Anise Health, a digital mental health platform dedicated to providing culturally-responsive care for Asian Americans, has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Kicker Ventures. This milestone comes as the platform continues to grow and address a pressing need for accessible mental health resources tailored to the unique experiences of Asian American communities.
Funding and Backers
The funding round saw participation from a diverse group of investors, including:
- Authentic Heart, Change Paradox Ventures, and Progression Fund.
- Gender-focused investors like How Women Invest.
- Regional and cultural investment groups such as Celtic House Asia Partners and Gold House Ventures.
- A grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) further underscores the platform’s credibility and potential.
This funding builds on Anise Health’s $1.2 million pre-seed round in June 2023, which allowed the company to expand its services from California to New York.
Addressing Mental Health for Asian Americans
Anise Health’s mission is to bridge the mental health care gap for Asian Americans through:
Therapy: Delivered by clinicians trained in culturally-sensitive care.
Coaching: For ongoing guidance and support.
Self-guided Resources: Including educational tools and exercises to promote mental well-being.
Impressive Early Results
Co-founder Alice Zhang highlighted the platform’s success in engaging clients and achieving meaningful outcomes:
- A 97% completion rate for the first four therapy sessions, compared to the 50% dropout rate often seen among people of color after a single session.
- Statistically significant symptom improvements within one month of treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of their tailored approach.
A Growing Need
The platform’s focus comes at a time when mental health challenges among Asian Americans are gaining visibility. Barriers such as stigma, lack of culturally-competent care, and language issues have historically limited access to treatment for this community.
By leveraging culturally-responsive techniques, Anise Health aims to create a safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering better engagement and outcomes.
What’s Next?
With the additional funding, Anise Health plans to further expand its reach, enhance its offerings, and solidify its role as a leader in mental health care for underserved populations. As the platform grows, it promises to make significant strides in reducing the disparities in mental health care access for Asian Americans.
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