Breaking stigma key to expanding mental healthcare in India, says Lissun co-founder

Lissun, a mental health startup based in Gurugram, Haryana, is on a mission to normalise mental healthcare and integrate it into primary care across India. Founded in 2021 by Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta, Lissun offers a variety of services, including therapy sessions, group support, and educational programs. "We believe mental health should be treated just like physical health," says Krishna Veer Singh, CEO and co-founder of Lissun, in an interview with Bizz Buzz, "Our goal is to break the stigma and make mental healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone," he adds

What are the current challenges in the mental health industry?

The mental health industry faces several challenges, including the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare, a shortage of qualified mental health professionals, and the lack of access to affordable mental health services. Additionally, there’s a need for greater awareness and education about mental health issues, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The integration of mental healthcare with primary healthcare remains a significant hurdle, as does ensuring data privacy and security in digital mental health solutions.

To better understand these challenges, we defined the value chain for mental health in the following 6As: Awareness, acceptance, anonymity, access, affordability, and assurance. When analysed through these 6As, a couple of key issues stand out. Current solutions are piecemeal and are reaching out to a limited number of customers, failing to provide a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of mental healthcare. This fragmented approach hinders the effectiveness and reach of mental health services, highlighting the need for more integrated and holistic solutions that can better serve a wider population.

How big do you reckon is the mental healthcare industry?

The mental health market, traditionally estimated to have a serviceable available market (SAM) of approximately $500 million, can be expanded to around $5 billion.

This substantial increase is achieved by leveraging a partnership model, where Lissun collaborates with ancillary industries that have customers undergoing treatment or services for their primary needs. Many of these primary needs have underlying mental health aspects, which Lissun addresses through its partnerships. This strategy allows Lissun to integrate mental health services into various sectors, reaching a broader and more diverse set of individuals who might not have otherwise sought mental healthcare. This partnership-based approach significantly broadens the reach to people facing hidden mental health challenges, opening up a much larger and more comprehensive market.

What are the mental health services that Lissun offers?

Lissun offers a variety of mental health services designed to cater to diverse needs, including individual one-on-one therapy, group sessions, webinars, and train-the-trainer programs. Additionally, through Sunshine by Lissun, we provide therapy to kids with neurological development issues, offering specialised services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, and behavioural therapy. These comprehensive offerings ensure that we address a wide range of mental health and developmental needs for both individuals and groups.

How pandemic has impacted mental health services?

The pandemic has underscored the importance of innovative mental healthcare solutions. Teletherapy and online counselling have become vital, enabling individuals to access mental health support from the safety of their homes. Digital mental health platforms that offer AI-driven chatbots, mood tracking, and personalised mental health journeys have shown significant promise.These technologies can provide immediate support, monitor progress, and offer resources tailored to individual needs, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of mental healthcare.

How has Lissun evolved over the years?

Lissun has undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming from a startup primarily offering individual therapy sessions to a comprehensive mental health platform that provides a diverse array of services. As we provided therapy, we noticed that two segments, in particular, stood out: the child segment and the education sector. Recognising this, we began to focus more on these areas.

For children, we launched Sunshine, a specialised program designed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and other related challenges. This program has been instrumental in providing targeted and effective support to this vulnerable group.

In the education sector, we expanded our partnerships and outreach efforts, aiming to provide mental health services to students, educators, and educational institutions. This strategic focus has allowed us to make a significant impact in the education sector, addressing the growing need for mental health support in schools and colleges.

Throughout this journey, we have leveraged technology to enhance accessibility and engagement, making our services more accessible to a wider audience. This approach has not only driven our growth but has also enabled us to deliver more effective and impactful mental health solutions to our clients.

What are the feedbacks and success stories from teletherapy and online counselling?

We have received numerous positive feedbacks from our clients, who appreciate the accessibility and quality of our services. Success stories include individuals who have overcome significant mental health challenges with our support, as well as organisations that have seen improved employee well-being and productivity through our programs. The future of teletherapy and online counselling looks promising, with continued advancements in technology making it easier to provide effective mental healthcare remotely.

What are the objectives of building a supportive community for mental health developing accessible mental health resources?

Our objectives include fostering a supportive community that encourages open discussions about mental health, developing accessible mental health resources, and creating programs that cater to diverse needs. We aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and provide resources that are easily accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.

Describe the collaboration with healthcare professionals in personaliaed mental health treatment plans?

Collaboration with healthcare professionals is crucial for providing personalised mental health treatment plans. At Lissun, we work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health experts to ensure that our clients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.This collaborative approach helps us offer integrated treatment plans that address both mental and physical health aspects.

What ethical considerations do you consider in digital mental health platforms?

Ethical considerations are paramount in the development of digital mental health platforms. We prioritise data privacy and security to protect our clients’ sensitive information. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of digital mental health tools, maintaining transparency about the use of AI and data, and providing culturally competent care are other key ethical aspects we consider. Our goal is to build trust and ensure the well-being of our users.

Tell us more about sunshine?

Sunshine by Lissun is a specialised division within Lissun that provides therapy to children with neurological development issues. It offers a range of specialised services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, and behavioural therapy, aimed at addressing and supporting the unique developmental needs of these children.

Based on client feedback, we realised there is a significant unmet demand and an opportunity for quality standardisation in the field of child neurodevelopment. Unlike other psychology domains, this field involves techniques akin to homework assigned to children to aid with their developmental delays. We are now rapidly scaling this model through user acquisition via four of our Sunshine by Lissun branded experience centres. At these centres, parents bring their children for assessments and receive solutions delivered by our speech and occupational therapists, which need to be practised at home.