MyTherapistng, a leading Nigerian mental healthtech startup, has reached a significant milestone of 5,000 users and announced a strategic partnership with WellaHealth, a prominent Nigerian healthtech company. This collaboration aims to provide MyTherapistng users with access to micro-health insurance, enhancing the overall health security for individuals and corporate clients.
Partnership Details
The partnership will integrate WellaHealth’s innovative approach to affordable healthcare into the MyTherapistng platform. This integration will offer users a comprehensive range of health solutions, including telemedicine, malaria tests and treatments, diabetes and blood pressure screening, and more. Initially, this service will be available to corporate clients, providing a holistic health package that covers both mental and physical health needs.
Oluwaseun Raphael Afolayan, CTO and Co-founder of MyTherapistng, highlighted the benefits, stating, “This all-in-one package covers employees’ mental health and physical health. WellaHealth will be our direct service providers, ensuring seamless delivery of these services.”
The Mental Health Landscape in Nigeria
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, faces significant mental health challenges. Statistics indicate that one in four Nigerians suffers from mental illness, yet only about 10.4% of those with severe mental disorders receive treatment. This gap underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health services, which MyTherapistng aims to address.
Despite the dire need for health coverage, only 3% of Nigerians currently have health insurance. The federal government, under the guidance of Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the President on Health, plans to extend health coverage to over 50 million Nigerians by 2027, focusing on vulnerable and elderly populations.
The Importance of Strategic Partnerships
For healthtech startups like MyTherapistng and WellaHealth, partnerships are crucial in improving healthcare access and expanding service availability. Research underscores the importance of strategic alliances in fostering innovation and business growth. According to BPI Network, as reported by Forbes, 44% of businesses actively seek alliances to gain new ideas and insights that drive innovation. Additionally, a Harvard Business Review report reveals that 94% of technology executives view innovation partnerships as essential to their strategic approach.
Jo Griffiths, co-founder of GIIG and GSA Africa, emphasizes the long-term vision of fostering sustainable businesses with a positive impact. “We nurture interconnected communities through trust, expertise, and networks, promoting cross-border collaboration and market access to drive systemic transformation and sustainable development across the continent,” Griffiths said.
Impact of the Partnership
This collaboration is set to drive innovation and enhance mental health awareness in Nigeria, where individuals with mental illnesses often face stigma and discrimination. Dedoyin Ajayi, Co-founder and CEO of MyTherapistng, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Our goal has always been to break down barriers to mental health care. Partnering with WellaHealth not only broadens the scope of services we provide but also reinforces our commitment to holistic health support for our users.”
This development aligns with WellaHealth’s recent initiatives, including the launch of Healthsend Africa in Kenya and the rollout of the subsidiary in Nigeria. Healthsend allows immigrants to top up a website wallet and pay for various healthcare services for their family members in Nigeria and Kenya. It is accessible to immigrants in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
Future Prospects and Expansion
MyTherapistng is actively engaging in partnership discussions with several key organisations aligned with its mission to provide better mental well-being for all Africans. Prospective partners include HMO organisations like Wellness HMO and IHMS, and healthtech startups such as Clafiya, Famasi, and Healthtracka.
Founded in October 2022 by Afolayan and Ajayi, MyTherapistng aims to democratize access to mental health services in Nigeria. The platform offers access to various therapists, tools, and resources to improve and maintain mental well-being, available in video, text, and audio formats. For students with valid proof, therapy costs as low as ₦1,500, while the standard rate for individuals is ₦3,000.
In addition to individual support, MyTherapistng provides corporate wellness programs for businesses and organisations to support their employees’ mental health. Recent features like therapy gifting and couples therapy have been well-received, enabling users to share mental health support and receive professional guidance for relationship challenges. Upcoming enhancements include Mindspace community support groups, student discounts, group therapy sessions, and streamlined pricing for corporate wellness.
International Expansion
The company has expanded its user base to Cameroon, Togo, France, the UK, and the US. It plans to add more multilingual therapists to better serve users from diverse linguistic backgrounds. To facilitate easier payments, MyTherapistng will soon support additional international payment options and offer time zone flexibility, enhancing accessibility for global users.
Recognizing competitors like Blueroomcare as co-innovators, MyTherapistng is intensifying collaborations with international mental health organisations to ensure its services are culturally relevant and sensitive to the needs of its diverse user base.
Conclusion
MyTherapistng’s partnership with WellaHealth represents a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency in Nigeria. By combining mental and physical health services, the collaboration aims to provide comprehensive care to users, breaking down barriers to mental health and fostering a holistic approach to well-being. As MyTherapistng continues to grow and expand its reach, its innovative approach and strategic partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.