Technologists Krishna Veer Singh and Tarun Gupta share striking parallels: both worked in the US, held roles at internet giants, and met while working at Uber, where they bonded over shared values. But it was their personal struggles with mental health—and the lack of accessible solutions—that inspired them to build LISSUN in 2021, a tech-driven mental health platform for India.
“These gaps exist at multiple levels—awareness, acceptance, access and affordability,” says Singh. “From the start, our goal was to reach large, underserved populations using technology.”
But the duo knew that building a mental health app wouldn’t guarantee use. “That’s why we focused on distribution from day one. First-time entrepreneurs build products; second-time ones build distribution. We consider ourselves 1.5-timers—we’ve learned from both ends,” Singh adds.
Instead of offering therapy as a standalone service, the Gurugram-based LISSUN integrates it into real-life care journeys. They began with high-stress domains like infertility and maternity. “We embedded our services in IVF clinics, maternity hospitals, cancer care and dialysis centres—places where patients already face intense emotional strain,” says Singh.
Next, they entered the student wellness space, particularly among those preparing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. LISSUN partnered with coaching centres in Kota, Indore, Vashi, Shakarpur and other tier-2 or tier-3 towns, becoming one of the largest mental health support providers in this segment.
Their third focus was children with special needs, such as those with ADHD, autism and developmental delays. LISSUN began launching dedicated physical centres to support this group.
Operating in a hybrid model—both digitally and physically—LISSUN’s in-house therapists offer psychotherapy, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, assessments and pharmacological support. Meanwhile, their AI-based tools enhance care delivery—analysing session data, tracking outcomes and suggesting interventions. Predictive models are also in development to flag at-risk users early.
Despite rising need, stigma around mental health persists. Singh says this makes their embedded approach essential. “A diabetic patient is fine taking pills but hesitates to see a psychologist. By integrating mental health into their regular care path, we sidestep stigma rather than confront it head-on,” he says.
Singh believes the younger generation offers hope. “Even 10- to 12-year-olds are open to discussing mental health,” he says. “In small towns, too, we see this shift. As today’s teens become financially independent adults, help-seeking behaviour will become the norm.”
Interestingly, women still seek support more than men—not because they need more help, but because they’re more open. “Men tend to suppress and deny the need,” says Singh.
Another insight: the metro vs. non-metro divide is narrowing. “The awareness gap is closing fast,” he says.
However, regulation remains a challenge. “Mental health is still evolving as a policy priority. There’s a lack of standardisation in therapy practices, qualifications and digital care delivery. We need frameworks that support innovation while protecting users,” says Singh.
LISSUN’s journey shows how empathy, tech and distribution can come together to fill deep systemic gaps in mental health care—making it accessible, contextual and stigma-free.