IMHANS has introduced several pioneering initiatives in mental health care,  education, and research that stand out as innovations: 

• Community-Based Service Models: 

Community Mental Health Program (CMHP): IMHANS initially spearheaded community mental health programs in the four northern states of Kerala, aiming for integration of mental health services into primary health care, ensuring psychiatric care reaches rural and underserved populations. These programs were later taken up by the Directorate of Health Services. 

Community Developmental Disability Project (CDDP): Mobile intervention units deliver therapy and follow-up for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, offering a cost-effective and accessible care model.

Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences (CIBS): 

Research involving biological psychiatry, neurology and epidemiology

Cutting-edge research in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders through molecular biology and neurophysiology divisions at Centre for  Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences (CIBS). Facilities include Sanger sequencing,  stem cell biology labs, video EEG, polysomnography, and nerve conduction studies, making advanced neuroscience research possible. 

Multiple extramural research projects funded by national and state agencies.

Various national, state mental health surveys funded by government including  tribal mental health surveys. 

• Specialized Multidisciplinary Care: 

Dedicated specialty clinics such as Child Development services, geriatric  mental health, aphasia, perinatal mental health, family therapy, digital  deaddiction clinic and women’s mental health clinics ensure targeted and holistic  care. 

Establishment of the Autism Centre and rehabilitation services like the  Recovery Facilitation Project (RFP) for chronic mental illnesses. 

• Education and training 

Academic courses focusing on building capacity in allied mental health professions, including MPhil in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work,  Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing, and short-term programs like school counselling and bereavement counselling. 

Integration of resource room training models for slow learners and inclusive education initiatives like the PRATHEEKSHA project.  

• Public Health Awareness and Support Tools: 

Development of resources like parenting modules, caregiver manuals, video resources and mobile apps to support families and communities. 

• Telepsychiatry Services: 

Support to programs like E-Sanjeevani and TeleMANAS leverages technology to provide accessible psychiatric consultations, particularly in remote areas. 

These innovations illustrate IMHANS's commitment to developing sustainable,  inclusive, and scalable models of mental health care and education.