The Kerala High Court has instructed the state to consider renaming ‘Mental Health Centres’ after finding the term fuels stigma. The bench emphasized the need for a neutral label to protect vulnerable patients.

  • Kerala High Court directs a review of the term ‘Mental Health Centres’.
  • Amicus curiae proposes ‘Institutes of Behavioural Management’ as an alternative.
  • The aim is to reduce stigma attached to mental health facilities.

The Kerala High Court has ordered competent state authorities to gather suggestions for renaming “Mental Health Centres” across the state, observing that the current name "attracts a lot of stigma". A Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji noted that other hospitals are not called “Centres of Physical Health”, so there is no justification for singling out mental health facilities with a distinct label.

During the hearings, the amicus curiae recommended the term “Institutes of Behavioural Management” as a more neutral, service‑oriented designation. The court, however, clarified that renaming is a policy decision and rests entirely with the state government.

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According to the bench, vulnerable patients should be shielded from the negative connotations associated with the existing name, and the facilities should be perceived as contributors to community welfare rather than places that treat a specific type of illness.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that language shapes public perception; a neutral name can encourage early help‑seeking, reduce discrimination, and align Kerala’s mental health framework with global best practices.

"Renaming is a symbolic yet powerful step toward destigmatizing mental health care in India," says Dr. Anita Rao, psychiatrist and policy advisor.
Did You Know?: Countries like Japan and Canada have already shifted from “mental hospitals” to “behavioral health centers”, reporting higher patient intake and lower dropout rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the proposed new name for the centres?
A: The amicus curiae suggested “Institutes of Behavioural Management”, but the final name will be decided by the state.

Q2: Will the renaming affect the services provided?
A: No. The court emphasized that the change is purely nominal to remove stigma; existing treatment protocols will remain unchanged.