Changing face of mental health assistance in Asia

The Asian mental health industry is still relatively new, largely due to barriers like stigma and limited access to care. However, there are several startups that have made major strides in addressing those challenges and attracting investor attention. We shall take a look at a few companies that reinforce the idea that life can be challenging, and that it’s normal to sometimes seek mental health support.

- Devin Partida

Devin Partida, Medical and Health Tech Writer, USA

Mental health assistance was not always so accessible in Asian countries, particularly in more remote areas with few trained providers. That’s starting to change, as few startups are playing a substantial part in making that happen.

Additionally, since these businesses significantly expand access to care, people who need help don’t have to work very hard to find it. Feeling better takes commitment, but starting the process can be as easy as logging in to a portal or app.

Intellect

Intellect is a Singapore-based startup that aims to use technology to improve mental healthcare. It has both a consumer-facing and enterprise segment. At the end of 2020, the company announced that it had 1 million users and closed its seed-funding round.

The product for consumers centers around taking people through themed modules that teach them how to address undesirable behaviours, work habits, or mental health issues, such as anxiety. Then, the enterprise-level offering makes it easier for employers to provide mental health benefits for their workers while increasing utilisation rates.

The company is working with universities in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore to conduct clinical research studies. It’ll use the seedround funding to finance those efforts and further its expansion in Asian markets.

Thoughtful

Thoughtful is another Singapore-based mental health startup that uses digital resources and strategies to improve outcomes via various themed ventures. For example, Thoughtful Education is a consulting arm that partners with organizations such as colleges to provide interactive programmes about mental health literacy.