The WAPR Indian Chapter is one of the Organisational members of the WAPR World Body. It is a not-for- profit Organisation. It was started by Late Dr M. Sarada Menon in India in 1989, along with 12 other Mental Health Professionals & others interested in the association. Late Dr. M. Sarada Menon was the Hon. Life President and Late Dr. P.S. Gopinath was the 1st President.

The primary aim of the Association is Promotion of Education, Science, and Social- reform, public health and social service targeted at improving the status of persons with  chronic mental illness on a National level and pioneered psychosocial rehabilitation in India.