A New Approach to Navigating Everyday Issues
As a Delaware-based startup, Being is on a mission to scale its innovative mental health app, designed to help users create a map of their concerns and better navigate everyday issues. Founded in 2020 by CEO Varun Gandhi and CTO Abhishek Sharma, the company aims to provide a unique approach to mental healthcare.
The Idea Behind Being
Gandhi’s personal experience dealing with anxiety growing up and a lack of awareness regarding mental health treatments inspired the idea for Being. He wanted to create an app that would allow users to start from where they currently are, without labeling them with specific concerns like depression or anxiety. The goal is to approach mental health from the ground up, focusing on what people are experiencing at any given moment.
How the App Works
To get started with Being, users can search for any issues or feelings they’re currently experiencing. For example, they might start with "I’m not feeling too great about myself today." Users can then add additional concerns, such as "My physical health doesn’t feel great." If a concern hasn’t already been added by another user, a new entry is created.
Once users have added their issues, they can build a map to see an overview of the different things they want to work on. The map will try to make connections between these concerns, providing a bigger picture of why they may be feeling a certain way. As more people use the app and share their concerns, the map is constantly evolving.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Being currently offers three ways for users to work through their mental health concerns:
1. Mini Interactive Therapy Sessions
These sessions are designed by licensed mental health professionals and focus on evidence-based therapies like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Users can engage in interactive exercises, such as guided meditations or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) worksheets.
2. AI-Powered Journaling Sessions
Users can engage in AI-powered journaling sessions, where they are given prompts to reflect on their current situation. As they start writing, the AI will prompt them with additional questions, helping users gain insights into their thoughts and feelings.
Gandhi emphasizes that Being’s AI features are basic and not intended to replace legitimate science-backed therapy. The app aims to provide a supportive environment for users to explore their concerns without relying solely on technology.
3. Quick Bite of Science-Based Psycho Education
For users with limited time, Being offers short bursts of science-based psycho education. These "quick bites" aim to help people quickly understand why they may be feeling a certain way, providing them with valuable insights to address their mental health concerns.
Subscription Tiers
Being is available on both iOS and Android devices and offers two subscription tiers:
- The first tier costs $9.99 per month and provides a DIY experience.
- The second tier costs $19.99 per month, offering additional support and one-on-one chats with a mental health professional.
Closing the Seed Round
Being is currently in the process of closing a $3 million seed round, building on previous funding rounds led by Multiply Ventures and Better Capital in 2021 and 2022. This investment will help the company further develop its innovative approach to mental healthcare.
Conclusion
Being’s revolutionary mental health app offers a fresh perspective on navigating everyday issues. By focusing on what people are experiencing at any given moment, the app provides a supportive environment for users to explore their concerns without labeling them with specific diagnoses. With its unique approach and commitment to innovation, Being is poised to make a significant impact in the mental healthcare industry.
