My Therapy Buddy
A suite of free and affordable anonymous tools, powered by Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Strategically designed to guide your brain in navigating the daily battles of chronic mental illnesses like depression, PTSD, BPD, and eating disorders, even if you've struggled with traditional therapy approaches.
Milestones
Even without a dedicated marketing budget, My Therapy Buddy has attained the following significant milestones:
Unique Users Since 2020
8k
Unique Users in Q3 2022
3.5k
Books Sold Without Marketing
330+
Funded So Far
$3k
New Free Tools Developed
1
% App Developed
50%
New Books in the Pipeline
8
(2 books per illness)
New Online Tools in the Pipeline
4
(1 core tool per illness)
New Physical Products
4
(1 kit per illness)
The Problems
My Therapy Buddy was created in the midst of the 2020 global COVID-19 outbreak. I saw an immense need for affordable and accessible mental health tools that could be used for a wide range of life situations.
Affordability
Most effective mental health tools are expensive and inaccessible to those who need them most.
Few Effective Short-Term Self-Therapy Tools
Most self-guided mental health tools use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a long-term form of psychotherapy aimed at addressing deep struggles. This does not address immediate issues that can be resolved with other evidence-based self-therapy techniques.
Stigma
Stigma and privacy concerns persist even in a digital age when mental health is more frequently discussed.
SO I CREATED...
The Solutions
Forever-Free
Versatile, Evidence-Based Self-Help
Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Therapy Buddy replace actual therapy?
The short answer is no. Depending on your situation, you may or may not feel that you need an actual therapist.
We find that the best results come from using My Therapy Buddy with a qualified, professional therapist or psychiatrist.
Is it REALLY free?
Yes! My Therapy Buddy is 100% free to use without any restrictions.
No sign-up required!
One-Time Donation
(gift sessions to a stranger)
THERE ARE 2 WAYS
TO DONATE
We appreciate every donation!
Monthly Donation
(unlocks unlimited access)
What is "self-therapy journaling"?
Self-therapy journaling is an activity that helps your brain make connections, dig deep, and find solutions to whatever you are struggling with.
My Therapy Buddy is designed to take self-therapy journaling to a new level with intuitive prompts and activities that can help even the most apathetic human dig deep without stress.
Who is My Therapy Buddy made for?
Everyone!
My Therapy Buddy is designed for individuals across all walks of life seeking an accessible, confidential mental health tool. Its versatility caters to students, professionals, parents, retirees, and particularly those grappling with chronic conditions like bipolar disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders.
It's a supportive platform to supplement professional services and navigate mental health journeys.
Why did you create My Therapy Buddy?
In the midst of the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, we saw an immense need for affordable and accessible mental health tools that could be used for a wide range of life situations.
So, we created a solution-focused therapy tool that fills a gap between emergency hotlines and actual therapists.
*boom*
My Therapy Buddy was born!
How do you store my information?
For security and confidentiality purposes, My Therapy Buddy does NOT store any information from your sessions aside from your email. This is to ensure that you have full control of your sessions. The only information we keep on file is your email so that we can send you your session notes!
Accomplishments
Attracted a user base of 8K without any marketing budget
Successfully sold 330+ self-help books without marketing, indicating market need and product acceptance
Garnered $3K in funding within the first 6 months, reflecting investor confidence in the minimum viable product (MVP)
3-Year Roadmap
1) Calculated Development
The development of My Therapy Buddy was a calculated, iterative process that began with a deep understanding of the prevailing mental health landscape and the gaps within it.
2) Product Design
The idea was then shaped into a product through careful planning, UX design, and software development.
3) Iterative Refinement
The continuous refinement of the product is informed by user feedback and changing mental health needs.
LOW-FIDELITY MOBILE MOCK-UP
Summary of What's Next
FEATURES
Based on comprehensive user research, we have identified a significant demand for affordable mental health tools that cater to chronic conditions such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, and eating disorders. We will expand our suite of products and tailor our content and therapeutic approach to specifically support these user groups, providing them with long-term, solution-focused self-therapy tools.
PRODUCT EXPANSION
Our development pipeline includes eight new books, four online tools, and four physical products, each meticulously designed to provide condition-specific assistance. These tools will offer practical, evidence-based strategies and techniques to help users navigate the challenges of their specific conditions.
CUSTOM APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
We are halfway through the development of a proprietary app that will further personalize the user experience, offering features such as session tracking, custom reminders, and condition-specific resources. This application will particularly benefit our users struggling with chronic conditions by providing them with a single, comprehensive platform for their mental health needs.
FUNDRAISING AND SCALING
To fund these ambitious plans, we will continue to seek funding from both private and institutional investors who align with our mission. The funding will enable us to scale our operations, reach more users, and make a substantial impact on the mental health space.
DATA-DRIVEN IMPROVEMENT
As we expand, we will continue to employ a data-driven approach to product development. Regular user feedback, coupled with comprehensive market research, will guide the iterative refinement of our offerings, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of our users, particularly those living with chronic conditions.
DE-STIGMITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
An integral part of our mission is to combat the stigma associated with mental health, particularly within the context of chronic illnesses. Through education, advocacy, and the normalizing of mental health self-care, we will strive to create a community that supports and uplifts its members.
Development & Expansion
Year 1
Objective: To develop and expand the current offering into a reliable, HIPAA-compliant AI tool. Also, to complete the lineup of workbooks and push them into educational settings.
Budget Needs: Estimated $200,000. This includes the hiring of a UX designer and full-stack developer, creation of the AI tool, print and e-book publishing, and initial marketing efforts.
Budget Allocation
- UX Designer: $80,000
- Full Stack Developer: $100,000
- Marketing: $20,000
Marketing
Focus on organic SEO content and building relationships with educational publishers.
Product Development
Hire a UX designer and full-stack developer to create a HIPAA-compliant AI tool, while also developing and publishing new workbooks.
Fundraising
Begin searching for investors who align with the mission, including institutional investors and private investors in the mental health and education space.
Growth & Marketing
Year 2
Objective: To grow the user base and increase revenue through sales of books and the new AI tool.
Budget Needs: Estimated $250,000. This includes continued salaries for the UX designer and full-stack developer, increased marketing efforts, and operational costs.
Budget Allocation
- UX Designer: $80,000/year
- Full Stack Developer: $100,000/year
- Marketing: $60,000 (incl. short-form video content for social advertising)
- Operational costs: $10,000
Marketing
Intensify marketing efforts through SEO, social advertising, and partnerships with educational institutions.
Product Development
Continual improvement and development of the AI tool based on user feedback. Publish the new line-up of books.
Fundraising
Continue seeking investors, with a focus on demonstrating growth and the potential of the AI tool to generate revenue.
Scale & Impact
Year 3
Objective: To make a substantial impact in the mental health space, destigmatize mental health in the context of chronic illnesses, and grow the community.
Budget Needs: Estimated $300,000. This includes the salaries for the UX designer and full-stack developer, enhanced marketing efforts, operational costs, and resources for community building.
Budget Allocation
- UX Designer: $80,000/year
- Full Stack Developer: $100,000/year
- Marketing: $100,000
- Operational costs: $10,000
- Community building resources: $10,000
Marketing
Enhance marketing efforts, focusing on showcasing the impact of the tools and books. Continue partnerships with educational institutions and explore new partnerships with mental health advocacy groups.
Product Development
Continue to refine and adapt the AI tool and the books to meet the changing needs of the user base. Explore possibilities for new tools and books based on user feedback and market research.
Fundraising
With demonstrated growth and impact, focus on securing long-term investment partners to sustain and expand the work.
Community Development
Focus on building a supportive and engaged user community. Allocate resources towards advocacy, education, and normalizing mental health self-care.