Salzburg Global Fellows explain how cross-cultural collaboration and technology are improving access to mental health care
This article was written by Salzburg Global Fellows Atiya Anis, Manabu Morgan Miyazaki, and Rashmi Pimpale. These Fellows participated in three different cohorts of the Japan-India Transformative Technology Network. Thanks to the generous support of the Nippon Foundation, they also attended the Salzburg Global session on "Centering on Equity: Transforming the Health Science Knowledge System" in October 2024. This article was informed by cross-contextual learnings gained from their experiences in both programs.
Technology is intricately woven into the fabric of our daily lives, shaping both our work and personal lives. As technology continues to transform nearly every aspect of life, its potential to shape mental health care, support, and treatment has become increasingly significant. While advancements in technology hold great promise for improving access to mental health resources and personalized care, they also present unique challenges in safeguarding user well-being.
Technology is reshaping mental health care, particularly with the rise of teletherapy and self-care apps. We should consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health diagnostics and the steps needed to ensure that technology acts as a positive force in advancing mental health care.
Indian and Japanese Companies at the Forefront
The private sector in both India and Japan has increasingly focused on using technology to provide mental health support.
In India,"United We Care", a deep-tech Generative AI start-up with a human touch, is on a mission to transform mental health and wellness, making it affordable, accessible, and adaptable for billions. The start-up uses a website and a mobile app to provide scientifically validated programs and courses, self-help content, and hundreds of certified emotional wellness experts on a single platform. It primarily deals with problems related to sleep issues, addiction, anxiety, trauma, depression, identity challenges, career, parenting, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, and other lifestyle management tools. The app also has features like “Stella” which is the company’s proprietary interface that speaks 29 languages and understands over 40 emotions.
Another start-up, Psypack, has developed online psychometric testing software for behavioral health professionals. PsyPack offers a wide range of standardized psychological assessments, in-clinic and remote administration, automatic scoring, graphing and reporting, and secure clinical record keeping. The start-up is part of a wider tele-mental health movement, aimed at improving access to mental health services across India, even in remote parts of the country.
Vyli Health is focused on women going through reproductive health challenges or fertility issues. Many women today experience one or more reproductive health conditions like menstrual irregularity, hormonal imbalance, PCOS/PCOD, thyroid, or fertility issues. Vyli aims to provide holistic mental and behavioral health support, thereby helping women achieve complete well-being.
In Japan, where mental health is often a sensitive topic, GrooveX’s LOVOT provides a novel approach to emotional support through technology. This small, affectionate robot is designed purely for companionship, using advanced sensors and AI to respond warmly to touch and affection. By providing a comforting, non-judgmental presence, LOVOT helps combat loneliness and supports mental well-being, particularly for Japan’s aging population. Unlike traditional pets, LOVOT requires no physical care, making it accessible to elderly individuals experiencing isolation. For families, LOVOT also bridges generational gaps, fosters empathy and offers companionship to grandparents, ultimately strengthening family bonds and reducing stress.
LOVOT’s design uniquely supports mental health by encouraging soothing interactions like petting and holding, which can produce positive emotional responses. These interactions help users feel more connected and purposeful, providing a non-stigmatizing way to address anxiety and depression. As Japan’s healthcare system faces a growing need for mental health solutions, LOVOT offers accessible, culturally resonant solutions by blending robotics with empathy-focused design.
Navigating The Ethical Dilemmas of Innovation
As technology takes on a growing role in mental health care, ethical considerations surrounding data privacy, consent, and responsible use are critical. Across the globe, stigma around mental health often deters people from seeking help, despite the availability of tools like teletherapy, mental health apps, and AI-driven chatbots. Cultural attitudes, workplace pressures, and societal norms can slow the adoption of these digital solutions, even when they offer private, flexible, and on-demand support.
Workplace dynamics, including long hours and high productivity expectations, contribute to stress, burnout, and reluctance to prioritize mental well-being. While company wellness programs and digital tools can alleviate these challenges, employees often face barriers to fully engaging with such resources due to ingrained cultural or organizational norms.
In addition, ethical challenges surrounding the use of mental health technology add complexity. These tools often rely on AI and data analysis, raising concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive information, such as emotions, behaviors, and biometrics. Transparency, secure data practices, and user trust are essential for widespread adoption. Efforts to establish clear data protection standards and promote digital literacy can help address these concerns, ensuring informed consent and safe technology use.
For mental health technology to be effective, it must navigate the intersections of ethical standards, cultural sensitivities, and user expectations while reducing stigma and fostering accessibility.
