Who we are

Across the Globe, We Are United in Our Dedication to Mental Health

Florence Nightingale School

Welcome to Swaadrishya!

Welcome to Swaadrishya, a leading Mental Health Organization dedicated to transforming mental well-being. At Swaadrishya, we are committed to creating a supportive environment where young minds can develop a deep understanding of mental well-being. Our mission is to democratize access to mental health resources, ensuring that every child has the tools to thrive and every individual feels empowered to seek help.

Swaadrishya is a combination of two words: swa (self) and adrishya (something that cannot be seen).. The essence of Swaadrishya is to perceive oneself beyond physical appearance, recognizing that there’s much more to a person’s personality. We aim to help every individual understand and appreciate these deeper aspects of their identity and mental well-being.

Founder’s Message

Surbhi Valecha

Imagine living with a disease for years without knowing there’s a cure—thinking this pain is just your reality, something you’ll carry forever. That’s what mental health struggles often feel like.

Mental health issues are universal. Every single human being experiences emotional distress at some point. And no, you don’t need a diagnosis to seek help. It’s not necessary to wait until things fall apart to reach out. But the truth is, most people don’t even know there is help available. And those who do, often hesitate, held back by financial barriers, social stigma, or an inner resistance that tells them, “this isn’t for me.

After completing my studies in Applied Psychology and Clinical Psychology, I worked across various professional settings and volunteered with NGOs. Over time, I saw this gap clearly—from both sides. As a professional offering support, and as a person who also needed it. I saw how inaccessible mental health care could be, both emotionally and practically.

Swaadrishya was born from this realization. I wanted to create a space that not only supports individuals in need of care, but also gives young mental health professionals the guidance, opportunity, and respect they deserve. A space that bridges gaps—between people and services, between awareness and action, between struggle and healing.

At Swaadrishya, we’re not sitting back waiting for people to come to us. We’re going out into communities. We’re talking, listening, and educating. We’re making mental health support accessible, affordable, and relatable, especially for students, underprivileged individuals, and those who don’t know where to start.

पहचान ही पहला कदम है - तकलीफ़ जब नाम पाए, तभी तो राहत की राह खुलती है।

Surbhi Valecha

Shubhanshi Gautam

Swaadrishya is not just a dream, it's a heartfelt mission born from my personal journey with mental health.

My path into psychology was driven by a deep desire to understand the human mind and support those silently struggling.
As a child and student, I faced low confidence and numerous mental health challenges but lacked the encouragement to express my feelings. Carrying these struggles alone impacted my studies, personality, and self-belief. I often wondered if help was even possible. Psychology became my turning point, equipping me with tools to heal and grow. This transformation inspired a promise to dedicate my life to making a difference in mental health.

After earning my degrees in Psychology Honours and Counseling Psychology, I worked with child development centers, schools, and NGOs. These experiences revealed the harsh realities of mental health in our society: persistent stigma, lack of respect for professionals, and limited resources. Witnessing these challenges fueled my determination to create Swaadrishya.
At Swaadrishya, we aim to provide the support I once craved.

We believe mental health care is not a luxury but a necessity, as vital as physical health. Our mission is to break the silence around mental health through education, awareness, and accessible services reaching schools, communities, and workplaces, especially for students and underserved groups.

We are committed to building a world where mental health is understood, valued, and nurtured. Together, let’s create the change we all deserve.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower children with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their mental health journey.

We aim to create a safe space where children can:

  • Understand Themselves Better: Through our innovative programs and resources, we help children develop a deep understanding of their mental health, enabling them to recognize and articulate their emotions and experiences.
  • Identify Issues Early: We equip children with the skills to notice when something is amiss with their mental health. Our goal is to ensure they are aware of the signs of mental distress and understand the importance of seeking help promptly.
  • Access Support: Swadrishya provides clear pathways for children to seek support when needed. Whether it’s guidance from mental health professionals, peer support, or resources within their community, we ensure they know where to turn.
  • Support Others: We foster a sense of community and empathy, encouraging children to support their peers. By promoting understanding and kindness, we aim to build a network of young individuals who can offer help and solidarity to one another.

Our Vision

We envision a society where mental health is openly discussed, understood, and prioritized. By focusing on the mental health of children, we lay the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient future generation. Our vision is a world where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

“From luxury to every doorstep”

Our Vision

We envision a society where mental health is openly discussed, understood, and prioritized. By focusing on the mental health of children, we lay the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient future generation. Our vision is a world where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Why Swaadrishya?

Mental Health in India: Current Situation and Challenges

The Current Situation

Mental health is an increasingly significant issue in India, affecting millions across the country. According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders, with a treatment gap ranging between 70% to 92% for different disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the burden of mental health problems in India at 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. The age-adjusted suicide rate in India is 21.1 per 100,000 population. The economic loss due to mental health conditions between 2012 and 2030 is estimated to be USD 1.03 trillion.

The overall prevalence of common mental disorders, including depressive and anxiety disorders, was reported at 5.1% in the 2016 NMHS, with a treatment gap of 80.4%. Despite government measures to address these issues, challenges persist due to the unequal distribution of mental health resources, inconsistent implementation of policies, and limited capacity strengthening and human resource development programs. The need for a strengthened systems approach, integrated mental health programs, and better resource allocation is critical to address the mental health crisis in India.