Alex Vitchenko, Founder and CEO, Calmerry

Could you provide an overview of Calmerry and introduce the company as it stands today?

Alex Vitchenko: Calmerry operates as a marketplace connecting therapists with individuals seeking mental health support. We cater to both direct consumers (B2C) and business clients (B2B), with a primary focus on the U.S. market, although we provide services globally. While we are currently dedicated to serving the U.S., our platform is accessible internationally.

Calmerry was founded in 2020 and has grown significantly since. What do you believe have been the key drivers behind its success?

Alex Vitchenko: There are several factors contributing to our success at Calmerry. First, we offer a comprehensive approach to online therapy. In addition to therapy sessions, we provide users with a rich library of resources such as courses, articles, exercises, mood tracking, and guided journaling—all accessible through our mobile app at no additional cost. These resources support both active therapy participants and those just beginning their journey, offering tools for ongoing mental health management.

Second, with my background in building marketplaces and technology platforms, we have deep expertise in creating reliable, user-friendly platforms. This allows us to provide a seamless experience for both therapists and users, while maintaining a holistic approach to therapy.

Third, we remain committed to our mission of making mental health care accessible and personalized. Our flexible pricing models and comprehensive platform ensure that individuals can access the care they need, when they need it. This has been especially relevant since our launch during the pandemic, when demand for mental health services skyrocketed.

The fourth factor is our unique therapist matching system. We understand the importance of a strong therapist-client connection, and our approach to selecting the right providers is personalized, ensuring that clients are paired with therapists who suit their needs. This is a key element of our platform’s success.

Our dedicated customer care team, which offers round-the-clock support, is another critical factor. We pride ourselves on providing instant and ongoing assistance to both our clients and therapists.

Additionally, my 20 years of experience in digital product creation and global brand marketing have enabled us to reach a broader audience effectively, positioning us as a unique player in the market.

Lastly, we emphasize the importance of listening to our clients and adapting to their needs. By providing personalized support and creating tools that help users feel more at ease in their therapy journey, we foster an environment of trust and care.

Could you describe the range of services that Calmerry offers to its users?

Alex Vitchenko: Our primary focus is on treating anxiety and depression, though we are considering expanding into psychiatric services, including medication management, in the future.

We offer a subscription-based model for our B2C clients, which includes a combination of video and messaging therapy options. Many of our customers opt for a comprehensive approach, utilizing both asynchronous messaging and video sessions. Our platform also keeps clients engaged between sessions through a wide variety of educational content, including courses, mood tracking, and journaling tools—tools that are part of our holistic therapy approach.

Albina Galiza (Deputy CEO): As Alex mentioned, we offer flexible therapy plans tailored to individual needs, with options for synchronous and asynchronous communication. Our content library and mood-tracking features further enrich the therapy experience, making our platform a holistic solution to mental health care.

With many employers focused on improving their workplace environments post-COVID, what would your message be to businesses considering your platform to support their teams?

Alex Vitchenko: After the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a decrease in demand for individual therapy services. In response, we launched our business solutions and are seeing significant growth in this area. For businesses, we offer a customized admin panel that enables employers to track employee engagement with our platform, ensuring measurable results.

Albina Galiza: As someone who has personally experienced burnout, I can attest to the importance of a supportive work environment. Employees who feel supported tend to be more productive and engaged. Our platform offers flexible therapy plans, payment models, and tailored content that helps employers address their team’s mental health needs effectively. We are particularly focused on sectors such as nonprofits and healthcare, where stress levels are typically higher.

We pride ourselves on offering customized solutions for every client. Whether working with nonprofits, large corporations, or healthcare institutions, we adapt our services to meet the specific needs of each organization. This includes the option to offer therapy plans that fit various budgets and requirements, with access to a network of over 4,000 therapists and coaches.

Alex Vitchenko: Our competitive advantage lies in the flexibility and personalization of our services. We work nationwide and can provide support for companies with employees across different states, ensuring that the appropriate therapist is available for every employee, regardless of location.

Albina Galiza: We’re also exploring partnerships with consultants, brokers, and organizations that offer employee benefits. These collaborations represent a significant opportunity for growth, and we’re already working with early-stage EAPs and healthcare institutions to expand our reach.

What is your approach to attracting therapists to join Calmerry, and what makes your platform an appealing place for them?

Alex Vitchenko: We invite therapists to join our platform because we have built an environment that supports their work and helps them focus on their patients. We handle all the marketing and administrative tasks, allowing therapists to concentrate on what they do best—providing care. Our customer service is available 24/7, ensuring that therapists have the support they need.

Looking ahead, what are Calmerry’s primary goals over the next three years?

Alex Vitchenko: Over the next three years, we plan to continue expanding our platform and services, with a particular focus on enhancing the user experience and broadening the accessibility of mental health support. We’re planning to raise funds soon to fuel this growth and further develop our offerings. Mental health is a critical issue, especially as intellectual and emotional well-being become increasingly essential in today’s fast-paced world. We are committed to creating a platform that meets the growing demand for accessible mental health care, and we are excited about the potential to expand our reach and provide even more support to those in need.