Lisners bridges the gap between technology and psychology, focusing on transforming how society perceives mental health. It champions the cause of raising awareness about mental well-being, tackling the pervasive issue of loneliness, and normalizing mental health discussions to equal the importance of physical health. The platform also actively encourages individuals to seek professional help, breaking barriers of stigma and hesitation.
Positioning itself as a premier therapy app, Lisners provides seamless access to a robust network of experts, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, therapists, and lawyers. Developed by Brightlanes Technologies Private Limited, a DPIIT-recognized startup and a registered MSME under the Government of India, Lisners exemplifies innovation with purpose. It offers a safe space where users can access counseling services that are fully anonymous and confidential. Moreover, the app fosters a supportive peer network, empowering users to connect virtually, share experiences, and build a community rooted in empathy and mutual support.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Amit Singh, CEO of Lisners, highlights the app’s focus on elderly individuals. He explains how it directly addresses the pressing issue of loneliness within this demographic. Furthermore, he discusses the app’s transformative impact on users, the dedicated team driving its mission, and the innovative strides Lisners has made to redefine mental health care. Here are the key highlights from his insightful interview.
Q: Can you share insights into the app you’ve designed specifically for elderly individuals, including its key features and how it addresses their unique needs?
A: Listeners, a tech-driven mental health startup, is tackling India’s mental health crisis with a comprehensive approach. We focus on diverse demographics, spanning adults, corporate employees, and the elderly. Over the past two years, we also have dedicated ourselves to addressing critical gaps in mental health care, with a sharp focus on one of the most pressing issues faced by the elderly: loneliness.
While medical advice and treatments are accessible to many, loneliness remains a silent, pervasive struggle for countless elderly individuals. Upon retirement, many experience a severed social network, leading to isolation. Economic hardships further compound their distress, as they grapple with a sense of dependence and societal burden. Additionally, some are overwhelmed by the emotional toll of current or impending health ailments.
To address this, we’ve established a helpline that provides immediate support. Loneliness consistently emerges as the predominant concern among callers. Our solution blends human connection with cutting-edge technology, enabling meaningful outreach and support.
Currently, we focus exclusively on alleviating loneliness among the elderly. Our team of trained experts specializes in addressing this unique crisis, fostering human-to-human communication that restores a sense of belonging and connection. By leveraging technology, we’re bridging gaps and creating a lifeline for those who need it most.
Q: How does your app tackle the issue of loneliness, particularly among its target audience?
A: The app leverages cutting-edge technology to ensure complete anonymity for users. You don’t need to share your phone number, and neither does the caller. All interactions take place over secure Voice-over-LTE technology, providing a seamless and private communication experience.
To further enhance privacy, every call complies with GDPR standards, guaranteeing the highest level of data protection. Using the app is simple and intuitive—just open it, tap the “Call Now” button, and connect instantly with a compassionate listener.
Currently, the app is available exclusively on Android devices. However, for individuals without access to Android smartphones or those using basic phones, alternative services are also available to ensure inclusivity.
Q: Can you tell us about the size and structure of your team that manages interactions and delivers these services?
A: Over the past three months, we have been receiving three to four daily calls specifically addressing aging and loneliness. This steady influx highlights the growing need for support in this area.
Our team currently comprises 55 skilled therapists dedicated to providing compassionate care. Beyond this, we invest in the next generation of mental health professionals. We train fresh psychology graduates entering the field, equipping them with practical, on-the-job experience.
Our training focuses on essential skills, including the fundamentals of empathy and the etiquette of being compassionate listeners. Once prepared, these trainees use our platform to connect with elderly individuals seeking support, fostering meaningful interactions, and addressing their concerns effectively.
Q: What meaningful changes has your platform brought to the lives of individuals struggling with loneliness?
A: We aim to create two types of transformative changes: immediate relief and long-term solutions. For instant relief, consider a scenario where someone struggling with loneliness reaches out. The moment they connect with a compassionate listener and share their feelings, they experience a sense of emotional release. By the end of the call, they already feel lighter and more at ease.
On the other hand, we focus on addressing the deeper, long-term challenges tied to loneliness. For instance, many elderly individuals reach out, sharing that their children live far away, either in metropolitan cities or abroad. To tackle this, we are working on strategies that provide sustained emotional support and foster lasting connections.
While our short-term impact, offering immediate comfort, has shown remarkable success, we remain committed to developing solutions that address the root causes of loneliness for long-term well-being.
