IMHANS has implemented several exemplary practices across clinical, educational, and research domains to advance mental health care in Kerala. Some of these  include: 

• Multidisciplinary Clinical Care: IMHANS emphasizes collaboration among  psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, and other specialties. This ensures  holistic care, particularly in specialized areas like child development services and  autism care. 
• Academic Excellence: The institute provides pioneering courses like MPhil  programs in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work, unique to Kerala's  government sector. Involvement in post graduate psychiatry and dental training,  internships and placement trainings further enhance learning experiences. 
• Research and Infrastructure Development: The Center for Interdisciplinary  Brain Sciences (CIBS) focuses on cutting-edge neuroscience and molecular  research. Collaborative projects with institutions like CSIR-IGIB and external  funding for studies on psychiatric disorders showcase IMHANS's commitment to  impactful research. 
• Community Mental Health Initiatives: IMHANS is involved in multiple  service programs involving in community outreach in the areas of geriatric  mental health, child mental health, tribal mental health etc. In the past, IMHANS  was involved with Programs like the Community Mental Health Program  (CMHP) integrate mental health services with primary health care at PHCs and  CHCs, which is now run by Directorate of Health Services. 
• Public Awareness Efforts: Manuals, training modules, and videos like “Life  Skills Education For Prevention of Substance Use Among Adolescents” and the  parenting skills training module empower communities and caregivers to address  mental health challenges effectively. 

These practices reflect IMHANS's dedication to providing innovative, inclusive, and  sustainable mental health care and education.