The Brussels start-up Websie.co, which has developed a web platform allowing patients to find a psychologist to consult online, has just carried out a first capital increase. The funds will be used to develop its mobile application and strengthen its sales force.
With the health crisis, the number of psychological consultations of Belgians has exploded, to the point that psychologists are struggling to meet demand. To combat this problem, the startup Websie, with its network of more than 150 certified psychologists, allows its patients to find the certified psychologist adapted to their needs for consultations by message, telephone or videoconference. If the health crisis has made it possible to remove certain taboos on mental health, and in particular on consulting a shrink, the startup wishes to break down additional barriers to push the undecided to take the plunge. One in six Belgians suffers from mental disorders, but only 10% of them consult.
Different from a simple directory, Websie offers assistance in choosing a psychologist: “Future patients can chat with a member of the team to direct them to the best possible choice. Just because someone close to you loved a psychologist doesn't mean I'm going to do the same. It is important to choose the right specialist according to your disorders: anxiety, addiction… to obtain results but also according to the desired result or the type of therapy” declares Martin Bragard, CEO of Websie. Another advantage of the startup: the possibility of consulting by videoconference or in so-called “asynchronous” consultation: unlike a “classic” psy session, the consultation takes place by chat. The patient can send messages to his psychologist as soon as he feels the need. The psychologist responds once a day: “It allows you to benefit from the continuous support of a registered psychologist. Without an appointment." adds the co-founder and CEO.
Online consultations will not be suitable for everyone, but may reach the most reluctant people. Indeed, travel remains one of the first obstacles to psychological consultation. In addition to the costs that this can generate, and the time that it requires, some prefer to avoid physical contact, considered to be impressive and/or intimidating.
Currently the platform is available in French-speaking Belgium, France and Switzerland.
About Websie
Websie provides its users with a platform allowing them to write to their psychologist 24/7. Wherever they are, when they need it. The psychologist responds once a day, 5 days a week. With this solution, Websie allows its patients to (i) find the right psychologist within a network of more than 150 certified psychologists, (ii) to be in instant contact with their psychologist without an appointment, (iii) to benefit from continuous psychological support. In doing so, we participate in the demystification of psychotherapy. All at a democratic price (39€/week).