Culturally Adapted Psychological Treatments for Depression in India: Implications for Educational Settings

Abstract

This systematic review comprehensively examines psychological treatments for depression in India, with particular emphasis on culturally adapted approaches relevant to educational contexts. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed empirical studies, government reports, and institutional surveys from India published between 2015 and 2025. Our findings reveal that India faces a substantial burden of depression, with an estimated 150 million people requiring active psychological intervention. Despite this pressing need, significant treatment gaps persist throughout the country, with fewer than 10% of individuals with depression receiving effective care. The review identifies several culturally adapted interventions showing promise in Indian settings, including yoga-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness practices derived from ancient traditions, and community-based approaches leveraging social networks. These approaches demonstrate particular relevance for educational environments, where mental health services remain severely underdeveloped. The paper also examines structural barriers to implementation, including inadequate funding (India allocates less than 1% of its health budget to mental health), insufficient professionals (only 3 psychiatrists per million people), and persistent stigma surrounding mental health conditions. We discuss how educational institutions can serve as strategic platforms for early intervention and prevention programs. The review concludes with recommendations for developing culturally responsive treatment frameworks that integrate Indian philosophical traditions with contemporary psychological approaches, potentially enhancing both accessibility and effectiveness of mental health care in educational settings.