According to a report from Health Quality Ontario, a lack of access to services, affordability, and timely access were named as some of the biggest barriers to Ontarians seeking mental health help.
One of this week’s pitchers on The Disruptors is trying to tackle that issue based on her own struggle of trying to get help. Chakameh Shafii, founder and CEO of TranQool, described how the company’s platform connecting people with licensed therapists can help with access.
“We match them up with a therapist, who are licensed social workers and psychology associates,” she said. “We live in a 24/7 on-mode life where we think about our physical health, but what about our mindset and emotional health?”
At $60 for 45 minutes, Shafii said that it makes it more affordable for people to take care of their mental health. Co-host Amber Kanwar noted that the existence of TranQool meant that our idea of marketplaces are shifting.
“We have eBay, we have Etsy, and we have a marketplace for things. Now this next wave of the internet and connecting people is not about a marketplace for things, it’s about a marketplace for serves,” said Kanwar.
Croxon noted his own struggle with paying over $150 for his own therapist — and though he wondered about the quality of the service, he appreciated that it was making it more accessible for people who can’t afford the large price point. “Talking to somebody is better than talking to nobody,” said Croxon. “Let’s hope the quality of the therapists are there, and if they are, they’ve disrupted a market.”
Watch the whole pitch below:
BetaKit is a production partner on The Disruptors. Tune in to BNN every Thursday night at 7pm for full episodes!
