VIKAS – A Community-Based Mental Health Initiative by Sahara

VIKAS is a non-profit mental health initiative of the Sahara Health and Development Society, implemented through Sahara Inclusive Hospital. The program is designed to provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychological support to individuals suffering from mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other related conditions.
With a strong emphasis on community outreach, clinical care, and accessibility, VIKAS aims to bridge the mental health gap in rural and underserved populations, reducing stigma and promoting early intervention.

Core Services of VIKAS
Clinical Care:

The Department of Psychiatry at Sahara Inclusive Hospital provides both outpatient and inpatient services, addressing a broad spectrum of mental health disorders with professional psychiatric intervention.

Community Outreach:

Mental health awareness programs are conducted in schools, prisons, and other institutions on request. These sessions promote mental health literacy, combat stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help early.

Psychological Assessments:

VIKAS offers a range of assessments, including:

Disability evaluations
IQ testing
Clinical psychology assessments
These tools aid in accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
Accessibility and Affordability
Integrated Service Delivery:
VIKAS operates through a combination of: Sahara Inclusive Hospital
Primary Rehabilitation Centres (PRCs)
Mobile and special camps
This ensures wider access across both hospital-based and community-based platforms.

Affordability for All:

While the program is open to all, individuals from vulnerable socio-economic groups, especially in rural areas, are offered free or subsidized care, ensuring equity in access.

CSR Collaborations:

The VIKAS initiative is sustained through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships, enhancing the program’s reach, scalability, and long-term viability.

Service Locations
VIKAS services are available in:
Sangareddy District, Telangana
Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh
Sundargarh District, Odisha

VIKAS stands as a vital mental health lifeline, especially in areas where services are limited. By offering compassionate care, evidence-based treatment, and community engagement, Sahara ensures that mental health becomes a priority, not a privilege, for all.