Mental Health Challenges: GM5 Steps Towards Change.. Psychological Wellness Startup

Australian psychological wellness startup Give Me 5 (GM5) has entered the B2C market after its successful B2B journey. The company 
has announced its entry into the Indian market with an investment of  $5 million Australian dollars (approximately 
₹ 27 crore).

Hyderabad: India has only 0.75 psychiatrists and 0.7 psychologists per lakh population. This situation leaves many individuals and families unable to talk about their emotional challenges and feeling isolated, feeling that help is not available. Australian psychological wellness startup Give Me 5 (GM5) has taken the initiative to change this reality.Along with the $5 million AUD (approx. 
₹ 27 crore) investment announcement, GM5 has officially launched its B2C entry into the Indian market by releasing its beta app.

Prior experience strength:

GM5 already works with leading NGOs and business partners in India. Through these partnerships, it has impacted over 5,000 people with innovative mental health programs and counseling interventions among school students. Through this field experience, GM5 has gained valuable insights into Indian mental health challenges

Beta App Features:

Based on these insights, the GM5 Beta app reduces the hesitation to reach out to experts. It provides users with a confidential, secure, and easy-to-use platform. Developed and tested by psychologists, the app aims to make a difference in the wellness sector. In the initial phase, the GM5 Beta app is offering free access to the first 500 users.

A new paradigm in family-centered care

Give Me Five (GM5) was founded in August 2019 by Dr Lisa Fahey OAM, Brendan Fahey. It works with veterans, schools and non-profit organisations in countries such as the USA, Australia and Canada, providing evidence-based tools for early mental wellbeing.

GM5 App in India:

This app will usher in a new care paradigm as India’s first innovative family, network-centric mental health app.

Individuals are continuously connected to their trusted support groups – family, friends, and professionals – which allows them to track their own emotional well-being.

The app combines advanced technology and data insights to help users create a personal safety plan and set goals based on emotional needs.

It also provides specialized screening tools to mental health professionals for early detection and customized care.

“Like food… emotional care is also important”

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Lisa Fahey, Founder and CEO of Give Me Five, said, “Many Indian families want to support each other emotionally, but struggle to know where to start. The GM5 app provides a simple, no-hassle way for people to easily check-in and receive confidential support, before issues become complex.”

She expressed concern that at a time when demand for personal and family support is increasing, not heeding warning signs could lead to missed opportunities to make a positive impact.

GM5 uses innovative technology, including education, activities, alerts, and private messaging, to promote a preventative approach.

Through this app, every individual and family will gain the tools they need to better understand their emotions and each other.

Built on decades of experience in emotional intelligence, this app fosters a ‘community of care’, emphasizing the collective role of families, peers, and educators.

Founder and Chairman Mr. Brendan Fahey said, “While India is digitally connected, emotional support is still not available in many homes. GM5 aims to create a deep, sustainable impact rather than just a quick fix for large numbers. By starting with 500 investment users, we aim to refine the app through real experiences. In this way, the GM5 app will become a truly trusted companion in mental safety and education.”

Dr. Lisa Fahey’s expertise

As a renowned psychologist, Dr Lisa Fahey OAM has over three decades of experience in the medical and mental health fields. In 2023, she was awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in Australia for her services to medicine. Specialising in trauma recovery and behavioural solutions for young people, Dr Fahey is leading the way in providing sensitive, non-judgemental mental health support through GM5.

Key features of the GM5 app:

• A customized survey tool that displays health and psychological needs in line with each individual’s goals.
  One-tap SOS contacts for emergencies.
• High privacy and security through end-to-end encryption.
• Wellness Safety Plan as a personal support guide.
• Simple language guidance, 24/7 offline access.

Users can easily access the beta app by visiting the GM5 website and signing up.