In India, the stigma surrounding mental health persists, yet acknowledging its significance on par with physical health remains pivotal. Swasth Mind stands committed to offering affordable and accessible mental health solutions tailored for adolescents, young adults, educators, and parents. The organization emphasizes mental health education, employing workshops and resources to combat stigma and empower individuals to seek assistance. Swasth Mind's unwavering commitment is to eliminate barriers, ensure widespread access to mental health services, and nurture a brighter, healthier future.

"My journey began in engineering, but a profound family experience steered me towards mental health. Witnessing firsthand how it affects households catalyzed my shift. Collaborating with Anikha, my friend’s wife and partner in this venture, brings over a decade of experience as a clinical psychologist. Acknowledging the limitations of a practice catering mainly to those with financial means, Anikha shares a vision of extending mental health support to a wider society. Our partnership embodies a shared commitment to bridge the accessibility gap in mental health care, aiming to assist beyond the boundaries of conventional therapeutic methods", noted Aditya Khaparde, Founder, Swasth Mind.

Interactive Session
Swasth Mind organizes intimate group sessions led by adept mental health professionals, engaging 10–15 participants. These sessions’ foster empowerment and self-discovery among adolescents, often guiding them toward clarity and purpose. Some individuals facing personal hurdles are

encouraged to opt for 1-on-1 sessions. Here, they collaborate with mental health experts to address specific concerns, set goals, and enhance overall well-being. Its outreach extends beyond these sessions, leveraging social media and local initiatives to destigmatize mental health.

"Students often hesitate to seek support during exam periods, grappling with familial issues or financial constraints that significantly impact their well-being. These sessions not only nurture interpersonal skills but also bolster confidence and communication abilities through peer engagement. Stressing their real-world relevance, we underscore how these skills foster personal development and professional success. These group sessions serve as a form of 'Mental Hygiene Activity' a vital practice for mental rejuvenation, providing students a space to refresh and refocus on academic pursuits and personal growth", highlighted Aditya.

Swasth Mind strategy has notably increased help-seeking behaviors and enhancing mental health awareness & hygiene across India

Furthermore, Swasth Mind pioneers innovative approaches by harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning. The ongoing development of a chatbot embedded within a makeup product serves as an accessible therapist, offering prompt assistance even during odd hours. This groundbreaking approach aims to fill a void in the market, positioning the firm as a frontrunner in mental health technology (Men-Tech). By employing AI and ML to create chatbots that function as therapists, the organization distinguishes itself from traditional practices, aiming to revolutionize mental health care accessibility.

“We have established a website housing all their sessions for public access. They utilize enterprise-grade video conferencing for online sessions, prioritizing security by ensuring no unauthorized access. Rigorous measures such as encryption and secure storage of client data, including demographic information and passwords, have been implemented to prevent any potential data breaches. This stringent approach assures clients of the safety and confidentiality of their information within the technology utilized by us", added Aditya.

In the upcoming year, Swasth Mind endeavors to refine its focus on goal-oriented group sessions tailored specifically for adolescents. These sessions aim to nurture a sense of community online and offline, covering pertinent topics. The integration of technology remains pivotal, particularly in introducing chatbots to prevent severe mental health cases. The vision is to encourage widespread awareness, active participation in counseling, and a holistic promotion of mental well-being for all. In addition, offline initiatives will involve experts from diverse fields such as music and dance, leveraging these arts as therapeutic tools within group settings to aid in the healing mechanism.