[Exclusive Interview] This Mental Heath Platform Connects Users With Therapists & Psychiatrists; Soon To Launch AI-Powered Copilots

Recently, we interacted with Mr. Anmol Arora, Founder & CEO, DocVita – India’s largest online clinic on WhatsApp. With DocVita, any user can book appointments and enroll in treatments with the top doctors and mental health professionals.

Here are the interview highlights:

The journey so far – DocVita as a leading healthtech platform in India

DocVita is India’s leading mental wellness platform with a focus on personal growth, relationships, and healing. We provide high-quality coaching, therapy, and psychiatry services, both online and in-person in Bangalore.

Our mission is clear and simple: to destigmatize mental health and provide easy access to high-quality mental healthcare for everyone in India and beyond. It’s about making sure no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

Over the last 2.5 years, our commitment to this mission has only grown stronger. We’ve become one of the best platforms for seeking mental health support in India, helping more than 15,000 people find the right support. It’s a journey filled with learning and growing, both for us and for the individuals we support.

Idea behind DocVita – From ideation to execution

The inception of DocVita stems from a personal experience. Initially, as a telehealth company, we were navigating the broader spectrum of healthcare. However, a pivot to mental health came naturally when I found myself in need of a therapist during a challenging period following a rough breakup. That personal quest highlighted the importance and the need for quality mental health services, which led to the evolution of DocVita as it stands today.

We are always mindful of providing the highest quality of service. When someone reaches out to us, our priority is to connect them with the right professional who can address their unique needs. We personalize this process by understanding our client’s preferences, which in turn guides us in matching them to the right expert.

Why have you chosen the healthcare industry to start your entrepreneurial journey?

My venture into the healthcare industry was kindled by a personal experience. I am an individual driven towards meaning & impact, and the healthcare sector presented the right avenues at the right time for me.

The journey took a nuanced turn when I encountered another personal experience, this time in mental health. My personal challenges of finding the right therapist was a profound eye-opener.

Thus, the pivot towards focusing on mental health was not merely a strategic shift but a deeply personal and informed choice.

Technological structure of the platform and future plans

One of the biggest advantages of DocVita is its seamless accessibility – there’s no need to download any app. We are just a message away on WhatsApp, making it incredibly easy for people of all age groups to reach out and use our services.

The platform extends a comforting sense of safety and familiarity, as our online appointments are conducted over trusted platforms like Google Meet or Zoom. This approach not only eases the process but also instills a sense of security among our users.

Our plans for the future include working on mobile applications to enhance user interaction, guaranteeing effortless entry to our services. We are also actively developing discussion forums and communities within our platform.

What is the impact of technology on the healthcare industry and how DocVita providing the best experience to its users as well as experts on board

For a few years now, technology has helped people access healthcare services from the comfort of their home. It has bridged geographical and logistical barriers.

At DocVita, we leverage technology to provide a seamless and enriching experience for both our users and the experts on board. Our platform is designed to be easily accessible via WhatsApp, which is a familiar interface for many, thereby reducing the barriers to seek help.

We want to maintain a high standard of service, and technology plays a crucial role in our uses’ journey. Our matching algorithm, for instance, takes into account the preferences and needs of the users to connect them with the right professional, ensuring a more personalized experience.

On the other side, for the experts, DocVita offers a streamlined interface for managing appointments over WhatsApp – making it easy to interact with clients, and access resources.

Is DocVita planning to incorporate new emerging technologies like AI, ML, etc?

Yes, we are actively working on developing an AI copilot for therapists. This copilot will handle administrative tasks for providers, such as scheduling. 

During the sessions, the copilot (with clients’ consent) will help mental health professionals in more thorough note-taking, enabling them to fully engage with the client.

Our aim is to help save therapists’ time, freeing up more time for them to help more clients and concentrate on providing empathetic and effective mental health support.

What are the tech trends to follow in the industry?

My personal prediction is that the healthcare industry will have some of the biggest revolutions in optimizing operational efficiencies in the next 5 years. 

A shining example of this trend is the advent of wearable devices, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Companies like Dozee are at the forefront from India, offering devices that monitor various health metrics in real time. These wearable devices are becoming invaluable assets for individuals and healthcare providers. They offer a wealth of data that promotes proactive health management, enabling timely interventions and fostering a culture of preventive healthcare.

Moreover, AI is expected to make a huge impact on administrative processes within healthcare setups. In the next 2 years, automation driven by AI should take over routine & repetitive administrative tasks. This will help healthcare professionals redirect their time and expertise where it matters most – providing empathetic and effective care to patients.

Any Future Plans or case studies to share.

Currently, our services are accessible via WhatsApp, a platform familiar to many. However, we have plans to launch new mobile apps that will further refine the user experience, ensuring seamless access to our services.

We’ve also received a lot of feedback from our clients & professionals regarding the value of shared experiences in this journey. With this in mind, we are in the process of creating forums and communities within our platform where individuals can share their experiences, learn from others, and find the support they need.

In addition, we are working on launching a new repository of verified and up-to-date educational resources and self-help tools on our platform.