Startup with local link extends mental heath support to students

Nagpur: Born in Nagpur, entrepreneur Rachit Singh is making strides in addressing mental health challenges among students through a startup, PsychTools, which operates across Germany and India. The startup focuses on providing structured psychological support systems, with its India operations currently centred in schools across Nagpur.Speaking at the Viksit Bharat conclave, Nagpur team lead Dr Shreyasi Jogi highlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health services in schools. She noted that many students, particularly at a vulnerable age, hesitate to share personal concerns with teachers or peers, creating a gap that often goes unaddressed. PsychTools aims to bridge this divide by offering a safe, confidential, and professional platform within the school ecosystem.With a small team of seven to eight members in Nagpur and just over a year in operation, the startup is already witnessing steady growth.Currently partnered with 16 to 17 schools in and around Nagpur, the startup conducts workshops covering emotional awareness, stress management, breathing techniques, time management, and motivation. These sessions ensure that every student develops a basic understanding of mental well-being while helping reduce the stigma associated with psychological issues."During these workshops, the team identifies a small percentage of students, typically 1–2%, for providing one-on-one counselling and therapy sessions, addressing concerns such as learning disabilities, behavioural challenges, or conditions on the autism spectrum. The initiative also extends to teachers and non-teaching staff through specialised sessions on classroom management, communication, and relationship handling," she said.Jogi added it's an affordabile and accessible model. Operating on a subscription basis, the cost is borne largely by schools, reducing financial burden on parents. On average, the per-student expense ranges between Rs30 and Rs80 per month.PsychTools has also introduced innovative tools such as a "worry box," allowing students to anonymously share concerns, and a "Relationship Toolbox," a structured activity-based programme designed to improve interpersonal understanding across various relationships.