Nithya J Rao

Nithya J Rao – Co-Founder

India is home to a growing number of psychotherapy centers, each with its own unique approach to mental healthcare. Despite the many methods followed by companies, ‘Heart It Out’ stands out as a leading psychotherapy center in India. What sets Heart It Out apart is its focus on individualized therapy based in the culutal context of South Asia and the curation of a safe, inclusive space for all demographies of people. With a diverse team of Mental Health Professionals and a variety of modalities to choose from, clients receive tailored care to meet their unique needs and match with their family backgrounds. Heart It Out offers virtual services including tele-therapy and tele-psychiatry, making it convenient for clients to access mental healthcare from anywhere in the world.

Heart It Out’ is best known for its commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in India. By providing affordable, accessible, high-quality mental healthcare services, ‘Heart It Out’ is breaking down barriers in order to promote a culture of open and honest communication around mental health among families.

Industry Insights in an exclusive interview with Ms. Nithya J Rao, a Rehabilitation Psychologist, Social Entrepreneur, Global Shaper, Sandboxer, one of the Top 16 Amazing Indians, and Tedx Speaker, speaks about the founding dream of Heart It Out. Here are some excerpts from our engaging conversation with the dynamic start up founder.

Tell us about the types of therapies offered, and the approach taken.

Our therapy practice offers support for a wide range of issues, including death and trauma, career and workplace concerns, anger management, stress and anxiety, gender and sexuality, depression and bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, body image and eating disorders, and over 97 clinical disorders. We utilize various therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Analytical Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Emotion Focussed Therapy, and Family Systems Techniques. Our approach is eclectic, drawing from a variety of behavioral, existential, gestalt, and humanistic perspectives.

How affordable and flexible are all the therapies offered?

We believe in being accessible to the community and offer a flat 50% discount on therapy fees for all students considering they are the future change-makers of our country. We also offer a sliding scale fee structure to those who are unable to afford therapy or are currently unemployed. We have been fortunate to have clients who generously pay for the therapy fees of the underprivileged. To date, we have provided over 30 lakh rupees in financial assistance.

To ensure effective client care, we use a customized tool to track progress and provide real-time updates to clients through a technology-enabled dashboard. Clients can access the dashboard to track their tasks, reflections, and interact with their therapist.

Our therapists are supervised weekly by a specialized supervisor who guides them in redesigning treatment plans for optimal results. The process of creating and following treatment plans is client-centered and tailored to meet their individual needs. For children and elderly clients, we involve immediate family members in executing treatment plans.

How experienced and qualified are all the onboard therapists?

Our team of mental health experts are highly qualified and hold medical degrees (MBBS) with specializations in Psychiatry or Master’s degrees in Psychology. Our team consists of licensed clinical psychologists, rehabilitation psychologists, and counseling psychologists who are trained and experienced in providing effective mental health support. We also have an excellent team of First Responders, the first of its kind in the world that handles emergencies through a hotline.

How well-equipped is your facility?

We intentionally established Heart It Out in a residential area, a homely setting, to provide our clients with a warm and comfortable environment, rather than a clinical hospital-like atmosphere. Our space is adorned with lush greenery and plants, posters made by clients, and an emotional support animal to further enhance the feeling of warmth and comfort. We also prioritize security and privacy for our clients.

As we continue to expand, we strive to maintain the essence of the cozy rooftop room that we started with, to ensure that our clients continue to receive the same personalized and welcoming experience that we are known for.

How do you handle sensitive cases, such as Trauma, Grief and so on?

We understand that traumatic experiences are a part of life and can take various forms such as deaths in the family, loss, heartbreaks, academic failures, witnessing accidents, or living through pandemics and natural disasters. Our therapists are trained to view clients holistically and acknowledge the impact of difficult situations on their overall well-being. We provide all clients with the utmost care and empathy, recognizing that each person’s experience is unique and requires individualized support.

To ensure that our therapists stay up-to-date with the latest trauma-informed approaches, they undergo periodic training to enhance their skills and knowledge. Our goal is to provide our clients with the highest quality care, informed by the latest research and practices in the field of mental health.

What about group therapy sessions?

Absolutely. In addition to individual therapy, we offer group therapy in the form of sharing circles and focus group sessions. These sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Group therapy has been shown to be highly effective in helping clients feel less alone and more supported, leading to significant improvements in their mental health.

We also conduct events for the general public to promote mental health awareness and provide tools and techniques to manage stress and improve well-being. These events cover topics such as time management, goal-setting, dealing with procrastination, and more. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to take control of their mental health and lead fulfilling lives.

Nithya J Rao – Co-Founder

Nithya J Rao is a Rehabilitation Psychologist, Social Entrepreneur, Global Shaper, Sandboxer, Faculty of Art Entrepreneurship at Christ University, and Tedx Speaker with extensive experience in the areas of resilience, grief, death, and trauma. She draws inspiration from Performing Arts, Indian Philosophy, Coaching, and Religious study in her work. She is also a former Creator of Lahe Lahe, a Performing Arts and Expression Space in Bangalore, and one of the founding members of Katharsis Productions and Quiver Productions-theater production houses. Nithya brings diversity, authenticity, and a compassion-centered approach to her roles as an actor, designer, and director, passionately advocating for a culture that aims towards building inclusive communities. Nithya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Literature & Psychology from Christ University, followed by a Master’s degree in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Counseling from the Richmond Fellowship Society. She has received multiple awards, including Best Consumer Wellness Startup by NITI Aayog and Outstanding Leadership Award in Dubai. Her ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact on the world, steadily and thoughtfully.