TechCulture Staff We are in the technology age. Everything seems to be affected by the advances in modern technology and the mental health industry is no different. With the advent of teletherapy, patients seeking mental health treatment can have therapy sessions right from their own homes. This opens the market considerably and allows those in remote areas to receive counseling from wherever they are. Many patients surveyed prefer teletherapy. “I like how it allows me to have counseling from anywhere. That was something that was just not possible in the past,” says Eric D. of Boulder, CO who regularly meets with his therapist via Skype. While teletherapy and virtual mental health services are helping meet the growing demand for treatment options, there are still many holes in our current mental health systems.
With tens of millions of Americans suffering from mental health disorders every day, our country is facing a serious mental health crisis. Clinics and community hospitals are often overflowing, and new patients face a 6-12 month wait list for an initial appointment. The problem only seems to be getting worse as a record number of Americans cannot access the mental health treatment they need and are finding themselves with nowhere to turn.
Nora Mental Health aims to be a part of the solution. In 2018, Dr. Cullen Hardy and his partner opened their first mental health clinic in Niles, Michigan. Since then, they have experienced explosive growth. With five mental health locations throughout Indiana and Michigan, Hardy is pioneering a movement to break down the barriers facing those seeking mental health treatment. “I always wanted to create a positive atmosphere where our clients and staff feel comfortable, respected, dignified, accepted and cared for. So many clients come to us having been turned away from other clinics for one reason or another and I am proud to have opened places where positive healing can truly take place. Our amazing team of clinicians has made us what we are today and without them, none of this would have been possible.”
As Dr. Cullen Hardy looks to the future by expanding nationwide through franchising, he is also releasing the NorApp to offer another way to help clients. “We’re very excited to release our NorApp this winter. We see it as a simple tool our clients can use to help them through their week when they are not in session with their clinician. Treatment outcomes are increased greatly when a client is cognizant of their treatment work throughout the week, not just the hour they are meeting with their therapist. The NorApp helps clients continue their positive journey 7 days a week.”
The NorApp is available to help users stay motivated and accountable during the week so their path to wellness continues even when they are not at their therapist’s office. Users can utilize the app in therapy by tracking their weekly progress and discussing any issues with their clinician. “We’re bringing motivation and goal setting into the modern age and this is just the beginning. Phase 2 and 3 of the NorApp are currently in development and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on,” Dr. Hardy said.
Technology is often seen negatively as something that has divided communities and impacted society for the worse. Nora Mental Health is doing the opposite by using technology to advance and improve the way mental health services are delivered. The NorApp is slated for release in January 2023 and is free to anyone using a mobile device.
For more information, you can go to NoraMentalHealth.com
