have highlighted a high prevalence of depression and stress-related problems, affecting 5–10% of young adults and 15–25% of people who visit primary health centres.

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