Addressing mental health issues requires innovative approaches that go beyond traditional methods. Innovation is crucial because it allows for the development of new ideas, strategies, and interventions to effectively tackle the complex challenges associated with mental health. In this interview with TechBullion, Dmitry Broshkov, CTO of 2B Well talks about the platform and its position at the Heart of Mental Health Innovation.
Welcome, Dmitry! Could you share a bit about yourself and the vibrant team behind 2B Well?
Absolutely! I’m Dmitry Broshkov, serving as the CTO at 2B Well, a platform dedicated to bolstering mental health support. My journey with the company began at the beginning of 2023 when I met Richard Barker at a digital healthcare event in London. Richard introduced me to the incredible Tania Orlova and Serge Umansky, and he painted a vivid picture of our mission. I was instantly hooked by the opportunity to leverage my digital healthcare and medtech experience from previous products in which I was involved to support Ukrainians in need.
Our team is a melting pot of expertise, united by our mission to aid those affected by war and displacement. We have Tania Orlova, our clinical psychologist; Richard Barker, the digital medicine maestro; Serge Umansky, the AI and data analytics whiz; and myself, with a background in engineering AI, SaaS/PaaS/IaaS, along with mobile and web applications. We’re also backed by a panel of seasoned advisors from the UK and Ukraine.
Fascinating! Can you delve into what 2B Well is all about?
2B Well is more than just a platform; it’s a beacon of hope for those grappling with the psychological aftermath of the military conflict in Ukraine. We’re a community interest company (CIC), focusing on offering psychological help, not for profit but as a social enterprise. Our collaboration extends to humanitarian organizations across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, providing a lifeline for those struggling to cope.
What sparked the creation of 2B Well, and how does it cater to the unique challenges Ukrainians face?
The escalating mental health crisis among millions of Ukrainians, worsened by ongoing conflict, was our call to action. 2B Well was born out of necessity, and sculpted as a comprehensive digital sanctuary offering support through an AI-driven chatbot, direct counselling, and community-building features, all while respecting the cultural and linguistic essence of the Ukrainian community.
Navigating the complexities of mental health support must be challenging. Can you elaborate?
Indeed, it’s a formidable task. The WHO estimates up to 10 million people may be suffering from mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to the conflict. With most digital mental health resources in Ukraine available only in English and conventional psychiatric services overwhelmed, we sought a scalable, culturally sensitive solution. 2B Well embodies this, blending AI-powered chatbots with human consultants attuned to the nuances of Ukrainian culture.
Could you highlight some key features of the 2B Well app and their impact on mental well-being?
Certainly! Our app features an AI-enabled chatbot named “Uncle Zen” for stress assessment and personalized support, instant access to trained volunteers and professional therapists, and tools for fostering community support. These elements synergize to offer accessible, immediate, and culturally attuned assistance, helping users navigate mental stress with greater ease.
Lastly, what future potential do you see for the 2B Well project?
While our initial focus is on assisting Ukrainians affected by conflict, the technology and methods we’re developing have the potential to address global mental health crises, benefiting both refugees and non-refugees alike. It’s an exciting and meaningful journey ahead for us.
You can find out more and stay in touch here on our website: 2BWell
