The importance of mental health care has never been more evident, as emotional well-being is crucial to overall health and quality of life. Innovative approaches are reshaping how individuals access support, emphasizing the need for holistic care that addresses diverse emotional needs. By integrating traditional therapeutic practices with modern techniques, mental health care can become more accessible, engaging, and effective. These advancements not only empower individuals to seek help but also foster a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health challenges.
As we explore the landscape of mental health innovation, here are the top 5 mental health startups that are leading the charge with AI-based solutions. These startups are leveraging technology to enhance user engagement, personalize experiences, and provide timely support, ultimately transforming the way we approach mental well-being. By harnessing the power of technology, these pioneers are paving the way for a future where mental health care is not only more effective but also more widely accepted and understood.
1. Emoneeds
Dr. Neerja Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, leads a platform dedicated to enhancing mental and emotional health. The initiative focuses on optimising individuals’ performance, happiness, and overall quality of life. With a team of expert psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, the platform provides holistic, evidence-based, and scientifically-approved compassionate care to teens, adults, and families. By integrating medication management with personalised psychotherapies, it empowers patients and families to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, promoting productivity and well-being.
2. Lissun
Launched on August 15th, 2021, and headquartered in Gurugram, this innovative platform is dedicated to addressing the growing concern of mental health issues in society. Its primary goal is to provide individuals with the guidance, therapies, and solutions needed to enhance their emotional and mental well-being. Founded by experienced professionals Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta, the platform aims to tackle mental health challenges on a broad scale, especially for those who may not fully recognize their mental health needs. It offers comprehensive mental health care services, utilising technological tools for self-assessment and delivering holistic treatments. Through its unique “phygital” approach, the platform addresses a range of mental health needs, including psychiatry, rehabilitation, infertility/maternity, child, and education.
3. Amaha
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Amit Malik and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Amaha (formerly known as Innerhour) is dedicated to transforming mental health care in India. The company provides a comprehensive range of products, including therapy, psychiatry, couples therapy, self-care resources, and psychometric assessments, to address various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and addictions. Amaha aims to create an integrated ecosystem that supports individuals on their mental health journeys, making it easier for them to access professional help and navigate their challenges.
4. Evolve
Co-founded by Anshul Kamath and Rohan Arora in 2020, Evolve is a health-tech startup dedicated to making mental health safe, simple, and joyful. The Evolve app, along with its proprietary interface, assists users in enhancing their mental well-being through interactive content rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Recognized as part of ‘Google Play’s Best Of 2021’ in India, the app boasts over 250,000 users worldwide. With a particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ audiences, Evolve provides curated content and tailored offerings to cater to the needs of this community.
5. Wysa
Founded in 2016 by Jo Aggarwal and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Wysa is a pioneering platform in mental health support. It features an AI conversational agent designed to gauge users’ emotions and utilize evidence-based cognitive and behavioral techniques through micro-actions to enhance well-being. According to company reports, users who engage with the chatbot for over three months experience a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, halving their issues. With its empathetic “AI penguin” guide, Wysa offers a safe space for users to depersonalize stress and access immediate support, complemented by human coaching for further assistance.
