Wysa, an AI-driven mental health app, is planning to launch a Hindi version of their app which will also be accessible through WhatsApp. The initiative is supported by ACT, a non-profit venture philanthropy platform, and a pilot version is expected to start in early 2023.

The app will help users to express their concerns via text with Wysa, an emotionally intelligent AI chatbot blended with professional human support. It leverages 150+ evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises to provide anonymous 24/7 mental support. If users show moderate to severe symptoms, the app will guide them to clinical programs and wellness tools. 

The English version of Wysa already has 528,000 users, and the Hindi version is expected to make mental health accessible to more diverse communities. It will also help the company move closer to its goal of providing scalable emotional support in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where mental health issues are prominent but not often talked about. And making it accessible on WhatsApp will make it easier for those who prefer to avoid downloading new apps. 

Speaking on the thought behind this initiative, Jo Aggarwal, CEO and Co-founder at Wysa, said in a press release, “In our ambition to help 50 million users by 2025, we must go beyond the barriers of literacy and language to create access to mental health support for all…We have a long way to go in overcoming mental health stigma in India, but with this Hindi version of our universally popular app, delivered through WhatsApp, is a great place to start.”

Image credit: Wysa