What is the name of your organization?
Hutzpa Consulting and Innovation Lab Limited
What is the name of your solution?
Theragist
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Theragist is an internet-based psycho-social intervention platform that uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality to improve mental health.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
NGA
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
People living in poverty often face significant barriers to accessing mental health support, leading to a profound impact on their lives. The absence of affordable and accessible mental health services exacerbates their struggles, contributing to a vicious cycle of poverty and poor mental well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression has surged to become the foremost cause of disability worldwide.
The issue of inadequate mental health support affects millions of people in the world. In Nigeria, this problem impacts 60 millions of individuals. This lack of access to mental health care leads to deteriorating mental well-being, which, in turn, makes it even more challenging to break free from the cycle of poverty.
The impact of this problem is felt profoundly on multiple levels. Firstly, the individuals themselves experience a reduced quality of life, Secondly, their families, especially children, are indirectly affected as they witness and inherit these challenges. Finally, the broader society feels the burden of untreated mental health issues among individuals in poverty, as this can lead to increased crime rates, substance abuse, and homelessness.
What is your solution?
Our innovation, Theragist is designed to address this problem by providing an online platform that offers affordable, accessible, and culturally sensitive mental health support to those in need. By leveraging digital technology, we aim to connect individuals living in poverty with licensed therapists and counselors who can offer professional guidance and support at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person therapy. Theragist empowers individuals to access the help they require, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and breaking the cycle of poverty and poor mental well-being.
Therefore, the problem of limited access to mental health support for people living in poverty is a pressing issue with widespread consequences. Addressing this problem through Theragist not only improves the lives of those affected but also contributes to the overall well-being of society. By providing accessible and affordable mental health services, we aspire to make a positive impact on the lives of millions, both in our country of operation and globally, helping them break free from the chains of poverty and enjoy better mental health.
https://www.theragist.com/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t96mVLJFqPpzOLjMpaA_d_vkzJB5agb5/view
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our project aims to address the pressing mental health needs in Nigeria, impacting a wide range of individuals across various demographics. Our innovation primarily targets the diverse Nigerian population, including different genders, age groups, low income levels, and minority groups. Nigeria's mental health crisis affects people from all walks of life, and our platform seeks to benefit:
- Ages: Adolescents, adults, and old people who experience mental health challenges will benefit from accessible support.
- Diverse Genders: Men, women, and individuals with diverse gender identities who face mental health issues will find inclusive and tailored resources.
- Low Income Levels: People across low income brackets will have access to affordable and quality mental health services.
- Marginalized Communities: Minority populations, including ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities, often face unique mental health disparities, and Theragist aims to provide culturally sensitive assistance.