Enter a world where passion meets purpose, where resilience transforms tragedy into triumph. Meet Richa Singh, the CEO and Co-founder of YourDOST, a guiding star of hope in the realm of emotional wellness. Richa’s journey from IIT Guwahati to the forefront of mental health advocacy is a story of resolute dedication and compassion.
From her early days shaping user experiences at DEShaw & Co. to delving into the complexities of product management at Webfluenz and o9 Solutions, Richa’s path has been marked by challenges that have only fueled her determination to make a difference. The genesis of YourDOST, born from personal loss and a deep-seated desire to prevent others from suffering in silence, has blossomed into a movement that transcends mere counseling.
YourDOST is not just a platform; it is a lifeline for those facing inner turmoil, a sanctuary where stories of struggle are met with empathy and guidance. What began as a humble blog has evolved into a transformative force in India’s emotional wellness sphere, touching hearts, inspiring change, and erasing the shadows of stigma.
Join us on a journey of healing and empowerment alongside Richa and YourDOST, where every setback is a steppingstone, every challenge a catalyst for growth. Together, we rewrite the narrative of mental health, creating a space that is inclusive, supportive, and empowering for all who seek solace and strength. Let YourDOST be the hand that guides you through the storms, reminding you that within every struggle lies the seed of resilience and hope!
Provide a brief overview of your organization. How would you describe your company & its mission and vision?
YourDOST, founded in 2014 by me and Puneet, is a pioneering force in India’s emotional wellness landscape, aiming to reshape how mental health is perceived and addressed in various sectors. Our mission is to help individuals, communities, and organizations unlock their full potential for a better world by creating enriching work environments, fostering resilience and engagement in communities, and empowering individuals to improve themselves.
With a unique methodology tailored to the needs of corporates, educational institutions, and government bodies, we have earned the trust of renowned names like the CK Birla Group, UpGrad, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIM Bangalore. Our three-pronged strategy focuses on Awareness, Training, and Individual Counseling, offering comprehensive mental wellness coverage through general awareness initiatives, group training sessions, and personalized counseling.
Having partnered with over 500 clients and supported over 2 million individuals to date, our vision is to destigmatize mental health by making it engaging and approachable. We aim to create an environment where seeking support is not just normalized but encouraged, fostering a community spirit rooted in gratitude and mutual support. Our ultimate goal is to make mental health fun and accessible, removing barriers to seeking help and building healthier, more supportive communities worldwide.
How does it feel to be recognized as one of the Rising Healthcare startup companies in India? What sets your organization apart from others in the industry?
Being recognized as one of the rising healthcare startups in India is both humbling and exhilarating for YourDOST. Acknowledgments like those from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat episode or invitations to meet the President of India fuel our passion and commitment towards our mission. These recognitions not only motivate our team to push boundaries but also play a crucial role in amplifying our message across India, broadening our reach and impact.
What truly sets YourDOST apart in the industry is our holistic approach to addressing the core challenges of mental health: stigma, accessibility, and availability. Recognizing the barriers that prevent people from seeking help—such as fears of being judged, logistical hurdles, and the lack of round-the-clock support—we leveraged our technology background to devise innovative solutions.
With the changing needs of the current generation, YourDOST has evolved into a comprehensive emotional wellness platform that not only facilitates access to experts but also offers a wealth of programs and self-help tools. These include personality tests, learning modules, and self-paced programs catering to diverse areas and segments. From smoking cessation for busy working professionals to maternity support for expecting moms, and change management for first-time managers to relationships, sexual wellness, or self-improvement, YourDOST provides a wide range of resources for individuals seeking improvement.
What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered as a leader in the healthcare startup ecosystem, and how did you overcome them?
In leading YourDOST, we’ve navigated several challenges that are inherent to India’s healthcare startup ecosystem, particularly in the realm of mental health.
- Stigma and Cultural Barriers: Overcoming the stigma around mental health, YourDOST provides a safe, confidential platform inspired by PM Modi’s call for openness on depression.
- Awareness and Education: Addressing the lack of awareness, YourDOST educates the public through blogs and social media to encourage more individuals to seek counseling.
- Accessibility and Availability: YourDOST offers 24×7 access to over 900 experts digitally, bridging the gap in mental health professional scarcity, especially in rural areas.
- Affordability: Partnering with organizations, YourDOST provides free counseling services to end-users, making mental health support more affordable and accessible.
- Shifting Perceptions on Healthcare: By emphasizing the importance of mental healthcare and counseling, YourDOST contributes to changing perceptions and promoting mental wellness as a crucial aspect of overall healthcare in India.
Our approach has been to embrace these challenges as opportunities to innovate, educate, and collaborate. We’re optimistic about the future, believing that we’re on the cusp of a transformative era in mental healthcare, where services like those offered by YourDOST will be integral to mainstream healthcare solutions.
Can you share any notable success stories or positive impacts your startup has had on individuals or communities?
At YourDOST, our journey is marked by success stories, including over 600 YD Warriors who have shared their transformation through our counseling services, inspiring hope and openness in mental health support. Engaging with the Government of India, we presented policy recommendations to the Prime Minister, received prestigious awards like the Start-Up India Award, and were featured in national platforms like “MannKiBaat.” An invitation from the United Nations in Mar 2024 to represent India for our Parenthood program showcases our commitment to societal well-being. Having impacted over 30 lakh individuals and saved 10,000 lives in 9 years, our focus on early detection and intervention underscores the importance of accessible mental health support. These achievements propel us forward, reminding us of the lives we strive to impact positively.
What are your company goals and aspirations for the future in the dynamic landscape of Indian healthcare startups?
As we look towards the future, YourDOST is poised to navigate the dynamic landscape of Indian healthcare start-ups with a clear vision. Our primary goal is to extend our reach to all regions of India, ensuring that no individual is left without access to quality mental health support. We aim to cater to a diverse array of organizations, transcending traditional boundaries to include every sector that can benefit from our services.
In the coming years, we envision YourDOST becoming synonymous with mental wellness in India. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusivity, and prioritizing the needs of our community, we are committed to transforming the landscape of mental health care in India and setting a new standard for healthcare start-ups globally.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in the healthcare startup ecosystem in India?
- Address Real On-Ground Challenges: Startups in healthcare should focus on solving significant issues like accessibility, affordability, stigma, or lack of awareness to drive value and growth.
- Leverage Technology Wisely: Utilize technology to enhance healthcare services, break barriers of access and affordability, and offer scalable solutions that can reach diverse populations effectively.
- Build Trust: Trust is crucial in healthcare. Maintain high standards of privacy, confidentiality, and professionalism to establish a strong reputation for reliability and integrity.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Success in healthcare requires navigating regulations, changing behaviors, and overcoming challenges. Entrepreneurs need patience, persistence, and resilience to succeed in this complex domain.
Key Innovations in Healthcare Sector by YourDOST
Holistic Wellness: Comprehensive wellness programs covering physical, financial, and emotional well-being for a deeper impact.
Accessibility: Instant 24×7 connection with professional psychologists online, with an average wait time of 15 seconds.
Regional Language Support: Support in 20+ Indian languages to cater to diverse populations across India.
Quantified Impact: Scientific diagnostics and assessments to measure impact and customize approaches for clients.
Pan India Presence: Network of over 900 experts providing in-person counseling at 130+ locations nationwide.
These initiatives showcase YourDOST’s commitment to leveraging technology for accessible, inclusive, and effective mental health and wellness services across India.
