Real's $53M Paves the Way for Progressive Mental Health Dialogues

Health Tech For HER
Jan 14, 2024
3 min read

Hey, welcome to HealthTech for Her! Here, we unravel top-tier product designs and cutting-edge innovations in FemTech. I'm Rita, a product manager and strategy consultant in the healthcare and technology industry. I've made it a mission throughout my career to use tech to empower female-identifying individuals on the journey to a healthier and happier life. Let's dive in and discover the future of Femtech products together!

Illustration source: Real App Store

Real, the mental wellness app, secured $37 million in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to $53 million since its 2019 launch by CEO Ariela Safira.

Initially focusing on mental health services for female-identifying individuals in New York, Real has rapidly expanded its reach, now offering dedicated sessions for "men's mental health."

What sets Real apart?

Its mission and efforts to normalize conversations about mental health, making them less intimidating. Real aims to catalyze a significant shift in societal mindset by intervening before issues reach crisis levels, assisting individuals in navigating pain, love, and life. Why discuss mental health only in crisis? Shouldn't it be part of our routine, much like physical exercise?

How does Real achieve its mission?

Through thoughtful product design encompassing content design and UX/UI design.

Relatable Content Design:

Real nails it with topics that are not just on point but relatable. They cover everyday issues like body image, dating and relationship, burnout at work, family dynamics, setting boundaries – things we all deal with. Instead of drowning in clinical language about mental health, Real focuses on everyday stressors that everyone can connect with.
The vibe? It's like having a casual chat with your friend in your living room. They also strike a balance between giving practical advice and sharing useful insights. So, it's not just another therapy session; it feels more like a conversation with someone who understands you.
Adding a personal touch, instructors share about themselves in detailed bios. It's not just about their professional background; you get to know them a bit more personally. It's like getting to know a friend – someone who's friendly, makes mistakes, and keeps it real.
And here's a bonus – besides talks by therapists, Real offers a toolkit in the "Help me feel better on my own" section. It's a helpful resource for those going through tough times. You can find practical self-help content such as “what to do when you have thoughts of suicide”.

User-Friendly UX/UI Design:

Visual design is minimalist and calming, steering clear of overwhelming distractions. You won't find a chaotic mishmash of elements on each page, ensuring a serene user experience.
Navigation is straightforward. No endless scrolling or annoying flashy notifications trying to grab your attention. It's designed to keep your focus on what matters – your well-being.
And here's something great – Real doesn't just focus on solo sessions. It also has virtual group live sessions, allowing users to join anonymously (camera-off, name hidden). This thoughtful feature creates a private space, letting you be part of a community without revealing more than you're comfortable with.

In essence, Real's holistic approach combines relatable content and user-friendly design to redefine mental health conversations and provide a safe, supportive space for users.

Hey, thank you for hanging out. I hope you enjoyed the article. Give it a thumbs up and share your thoughts in the comments below. I'd love to hear your take on this topic. Let's keep the conversation going!

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Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available resources and expresses my personal opinion. It does not represent the views or endorsement of any affiliated organization. It is for informational purposes only, not professional advice, and readers should use their own judgment.