Idea Submission GiveBackHack 2020

MindMisison Submitted by Derek Davis

What is the problem are you solving?

The problem is that locating and scheduling an appointment with a mental health professional is too difficult. Finding the correct provider for a specific mental health need involves far too many steps, especially if a potential client is already depressed. With how difficult it is to find help, far too many individuals do not receive the treatment they need. According to Mental Health of America, 57% of adults with a mental illness are not receiving treatment.

How will this idea solve the problem?

Imagine, you wake up in the morning and feel an intense headache that seems to radiate throughout your entire brain. The energy and joy you once felt has been replaced by darkness and and emptiness that nothing can seem to fill. No external event seems to have occurred, you have a job, loving family and friends, a home, but your ability to function day to day has deteriorated. You begin to get anxious and nervous around those you love, your thoughts begin to tell you how worthless you are, you cant sleep, and nothing seems to matter or make sense. You finally realize and accept that this could be anxiety and depression, however you dont know where to begin to start looking for help.

You call your insurance company to let them know you need mental health providers in your area. They send you an email with all the providers that accept your insurance and now it is up to you to call around for an appointment. Getting out of bed seems like running a marathon and now youve realized how difficult it is to find help. You give up your search and are left wondering why you feel this way.

MindMission would create an app that allows you to search for providers and book appointments without ever having to make a phone call. It would ask you questions about what you are feeling, identify filters for what type of provider you are comfortable seeing, and be your companion throughout your treatment.

Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

Partially-vetted

How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

The idea of MindMission is in its infancy, but has achieved promising early success signals. We have collected data from the individuals we are hoping to serve and have validated our problem. We have interviewed potential users/customers and have began forming relationships in the mental health community. I have also pitched the idea to talented developers at CoverMyMeds who are interested in building the idea. Our biggest difficulty is probably my lack of experience in the tech entrepreneur space. I am truly passionate about the individuals we want to serve and major problem we are looking to address, but I do not write code and have never started a company before. I know that I can learn and I know the areas I am not strong and i hope to build relationships with people who have a passion for mental health and know more than me.

Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

The above scenario is based largely on my own experience with anxiety, depression, and navigating the mental healthcare system. I know how it feels to be hopeless and what it is like to get lost in the maze of navigating the mental healthcare system. I have lost a family member to depression, worked for 3 years on the inpatient Psychiatric Unit at nationwide Childrens Hospital, have organized fundraising expeditions that benefit Mental Health of America, am connected to many mental health professionals and am a lifelong learner in this field. I am dedicated to connecting those suffering with a mental illness to treatment and am passionate about changing the way mental health is viewed. The time is now for better care and understanding, and with the right team I believe MindMission can serve those who so desperately need it.