Emoneeds partners New Venture Fund & NAADAM for free mental healthcare to 2,500 people in rural India

New Delhi: Emoneeds has partnered with the New Venture Fund for Global Policy and Advocacy (NVF for GPA) and Hyderabad-based NGO NAADAM to offer free mental health treatment to over 2,500 individuals in tier 2, tier 3 cities, and rural areas.

This initiative aims to bridge the gap in mental health services in underserved regions of India and support a diverse range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, OCD, and drug addiction.

The New Venture Fund for Global Policy and Advocacy, based in Washington, supports innovative and high-impact projects that enhance global health and development. By engaging with NAADAM, an NGO based in Hyderabad for the implementation of Project Manas, the fund aims to advance policy and advocacy efforts that increase visibility and resources for critical health issues.

As a technical partner, Emoneeds will offer both online and offline mental health support as part of this initiative, providing free OPD services, clinical assessments, and extensive mental health psychiatric and psychological support. The project is set to provide free treatment to 1,000 serious mental health patients for periods ranging from three to nine months, tailoring services to the specific mental illnesses and severities faced by each patient.

Emoneeds’ approach is built on a network of over 40 psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors specializing in chronic mental illnesses. Each patient will receive a dedicated team to provide personalized treatment following standard clinical protocols. The initiative will leverage tele-monitoring calls enabling mental health professionals to monitor patients’ well-being, detect early warning signs, and prevent relapses, thereby improving medical compliance. 

In addition, Emoneeds will employ various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy (BT), supportive therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). A Clinical Decision Support System will assist psychiatrists and psychologists in diagnosing and treating patients, while standard diagnostic tests will track patient progress. AI tools will further support clinical decision-making and treatment protocols, ensuring high-quality care.

Rajat Goel, Co-Founder of Emoneeds, emphasized, “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and partnering with NVF and NAADAM, we’re not just providing treatment; we’re revolutionizing how mental health services are delivered in underserved areas.”

Dr. Neerja Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of Emoneeds, highlighted, “Our ‘At Home’ service delivery model, aided by technology, allows us to reach patients in Tier 2 and rural areas. There is a treatment gap of as high as 80 % when it comes to mental health services, and this project will be a torchbearer in highlighting how such services can be made available to patients across the country particularly in rural areas.”

“The project is expected to have far-reaching impacts, including reducing the stigma associated with mental health services in India, bridging the treatment gap, supporting families and caregivers. The digital-first approach utilizes evidence-based, data-driven processes to monitor patient progress. Standard mental health diagnostic tools will be used to track improvements and treatment plans will be implemented to ensure functional recovery for patients,” he added.