A spike in demand for online services
Since the Government introduced gradual lockdown measures last month, MyMind, an Irish social enterprise charity founded by ex-Googler and clinical psychologist, Krystian Fikert has seen a significant increase in demand for mental health services through its online video conferencing platform.
Since starting in 2006, MyMind's team of over 120 multi-lingual and multi-disciplinary therapists (covering 15 different languages across the group), have been supporting individuals and families from different backgrounds and communities across Ireland. Including those in rural areas or working and travelling overseas, as the purpose-built technology can handle low bandwidth connections. Where there is no internet access, therapists can provide support over the phone.
The flexible pricing structure ensures that everybody can avail of the service with fees based on the client's employment and life situation. For the older people that are currently cocooning, the retired and those that are unemployed or in full-time third level education, the cost is €20 for an appointment. MyMind offers a sliding scale of payments. They offer two other different fees, depending on what works for the client: €30 for part-time employees while €50 is the standard fee.
Krystian says: "We have seen a dramatic spike in demand for our online mental health services. In a time of such upheaval and uncertainty to our lives, we must look after our mental health. Our message to the public is simple - whatever your location, background or situation, our team is here to support. Thankfully, during these challenging times, technology is our enabler.”
The MyMind team of highly qualified therapists are facilitating appointments outside of usual hours to adapt to our current unconventional living situations, such as when kids are in bed.
Data privacy and security are of the utmost importance; no third party software is used, and all video calls are secured using a private API.
To schedule appointments within 24 hours, visit www.mymind.org.