The first web-platform to provide support for mental health of Nepalis around the globe, ‘mankaakura.co’, was launched on April 22.

Mankaa Kura is an online-based therapy and counseling platform where one can find and choose suitable therapy/counseling sessions in an affordable price range.

As the counseling sessions and mental Healthcare therapy are really expensive in western countries and without insurance to cover such costs, one might have to pay as much as $200-$300 for such services.

A statement issued by the web-platform says that the vision of the organization is to develop Nepal as a nation where one can talk freely about emotional well-being and mental healthcare, without having to come across prying, judgemental eyes.

The platform also states that according to WHO estimates, there has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions, half of which start by 14 years of age.

For many, cases go undetected and this perhaps accounts for the 76% to 85% of people with mental health issues in low- and middle-income countries as they do not have access to treatment and are forced to spend their lives in a disoriented and demoralised state, the statement reads.

The web platform claims that the sessions, which last for 50 minutes each, aren’t there to fix you but help uncover one’s underlying issues, and understand them to improve mental health and wellness.

“In recent years, there has indeed been a steady rise in people participating in dialogues about mental health in our country and our communities, and Mankaa Kura wants to keep the ball rolling while simultaneously also help one find the balance and the care,” the statement further reads.

As per the platform, Mankaa Kura is also fully Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) compliant, meaning the sensitive health information of patient will not be disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.