FROM FREE COUNSELING TO VR THERAPY: MANATI'S MISSION TO MAKE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSIBLE
Bhubaneswar (20/07/2024): Manati, a mental health startup from Bhubaneswar, is making significant strides in the field of mental health care with its innovative approach to providing accessible and effective treatment.
Founded in July 2023 by Aditya Mathan, Manati's mission is to break down barriers to mental health support and offer cutting-edge solutions for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. “Success is not just about achieving goals, but also about empowering others to reach their potential.
Our mission is to innovate and inspire. By leveraging technology, we aim to transform the way mental health is perceived and treated, bringing hope and healing to those in need", expressed Aditya Mathan, Founder & CEO, Manati Aditya's journey to founding Manati is one of resilience and innovation.
Devastated by the loss of both parents, Aditya faced a financial crisis and juggled an online job to save for college. Transitioning from chemistry to psychology in his master's program, he persevered through challenges, clearing the UGC NET exam in his second attempt while still in his first year.
His passion for research and mental health awareness led him to launch Manati, overcoming numerous hurdles along the way. Manati's Commitment to Mental Health: Before launching Manati, Aditya provided free counseling to those in need, recognizing the critical importance of accessibility.
He actively spread mental health awareness through social media campaigns and other platforms, demystifying mental health challenges and offering free psychometric tests and self-assessments at expos and exhibitions. "Manati represents the next chapter in my commitment to mental health.
Our mission is to make mental health care accessible, effective, and free from stigma", Aditya emphasizes. The Evolution from Manati VR to Manati XR: Manati's core offering is its groundbreaking VR therapy platform, which has now evolved into Manati XR.
XR, or Extended Reality, includes both VR and AR technologies, providing a more immersive and engaging experience for users. This innovative platform aims to help individuals manage and overcome mental health issues in a safe and controlled environment. "Our anti-depression model is designed to help individuals manage and overcome depression through immersive VR environments and guided exercises", Aditya announces. Impact and Community Support: Manati's impact extends beyond its platform.
The startup provides psychology students with practical experience through paid internships and hosts expert-led seminars at colleges, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and growth. A testament to Manati's dedication was their response to the Bahanga train accident, where the team provided free counseling services to victims and their families, offering much-needed emotional support during a difficult time. In a short timeframe, Manati has already served over 400 individuals seeking mental health support.
The company's VR therapy platform showed promise during its initial test in January 2024, with 120 participants from diverse backgrounds, including bureaucrats, government employees, entrepreneurs, politicians, and students from prestigious institutions like IIT and IIM.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 8.3. "VR therapy can be an effective tool for treating depression.
By providing flexible, remote therapy options, we can reduce barriers to access and make mental health treatment more consistent and accessible.
Together, we can make a difference in the way mental health is treated and improve the lives of many", Aditya explains. A Vision for the Future: Manati is poised to make a significant impact by providing accessible and effective care, empowering individuals, and nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.
The startup's story exemplifies the power of innovation and compassion in tackling mental health challenges. Incubation at IIT Bhubaneswar: In June 2024, Manati was selected for incubation at IIT Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
This incubation will provide Manati with invaluable resources, mentorship, and support to further develop its innovative VR therapy platform and bring it to a broader audience.
This collaboration with one of India's premier institutes underscores the potential and promise of Manati's mission to revolutionize mental health care.
