Digest #5 – Beyond the call of clinical psychology
An interview with an mH provider with a consulting practise in tech
👋 Hello, I’m Harshali and you’re reading the weekly digest on the mental health tech economy.
This digest marks the start of a long series of collaborations. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to shine light on incredible people and their work in mhTech :)
Today’s digest in a nutshell:
One interesting journey – Suvrita
One Interesting Journey
I met Suvrita right after the release of the first digest. She booked a time for us to chat which led to an inspiring conversation about inter-disciplinary practises, diversification of her skillsets, and psychologist paving their way in tech.
Suvrita runs her private therapy practise. She is also a consultant with Mave Health, a mental health tech company. At Mave, Suvrita’s role is to bring the clinical perspective across teams like like Product and Marketing. Additionally, Suvrita conducts workshops and writes about the business of therapy.
Could you tell us about the evolution of your career - your journey through clinical practise and now working tech?
As a Bachelors student in Psychology, I volunteered with The YP Foundation, a non-profit based in Delhi. I was extensively trained in Comprehensive Sexuality Education. I was involved in monitoring & evaluation, curriculum development, and partnerships for the program. The skills I developed in this role have allowed me to diversify into non clinical roles. I began with non clinical work way before I became a practicing psychotherapist. Eventually, I developed a mental health program for this organisation and started facilitating mental health workshops independently. All this before I had even acquired a Masters degree.
After the Masters degree, my first role was with a school for children with disabilities. My role involved was restricted to implementation of initiatives. The frustration from inability to design programs was my first big insight into what I enjoy- ideating, and developing interventions. This led quitting the role and instead expanding my private practice.
Next, I worked with The Listeners Collective. Initially I the role was restricted to writing. Eventually I was developing and implementing mH programs for marginalised communities.
What were the factors that influenced your decision to take on a role in mhTech?
I was beginning to feel saturated with funding challenges in the development sector and felt the need for a change. I was curious about a role in tech - mhTech seemed up and coming and reached a wider audience. Meanwhile, I’d moved to Bangalore and by sheer osmosis learned about the startup world. I discovered that beyond the clinical practise itself, I was interested in businesses of therapy It was the natural next step to look for work in a mental health tech company.
Finding an organisation that was a mutual fit was challenging. There aren’t as many mhTech tech companies in India. Writing to organisations was not working. So instead I attempted to attract them to me. I began posting on LinkedIn. That is the founders of Mave Health found me. There was a value match and a commitment to create space for mental health professionals to be involved in critical decisions. I had faith that my skills were transferable. Mave was a great fit because the company was young starting and there was ample space to dip my feet in several different roles.
I block 3 days for practice, 2 days for consulting with Mave. I have been clear about my boundaries and my team has been kind and accommodative. My practise as a psychotherapist lends dimensions to my work at an mhTech company, and visa-versa.
What are the challenges of playing two roles, and how do you navigate them?
The challenge has been that I want to do it all. I’d love to consult 5 days a week and practice another 3 days but there are only 7 days in a week and I prefer working on only 5 of them. Jest apart, my biggest worry has been finding organisations who would be okay with me being available only part of the week
I worry that to grow in tech I might have to allocate the entire week instead of only few days. I also love clinical work and do not see myself quitting that anytime soon. There is value in practicing as it allows me to contribute to tech with a lot more insights. So far there has been a comfortable space where I am able to do both and keep learning.
How do you see the future of clinical practice evolve? What are the other areas where interdisciplinary overlaps are possible?
It’s amazing that our community has started imagining possibilities beyond the traditional options of HR and clinical work. Psychology is present in everything. There are innumerable possibilities as to what one can do with this degree. Contributions can be made in Marketing, AI, Market Research, Design, Behavioural Economics, Public Policy, Public Relations, Customer Experience - the list is long.
I believe it’s up to the individual to rise above the bubble of their training and explore possibilities. If I go by my journey- I would say a combination of learning what one is interested and skilled in, alongside observing the movements in the industry helps define the path of one’s own growth.
What would you say to others - to mH providers, tech orgs, students, practitioners?
I used to think that I would work out the details first and then sign up for the job. The process for me has been the exact opposite. Whenever I’ve tried to do something new, I’ve been clueless of where to start. I began with doing some small thing, implementing one idea which could possibly take me in the direction I wanted to go in. The details have work themselves out on the way.
I’d ask everyone to maintain an open mind. When people from diverse disciplines collaborate, the results can be mind blowing. However, when we are skeptical of each other and do not value the other expertise, it prevent us from forging meaningful associations.
Take chances, reach out to people, shamelessly send reminders if they don't respond.
Connect with Suvrita via her linkedIn and her newsletter on the business of therapy.
Weekly conundrums by @ditiiee
If you resonate with Suvrita’s journey, perhaps your peers might too? Consider sharing this newsletter with those interested in mhTech!
Do you have thoughts/ feelings/ questions/ ideas? Lets have a 15 min video chat. 💌
This week I’m out on a holiday 🏖️
Until next time!
Harshali