A small Australian start-up has launched a brand new and innovative mental health app that provides 24/7 support to its users, revolutionising the world of therapy.
The Lyf Support App, which was launched in December 2021, offers instant text-based chat sessions with qualified mental health experts at a fraction of the price of traditional therapy.
“With mental health and wellbeing becoming increasingly important, particularly in recent years, there’s no better time to launch an app like this,” Lyf Support App founder Eddie Wittenberg said.
“Not only does the app offer highly experienced therapists at the touch of a button, but it’s also far more accessible in a financial sense than traditional therapy and is incredibly easy to navigate.”
The Lyf Support App is completely free to download, with private therapy sessions with real experts available for its users at any time of day or night for just $10 per session. Each session lasts for 30 minutes but can be extended if desired.
The app aims to make connecting with mental health experts far more affordable and accessible for everyday people, including those who may have previously avoided seeking such advice due to steep financial costs, waiting room anxiety, or the need to feel presentable.
The idea to launch the app came to Mr Wittenberg by chance when he realised that he couldn’t find any immediate help for the anxiety and depression that were linked to his insomnia. At that moment, he realised that the current system was broken.
“Being able to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing is never a luxury – it’s a necessity. When someone needs help, it often occurs outside of weekly or monthly therapy sessions, which traditionally only goes on for one hour at a time in scheduled slots,” Mr Wittenberg said.
“That’s why it’s so important for Lyf Support to be offering its services 24/7 – because life doesn’t stop for mental health, and sometimes people need help or assistance at any time of day or night.”
The app was created in order to change the issues within the mental healthcare system, from the lack of immediate and affordable mental healthcare to lengthy waiting times and appointment shortages.
In recent years, waiting times for traditional mental health services have increased, causing a collective sense of hopelessness not only for patients but also for psychologists, GPs and mental health hotlines.
With waiting times sometimes occurring for up to nine months and prices for sessions skyrocketing, the Lyf Support App was designed to resolve these issues for everyone.
“No matter how big or small your problem is, everyone at Lyf Support is here for you,” Mr Wittenberg said.
“Lyf Support is a world of support, in the palm of your hands.”
This article was first published on Public Spectrum
Eliza Sayon is an experienced writer who specialises in corporate and government communications. She is the content producer for Public Spectrum, an online knowledge-based platform for and about the Australian public sector.