Understanding Mental Health Applications in India

Bio: Lasya holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Kautilya School of Public Policy (Class of 2025) whose interests lie in fields such as technology, policy and business. She has worked as an advanced analyst at Ernst and Young, an Associate at Accenture and as a founder of 'Help Nation'.

Project Outline: This study explores how young people between ages 18 and 30 experience these apps, what they expect, and why usage lags. Using surveys and in-depth interviews with psychologists and developers, the research uncovers deep concerns, ranging from poor cultural relevance and lack of emotional connection to gaps in privacy, trust, and professional oversight. The research shows that most MHApps today fall short, not because of lack of effort, but because they are built in silos. This study calls for collaboration between policymakers, clinicians, developers, and users to co-create a digital mental health ecosystem that feels safe, local, inclusive, and genuinely supportive—especially for the generation that needs it the most.