A new mental wellbeing application named mynd has been introduced to address the significant engagement gap in traditional workplace mental health services. Developed by Melbourne founders Ash Horovitz and Dean Rotenberg, the app provides accessible, preventative support for employees. Its launch aims to transform how organizations approach mental wellness by focusing on daily, proactive care rather than reactive crisis intervention.
Addressing a Gap in Workplace Wellness
Traditional Employee Assistance Programs in Australia see a usage rate of just five percent, leaving a vast majority of workers without support until they reach a crisis point. This significant gap in care inspired Horovitz and Rotenberg to spend two years developing a more accessible solution. They positioned mynd not as a replacement for therapy but as a crucial preventative layer that integrates mental health into daily routines.
Co-founder Ash Horovitz, who brings a background in psychology and human-centered design, emphasized the personal motivation behind the platform. "We built mynd because we have lived the gaps ourselves," she stated, highlighting the long waits between therapy sessions and moments of need. The app is designed to meet people where they are, offering immediate support rather than a one-size-fits-all crisis line.
A Proactive and Personalised Approach
The mynd application operates on a simple yet effective premise, beginning with a confidential emotional check-in from the user. Based on this input, the platform provides real-time recommendations for short, evidence-based therapeutic tools. These resources are drawn from multiple disciplines, including breathwork, journaling, grounding exercises, and guided meditation to suit individual needs.
Designed for modern workforces, the support sessions start at just a few minutes and are available 24/7 on any device. This ensures that employees can access help in the precise moments they need it most, fostering a habit of regular mental self-care. While individual usage remains confidential, employers receive anonymized team insights to identify and address emerging psychosocial risks before they escalate.
Early Adoption and Industry Support
Since its soft launch in 2025, mynd has already demonstrated significant traction, achieving a 40 percent workforce adoption rate in participating organizations. This high level of engagement signals a strong demand for more practical and accessible mental health tools. The app has also garnered support from prominent figures in mental health advocacy and high-pressure industries.
Former AFL player and mental health advocate Tom Boyd has endorsed the platform for its practical approach to seeking help. He noted that mynd "removes the big, scary step" by offering small, manageable moments of support for those dealing with performance pressures. This sentiment is echoed in the construction sector, an industry with historically high rates of depression and suicide.
Adriarna Nunn, Head of People and Culture at construction firm Cobild, highlighted the app's value in their demanding environment. She explained that mynd allows the company to act as a "vessel, not the expert," providing genuine access to support and reducing stigma. This approach demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing as a core component of the business's success.
With a strong clinical and technical team, including clinical psychologist Rachel Harker, mynd is poised to redefine workplace mental health support. The platform successfully bridges the gap between infrequent EAP use and critical intervention by empowering employees with daily, personalized tools. By making mental wellness an accessible and routine practice, mynd offers a promising new model for fostering resilient and healthy workforces.
Source: startupdaily