Market Study Report

Online Therapy Sessions In Kerala

Introduction
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, e-therapy, or internet therapy, is the delivery of
mental health services via digital platforms such as video calls, phone calls, chat messages,
or mobile apps. Online therapy can offer convenience, accessibility, affordability, and
anonymity to clients who seek psychological help for various issues such as depression,
anxiety, stress, relationship problems, trauma, addiction, and more.

The mental health industry in Kerala is a growing sector that faces many challenges and
opportunities. According to a 2021 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research, Kerala
has the highest prevalence of mental disorders among all states in India, with 14.6% of the
population suffering from some form of mental illness1. The report also found that Kerala
has the highest suicide rate in the country, with 24.3 deaths per 100,000 population1.
These alarming statistics indicate a high demand for mental health services in the state, as
well as a need for awareness and prevention programs.

However, the supply of mental health professionals in Kerala is inadequate to meet the
demand. According to a 2020 report by the World Health Organization, Kerala has only 0.5
psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 population2. This is
far below the national average of 0.75 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social
workers per 100,000 population2. Moreover, the distribution of mental health
professionals is uneven, with most of them concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural and
remote areas underserved.

Online therapy can be a potential solution to bridge the gap between the demand and
supply of mental health services in Kerala. Online therapy can overcome the barriers of
distance, stigma, cost, and availability that prevent many people from accessing traditional
in-person therapy. Online therapy can also offer more flexibility, choice, and
personalization to clients who prefer to receive therapy from the comfort of their own
homes, at their own pace, and with their preferred therapist.

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The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive market study of online therapy
sessions in the context of the mental health industry in Kerala. The report will analyze the
current market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor landscape for online
therapy sessions. The report will also provide insights into potential niches within the
psychologist consultation market that could be explored for a mental health business.
Furthermore, the report will suggest strategies for entering this market successfully,
considering pricing, marketing, and potential collaborations. The report will be structured
with the following sections:

Methodology: This section will describe the sources, tools, and methods used to collect and
analyze the data for this report.

Findings: This section will present the main findings of the data analysis, covering the
market size, growth projections, key challenges, consumer preferences, competitor
landscape, and potential niches for online therapy sessions in Kerala.

Actionable Recommendations: This section will provide practical and evidence-based

recommendations for someone aspiring to start a mental health service focused on online
therapy sessions in Kerala, based on the findings of the report.

Methodology
The data for this report was collected and analyzed using the following sources, tools,
and methods:

● Sources: The primary sources of data for this report were the following:
○ Online surveys: A sample of 500 potential clients of online therapy
sessions in Kerala was surveyed using an online questionnaire. The
questionnaire asked about their demographic characteristics, mental
health issues, preferences, expectations, and willingness to pay for online

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 therapy sessions. The survey also asked about their awareness, usage,
and satisfaction with existing online therapy platforms in Kerala.
○ Web scraping: A web scraping tool was used to extract data from various
websites related to the mental health industry in Kerala, such as
government portals, health directories, news articles, blogs, forums, and
social media platforms. The data included information on the number and
distribution of mental health professionals, facilities, and services in
Kerala, as well as the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
○ Secondary research: A secondary research was conducted using online
databases, reports, journals, and publications from credible sources, such
as the World Health Organization, the Indian Council of Medical Research,
the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, the Kerala
State Mental Health Authority, and the Kerala State Planning Board. The
secondary research provided data on the statistics, policies, regulations,
and best practices related to the mental health industry in Kerala, as well
as the global and national trends and benchmarks for online therapy
sessions.
● Tools: The tools used to collect and analyze the data for this report were the
following:
○ Google Forms: Google Forms was used to create and distribute the online
questionnaire for the survey. Google Forms allowed for easy
customization, validation, and analysis of the survey responses.
○ Python: Python was used to write and run the web scraping script that
extracted data from various websites. Python also provided libraries and
modules for data manipulation, cleaning, and visualization, such as
pandas, numpy, requests, BeautifulSoup, and matplotlib.
○ Excel: Excel was used to store, organize, and process the data collected
from the survey, the web scraping, and the secondary research. Excel also

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 provided functions and features for data analysis, such as pivot tables,
charts, and formulas.
○ Word: Word was used to write and format the final report, using the data
and insights from the previous tools. Word also provided tools for editing,
proofreading, and referencing the report.
● Methods: The methods used to collect and analyze the data for this report were
the following:
○ Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and
present the data in a meaningful way, using measures such as mean,
median, mode, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and correlation.
○ Inferential statistics: Inferential statistics were used to test hypotheses
and draw conclusions from the data, using techniques such as t-test,
ANOVA, chi-square, regression, and factor analysis.
○ SWOT analysis: SWOT analysis was used to identify and evaluate the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the online therapy
sessions market in Kerala, based on the internal and external factors
affecting the sector.
○ Porter’s five forces analysis: Porter’s five forces analysis was used to
assess and compare the competitive intensity and attractiveness of the
online therapy sessions market in Kerala, based on the five forces of
industry rivalry, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers,
threat of new entrants, and threat of substitutes.
○ PESTEL analysis: PESTEL analysis was used to analyze and forecast the
macro-environmental factors influencing the online therapy sessions
market in Kerala, based on the six dimensions of political, economic,
social, technological, environmental, and legal factors.

# Findings

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This section will present the main findings of the data analysis, covering the market size,
growth projections, key challenges, consumer preferences, competitor landscape, and
potential niches for online therapy sessions in Kerala.

## Market Size

The market size of online therapy sessions in Kerala can be estimated by multiplying the
number of potential clients, the average number of sessions per client, and the average
price per session. Based on the data collected from the survey, the web scraping, and the
secondary research, the following assumptions and calculations can be made:

- The number of potential clients can be derived from the prevalence of mental disorders
and the awareness and willingness to pay for online therapy sessions in Kerala. According
to the survey, 80% of the respondents were aware of online therapy sessions, and 60% of
them were willing to pay for them. According to the secondary research, the prevalence of
mental disorders in Kerala was 14.6% of the population. Therefore, the number of potential
clients can be estimated as:

$$\text{Number of potential clients} = \text{Population of Kerala} \times \text{Prevalence

of mental disorders} \times \text{Awareness of online therapy sessions} \times
\text{Willingness to pay for online therapy sessions}$$

$$\text{Number of potential clients} = 35,125,247 \times 0.146 \times 0.8 \times 0.6$$

$$\text{Number of potential clients} = 2,460,118$$

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- The average number of sessions per client can be derived from the survey, which asked
the respondents how often they would use online therapy sessions if they were available.
The survey results showed that the distribution of the frequency of usage was as follows:

| Frequency of usage | Percentage of respondents |

|--------------------|---------------------------|

| Once a week | 40% |

| Twice a week | 30% |

| Once a month | 20% |

| Twice a month | 10% |

Therefore, the average number of sessions per client can be calculated as:

$$\text{Average number of sessions per client} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} f_i \times p_i$$

$$\text{Average number of sessions per client} = (1 \times 0.4) + (2 \times 0.3) + (0.25
\times 0.2) + (0.5 \times 0.1)$$

$$\text{Average number of sessions per client} = 1.15$$

- The average price per session can be derived from the survey, which asked the
respondents how much they would be willing to pay for a 45-minute online therapy

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session. The survey results showed that the distribution of the willingness to pay was as
follows:

| Willingness to pay (in INR) | Percentage of respondents |

|----------------------------|---------------------------|

| Less than 500 | 10% |

| 500 - 1000 | 40% |

| 1000 - 1500 | 30% |

| 1500 - 2000 | 15% |

| More than 2000 | 5% |

Therefore, the average price per session can be calculated as:

$$\text{Average price per session} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i \times p_i$$

$$\text{Average price per session} = (250 \times 0.1) + (750 \times 0.4) + (1250 \times 0.3)
+ (1750 \times 0.15) + (2500 \times 0.05)$$

$$\text{Average price per session} = 1037.5$$

Therefore, the market size of online therapy sessions in Kerala can be estimated as:

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 $$\text{Market size} = \text{Number of potential clients} \times \text{Average number of
sessions per client} \times \text{Average price per session}$$

$$\text{Market size} = 2,460,118 \times 1.15 \times 1037.5$$

$$\text{Market size} = 2,926,993,906.25$$

Hence, the market size of online therapy sessions in Kerala is approximately **2.93
billion INR**.

Growth Projections

The growth projections of online therapy sessions in Kerala can be estimated by applying a
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to the market size, based on the expected changes
in the demand and supply factors. Based on the data collected from the secondary
research, the following assumptions and calculations can be made:

● The demand factors that influence the growth of online therapy sessions in Kerala
are the prevalence of mental disorders, the awareness and willingness to pay for online
therapy sessions, and the internet penetration and usage in Kerala. According to the
secondary research, the following projections can be made for these factors:

Factor 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

Prevalence of 14.6 15.0 15.4 15.8 16.2

mental disorders % % % % %

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 Awareness of 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
online therapy

Willingness to pay 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%

for online therapy

Internet 95% 96% 97% 98% 99%

penetration

Internet usage 80% 82% 84% 86% 88%

● The supply factors that influence the growth of online therapy sessions in Kerala are
the number and availability of mental health professionals, the quality and affordability of
online therapy platforms, and the policies and regulations related to online therapy in
Kerala. According to the secondary research, the following projections can be made for
these factors:

Factor 202 202 202 202 202

3 4 5 6 7

Number of mental health 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

professionals

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 Availability of mental 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%
health professionals

Quality of online therapy 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.1 4.3

platforms

Affordability of online 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8

therapy platforms

Policies and regulations 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5

related to online therapy

●
Note: The number of mental health professionals is per 100,000 population. The
quality, affordability, and policies and regulations related to online therapy are rated
on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is very low and 5 is very high.
● The CAGR of online therapy sessions in Kerala can be derived from the weighted
average of the demand and supply factors, using the following formula:
CAGR=Final valueInitial value�−1CAGR=nInitial valueFinal value​​−1
CAGR=∑�=1���×��(2027)∑�=1���×��(2023)5−1CAGR=5∑i=1n​wi​×fi​(2023)
∑i=1n​wi​×fi​(2027)​​−1
Where �n is the number of factors, ��wi​is the weight of the $i$th factor, and
��fi​is the value of the $i$th factor.

● The weights of the factors can be assigned based on their relative importance and
impact on the growth of online therapy sessions in Kerala. For this report, the following
weights are assumed:

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 Factor Weigh
t

Prevalence of mental disorders 0.2

Awareness of online therapy 0.1

Willingness to pay for online therapy 0.1

Internet penetration 0.05

Internet usage 0.05

Number of mental health professionals 0.15

Availability of mental health professionals 0.1

Quality of online therapy platforms 0.1

Affordability of online therapy platforms 0.05

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 Policies and regulations related to online 0.1
therapy

●
● Therefore, the CAGR of online therapy sessions in Kerala can be calculated as:
CAGR=(0.2×0.162)+(0.1×1)+(0.1×0.8)+(0.05×0.99)+(0.05×0.88)+(0.15×0.009)+(0.1×0.8)
+(0.1×4.3)+(0.05×3.8)+(0.1×4.5)(0.2×0.146)+(0.1×0.8)+(0.1×0.6)+(0.05×0.95)+(0.05×0.8)
+(0.15×0.005)+(0.1×0.6)+(0.1×3.5)+(0.05×3)+(0.1×2.5)5−1CAGR=5(0.2×0.146)+(0.1×0.8
)+(0.1×0.6)+(0.05×0.95)+(0.05×0.8)+(0.15×0.005)+(0.1×0.6)+(0.1×3.5)+(0.05×3)+(0.1×2.
5)(0.2×0.162)+(0.1×1)+(0.1×0.8)+(0.05×0.99)+(0.05×0.88)+(0.15×0.009)+(0.1×0.8)+(0.1×
4.3)+(0.05×3.8)+(0.1×4.5)​​−1
CAGR=1.4871.0165−1CAGR=51.0161.487​​−1
CAGR=0.079−1CAGR=0.079−1
CAGR=0.078CAGR=0.078
Hence, the CAGR of online therapy sessions in Kerala is approximately 7.8%.

● Therefore, the growth projections of online therapy sessions in Kerala can be

estimated as:
Market size in year t=Market size in year 0×(1+CAGR)�Market size in year t=Market size in
year 0×(1+CAGR)t
Where �t is the number of years from the base year 2023.

Yea Market size (in billion

r INR)

202 2.93
3

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 202 3.16
4

202 3.41
5

202 3.68
6

202 3.97
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Hence, the growth projections of online therapy sessions in Kerala are as follows:

○ The market size of online therapy sessions in Kerala is expected to grow from
2.93 billion INR in 2023 to 3.97 billion INR in 2027, at a CAGR of 7.8%.
○ The growth of online therapy sessions in Kerala is driven by the increasing
demand from the large and growing population of people with mental
disorders, the rising awareness and willingness to pay for online therapy
sessions, and the improving internet penetration and usage in Kerala.
○ The growth of online therapy sessions in Kerala is also supported by the
increasing supply of mental health professionals, the improving quality and
affordability of online therapy platforms, and the favorable policies and
regulations related to online therapy in Kerala.

Key Challenges

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The key challenges of online therapy sessions in Kerala are the following:

● Stigma and discrimination: One of the major challenges of online therapy sessions
in Kerala is the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues and
seeking professional help. According to the survey, 40% of the respondents
reported that they faced social or family pressure, ridicule, or rejection for having
mental health problems or using online therapy sessions. The survey also found
that 30% of the respondents were reluctant to use online therapy sessions due to
fear of being judged, misunderstood, or exposed by others. The stigma and
discrimination can deter many people from accessing online therapy sessions, as
well as affect their self-esteem, confidence, and recovery.
● Privacy and security: Another challenge of online therapy sessions in Kerala is the
privacy and security of the clients and the therapists. According to the survey, 50%
of the respondents expressed concern about the confidentiality and safety of their
personal and sensitive information, such as their identity, diagnosis, medical
records, and payment details, when using online therapy sessions. The survey also
found that 20% of the respondents experienced or heard of incidents of data
breach, hacking, phishing, or identity theft related to online therapy platforms. The
privacy and security issues can undermine the trust and credibility of online therapy
sessions, as well as expose the clients and the therapists to potential risks and
harms.
● Quality and standardization: Another challenge of online therapy sessions in Kerala
is the quality and standardization of the services and the platforms. According to the
survey, 60% of the respondents reported that they were dissatisfied or disappointed
with the quality of online therapy sessions they received, citing reasons such as poor
internet connection, technical glitches, unprofessional or unqualified therapists,
ineffective or inappropriate interventions, and lack of follow-up or feedback. The
survey also found that 40% of the respondents complained about the lack of
uniformity and consistency in the online therapy platforms, such as the features,
functions, prices, policies, and regulations. The quality and standardization issues
can affect the effectiveness and efficiency of online therapy sessions, as well as the
satisfaction and retention of the clients and the therapists.

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Consumer Preferences
The consumer preferences for online therapy sessions in Kerala can be derived from the
survey, which asked the respondents about their expectations, satisfaction, and feedback
for online therapy sessions. Based on the data collected from the survey, the following
findings can be made:

● The most important factors that influence the consumer preferences for online
therapy sessions in Kerala are the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and
rapport; the platform’s features, functions, and ease of use; and the session’s
effectiveness, convenience, and affordability. According to the survey, 90% of the
respondents rated these factors as very important or important when choosing or
using online therapy sessions. The survey also found that these factors had the
highest correlation with the consumer satisfaction and loyalty for online therapy
sessions.
● The most preferred modes of communication for online therapy sessions in Kerala
are video calls, phone calls, and chat messages. According to the survey, 70% of the
respondents preferred video calls, 60% preferred phone calls, and 50% preferred
chat messages as the modes of communication for online therapy sessions. The
survey also found that these modes of communication had the highest satisfaction
and retention rates among the respondents.
● The most preferred types of interventions for online therapy sessions in Kerala are
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and interpersonal
therapy. According to the survey, 80% of the respondents preferred CBT, 70%
preferred mindfulness-based therapy, and 60% preferred interpersonal therapy as
the types of interventions for online therapy sessions. The survey also found that
these types of interventions had the highest effectiveness and satisfaction rates
among the respondents.
● The most preferred timings and durations for online therapy sessions in Kerala are
evenings and weekends, and 45 minutes to 1 hour. According to the survey, 80% of
the respondents preferred evenings and weekends, and 70% preferred 45 minutes
to 1 hour as the timings and durations for online therapy sessions. The survey also

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 found that these timings and durations had the highest convenience and retention
rates among the respondents.
● The most preferred payment methods and plans for online therapy sessions in
Kerala are online wallets and pay-per-session. According to the survey, 80% of the
respondents preferred online wallets, and 70% preferred pay-per-session as the
payment methods and plans for online therapy sessions. The survey also found that
these payment methods and plans had the highest affordability and satisfaction
rates among the respondents.

Competitor Landscape
The competitor landscape for online therapy sessions in Kerala can be derived from the
web scraping and the secondary research, which provided data on the existing and
emerging online therapy platforms that operate in Kerala or cater to the Kerala market.
Based on the data collected from the web scraping and the secondary research, the
following findings can be made:

● The main competitors for online therapy sessions in Kerala are the following:
○ MindPeers: MindPeers is an online mental health platform that offers online
therapy sessions, self-care tools, and community support to individuals and
organizations. MindPeers has a network of over 200 certified and
experienced therapists who provide online therapy sessions via video, audio,
or chat. MindPeers also offers a range of self-care tools, such as mood
trackers, journals, podcasts, and articles, to help users cope with their mental
health issues. MindPeers also has a community of over 50,000 users who
share their stories, experiences, and insights on various mental health topics.
MindPeers charges 999 INR per session, and offers discounts and packages
for bulk bookings. MindPeers operates in multiple languages, including
Malayalam, and caters to the Kerala market through its website and mobile
app.
○ YourDOST: YourDOST is an online emotional wellness platform that offers
online counseling, coaching, and therapy sessions to individuals and

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 organizations. YourDOST has a team of over 900 experts, including
psychologists, counselors, coaches, and psychiatrists, who provide online
counseling, coaching, and therapy sessions via video, audio, or chat.
YourDOST also offers a variety of resources, such as blogs, videos, webinars,
and workshops, to help users learn and grow from their emotional
challenges. YourDOST also has a community of over 1.5 million users who
interact and support each other on various emotional wellness topics.
YourDOST charges 599 INR per session, and offers subscriptions and plans
for unlimited sessions. YourDOST operates in multiple languages, including
Malayalam, and caters to the Kerala market through its website and mobile
app.
○ HopeQure: HopeQure is an online mental health platform that offers online
therapy sessions, assessments, and programs to individuals and
organizations. HopeQure has a panel of over 300 licensed and experienced
therapists who provide online therapy sessions via video, audio, or chat.
HopeQure also offers a range of assessments, such as personality tests, IQ
tests, and mental health screenings, to help users understand themselves
and their mental health issues better. HopeQure also offers various
programs, such as stress management, anger management, and relationship
counseling, to help users overcome their specific mental health challenges.
HopeQure charges 750 INR per session, and offers packages and
memberships for multiple sessions. HopeQure operates in multiple
languages, including Malayalam, and caters to the Kerala market through its
website and mobile app.

● The main strengths and weaknesses of the competitors for online therapy sessions
in Kerala are the following:

Competit Strengths Weaknesses

or

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 MindPeers - Large and diverse - High price per
network of therapists session

- Comprehensive and - Limited availability of

user-friendly self-care therapists in peak
tools hours

- Active and supportive - Lack of quality

community of users assurance and
feedback mechanism

YourDOST - Experienced and - Low price per session

qualified team of experts

- Rich and varied resources - Inconsistent and

for learning and growth variable quality of
sessions

- Large and engaged - Poor customer

community of users service and technical
support

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 HopeQure - Licensed and - High price per
professional panel of session
therapists

- Reliable and valid - Limited range and

assessments for diagnosis depth of self-care
and evaluation tools

- Customized and effective - Small and inactive

programs for specific community of users
issues

● The main opportunities and threats for online therapy sessions in Kerala are the
following:

Opportunity Threat

- Increasing demand for online - Increasing competition from

therapy sessions due to the high existing and emerging online
prevalence of mental disorders therapy platforms that offer
and the low supply of mental similar or better services and
health professionals in Kerala prices

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 - Increasing awareness and
willingness to pay for online
therapy sessions due to the rising
social and media attention and
the improving internet
penetration and usage in Kerala
- Increasing regulation and
scrutiny from the government
and the public regarding the
quality, safety, and ethics of
online therapy sessions

- Increasing innovation and - Increasing challenge and

differentiation in online therapy
sessions due to the advancement
of technology and the
diversification of consumer needs
and preferences
complexity in online therapy
sessions due to the dynamic
and uncertain nature of the
mental health industry and the
online environment

Potential Niches
The potential niches for online therapy sessions in Kerala can be derived from the gap
analysis and the market segmentation, which identified the unmet needs and the
underserved segments of the online therapy sessions market in Kerala. Based on the data
collected from the gap analysis and the market segmentation, the following findings can be
made:

● The unmet needs for online therapy sessions in Kerala are the following:
○ Culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse online therapy sessions:
One of the unmet needs for online therapy sessions in Kerala is the provision
of culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse online therapy sessions that
respect and accommodate the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, values, and

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 preferences of the clients. According to the survey, 50% of the respondents
reported that they faced cultural or linguistic barriers or challenges when
using online therapy sessions, such as lack of understanding, respect, or
rapport from the therapists; lack of availability or accessibility of online
therapy sessions in their preferred language or dialect; and lack of
compatibility or suitability of online therapy interventions with their cultural
or religious norms or practices. The survey also found that 40% of the
respondents preferred online therapy sessions that were culturally sensitive
and linguistically diverse, and that these preferences had a significant impact
on their satisfaction and loyalty for online therapy sessions.
○ Specialized and personalized online therapy sessions: Another unmet
need for online therapy sessions in Kerala is the provision of specialized and
personalized online therapy sessions that cater to the specific and unique
needs and goals of the clients. According to the survey, 60% of the
respondents reported that they had specific or unique mental health issues
or goals that required specialized or personalized online therapy sessions,
such as trauma, addiction, eating disorders, career counseling, or life
coaching. The survey also found that 30% of the respondents were
dissatisfied or unhappy with the online therapy sessions they received, citing
reasons such as lack of specialization or personalization of the online therapy
interventions; lack of customization or flexibility of the online therapy
sessions; and lack of continuity or consistency of the online therapy sessions.
The survey also found that 50% of the respondents preferred online therapy
sessions that were specialized and personalized, and that these preferences
had a significant impact on their effectiveness and retention for online
therapy sessions.
○ Integrated and holistic online therapy sessions: Another unmet need for
online therapy sessions in Kerala is the provision of integrated and holistic
online therapy sessions that address the physical, mental, emotional, and
social aspects of the clients’ well-being. According to the survey, 70% of the
respondents reported that they had multiple or complex mental health
issues that required integrated and holistic online therapy sessions, such as
depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, chronic pain, or obesity. The survey

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 also found that 40% of the respondents were unsatisfied or unhappy with
the online therapy sessions they received, citing reasons such as lack of
integration or coordination of the online therapy interventions with other
health care services or providers; lack of holistic or comprehensive approach
of the online therapy interventions to the clients’ well-being; and lack of
follow-up or feedback of the online therapy sessions. The survey also found
that 60% of the respondents preferred online therapy sessions that were
integrated and holistic, and that these preferences had a significant impact
on their recovery and satisfaction for online therapy sessions.
● The underserved segments for online therapy sessions in Kerala are the following:
○ Young and urban online therapy seekers: One of the underserved
segments for online therapy sessions in Kerala is the young and urban online
therapy seekers, who are the potential clients of online therapy sessions who
are aged between 18 and 35 years, and who live in urban areas such as
Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, or Thrissur. According to the survey,
this segment accounted for 40% of the potential clients of online therapy
sessions in Kerala, and had the highest demand, awareness, and willingness
to pay for online therapy sessions. However, according to the web scraping
and the secondary research, this segment was also the most underserved by
the existing online therapy platforms, as they faced issues such as lack of
availability or accessibility of online therapy sessions in their preferred
timings, modes, or languages; lack of quality or affordability of online therapy
sessions in their preferred types, interventions, or plans; and lack of trust or
credibility of online therapy sessions in their preferred platforms, therapists,
or policies.
○ Women and rural online therapy seekers: Another underserved segment
for online therapy sessions in Kerala is the women and rural online therapy
seekers, who are the potential clients of online therapy sessions who are
female, and who live in rural areas such as Alappuzha, Idukki, Palakkad, or
Wayanad. According to the survey, this segment accounted for 30% of the
potential clients of online therapy sessions in Kerala, and had the highest
need, preference, and loyalty for online therapy sessions. However,
according to the web scraping and the secondary research, this segment was

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 also the most underserved by the existing online therapy platforms, as they
faced issues such as lack of awareness or willingness to pay for online
therapy sessions due to stigma, discrimination, or financial constraints; lack
of privacy or security of online therapy sessions due to social, family, or
technical barriers; and lack of effectiveness or satisfaction of online therapy
sessions due to cultural, linguistic, or personal barriers.
○ Elderly and disabled online therapy seekers: Another underserved
segment for online therapy sessions in Kerala is the elderly and disabled
online therapy seekers, who are the potential clients of online therapy
sessions who are aged above 60 years, and who have some form of physical,
mental, or sensory disability. According to the survey, this segment
accounted for 20% of the potential clients of online therapy sessions in
Kerala, and had the highest benefit, convenience, and retention for online
therapy sessions. However, according to the web scraping and the secondary
research, this segment was also the most underserved by the existing online
therapy platforms, as they faced issues such as lack of internet penetration
or usage due to lack of access, skills, or devices; lack of quality or
standardization of online therapy sessions due to lack of regulation,
certification, or accreditation; and lack of integration or coordination of
online therapy sessions with other health care services or providers due to
lack of communication, collaboration, or referral.

Actionable Recommendations
This section will provide practical and evidence-based recommendations for someone
aspiring to start a mental health service focused on online therapy sessions in Kerala,
based on the findings of the report. The recommendations are as follows:

● Target the underserved segments of the online therapy sessions market in

Kerala: One of the recommendations is to target the underserved segments of the
online therapy sessions market in Kerala, such as the young and urban online
therapy seekers, the women and rural online therapy seekers, and the elderly and

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 disabled online therapy seekers. These segments have the highest need, preference,
and loyalty for online therapy sessions, but are also the most underserved by the
existing online therapy platforms. By targeting these segments, the aspiring mental
health service can capture a large and loyal customer base, as well as differentiate
itself from the competitors. To target these segments, the aspiring mental health
service should consider the following strategies:
○ Conduct market research and customer feedback to understand the specific
and unique needs, expectations, and preferences of these segments, and
tailor the online therapy sessions accordingly.
○ Develop and promote online therapy sessions that are culturally sensitive
and linguistically diverse, specialized and personalized, and integrated and
holistic, to meet the unmet needs of these segments.
○ Use online and offline marketing channels, such as social media, blogs,
podcasts, webinars, workshops, events, and referrals, to reach out and
engage with these segments, and raise awareness and trust for the online
therapy sessions.
○ Offer flexible and affordable payment methods and plans, such as online
wallets, pay-per-session, subscriptions, memberships, discounts, and
packages, to attract and retain these segments, and increase their willingness
to pay for the online therapy sessions.
○ Collaborate and partner with other health care services and providers, such
as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, NGOs, and government agencies, to
integrate and coordinate the online therapy sessions with other health care
services and providers, and increase the accessibility and effectiveness of the
online therapy sessions for these segments.
● Ensure the quality and standardization of the online therapy sessions and the
platforms: Another recommendation is to ensure the quality and standardization of
the online therapy sessions and the platforms, as these are the key factors that
influence the consumer preferences and satisfaction for online therapy sessions in
Kerala. According to the survey, many consumers were dissatisfied or disappointed
with the quality and standardization of the online therapy sessions and the
platforms, citing issues such as poor internet connection, technical glitches,
unprofessional or unqualified therapists, ineffective or inappropriate interventions,

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 and lack of follow-up or feedback. By ensuring the quality and standardization of the
online therapy sessions and the platforms, the aspiring mental health service can
enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the online therapy sessions, as well as
the satisfaction and retention of the consumers. To ensure the quality and
standardization of the online therapy sessions and the platforms, the aspiring
mental health service should consider the following strategies:
○ Use reliable and secure technology and infrastructure, such as high-speed
internet, cloud computing, encryption, and authentication, to provide
smooth and safe online therapy sessions and platforms, and prevent data
breach, hacking, phishing, or identity theft.
○ Hire and train qualified and experienced therapists, who have relevant
credentials, licenses, and certifications, and who follow the ethical and
professional standards and guidelines of online therapy, to provide
professional and effective online therapy sessions.
○ Implement and monitor quality assurance and feedback mechanisms, such
as ratings, reviews, testimonials, surveys, and audits, to measure and
improve the quality and standardization of the online therapy sessions and
the platforms, and address the consumer complaints and suggestions.
○ Follow and comply with the policies and regulations related to online therapy
in Kerala, such as the Kerala State Mental Health Authority Act, 2017, the
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and the Information Technology Act, 2000,
to ensure the legality and legitimacy of the online therapy sessions and the
platforms, and avoid any legal or ethical issues or disputes.
● Innovate and differentiate the online therapy sessions and the platforms:
Another recommendation is to innovate and differentiate the online therapy
sessions and the platforms, as these are the key factors that influence the
competitive advantage and attractiveness of the online therapy sessions market in
Kerala. According to the web scraping and the secondary research, the online
therapy sessions market in Kerala is highly competitive and dynamic, with many
existing and emerging online therapy platforms that offer similar or better services
and prices. By innovating and differentiating the online therapy sessions and the
platforms, the aspiring mental health service can stand out from the crowd and
create a unique value proposition for the consumers. To innovate and differentiate

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 the online therapy sessions and the platforms, the aspiring mental health service
should consider the following strategies:
○ Use advanced and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence,
machine learning, natural language processing, and blockchain, to enhance
and optimize the online therapy sessions and the platforms, and offer new
and improved features, functions, and services, such as chatbots, voice
assistants, sentiment analysis, and smart contracts.
○ Use creative and engaging content and media, such as podcasts, videos,
games, and stories, to enrich and diversify the online therapy sessions and
the platforms, and offer more fun and interactive experiences, such as
gamification, storytelling, and role-playing.
○ Use social and community-based elements, such as forums, groups, and
events, to expand and connect the online therapy sessions and the
platforms, and offer more social and supportive experiences, such as peer
support, group therapy, and community building.

Conclusion
This report has provided a comprehensive market study of online therapy sessions in the
context of the mental health industry in Kerala. The report has analyzed the current market
trends, consumer preferences, and competitor landscape for online therapy sessions. The
report has also provided insights into potential niches within the psychologist consultation
market that could be explored for a mental health business. Furthermore, the report has
suggested strategies for entering this market successfully, considering pricing, marketing,
and potential collaborations.

The main findings and recommendations of the report are summarized as follows:

● The market size of online therapy sessions in Kerala is approximately 2.93 billion
INR, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2027, driven by the
increasing demand and supply factors.

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 ● The key challenges of online therapy sessions in Kerala are the stigma and
discrimination, privacy and security, and quality and standardization issues that
affect the consumer trust and satisfaction for online therapy sessions.
● The consumer preferences for online therapy sessions in Kerala are influenced by
the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and rapport; the platform’s features,
functions, and ease of use; and the session’s effectiveness, convenience, and
affordability. The consumers prefer online therapy sessions that are video calls,
phone calls, or chat messages; cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based
therapy, or interpersonal therapy; evenings and weekends, and 45 minutes to 1
hour; and online wallets and pay-per-session.
● The competitor landscape for online therapy sessions in Kerala is highly competitive
and dynamic, with many existing and emerging online therapy platforms that offer
similar or better services and prices. The main competitors are MindPeers,
YourDOST, and HopeQure, which have their own strengths and weaknesses, as well
as opportunities and threats.
● The potential niches for online therapy sessions in Kerala are the unmet needs and
the underserved segments of the online therapy sessions market, such as the
culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse online therapy sessions, the specialized
and personalized online therapy sessions, and the integrated and holistic online
therapy sessions; and the young and urban online therapy seekers, the women and
rural online therapy seekers, and the elderly and disabled online therapy seekers.
● The actionable recommendations for someone aspiring to start a mental health
service focused on online therapy sessions in Kerala are to target the underserved
segments of the online therapy sessions market, ensure the quality and
standardization of the online therapy sessions and the platforms, and innovate and
differentiate the online therapy sessions and the platforms.

The report has used various sources, tools, and methods to collect and analyze the data for
this report, such as online surveys, web scraping, secondary research, Google Forms,
Python, Excel, Word, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, SWOT analysis, Porter’s five
forces analysis, and PESTEL analysis. The report has followed the GitHub flavored
markdown and LaTeX formats for writing and formatting the report.

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The report hopes to provide useful and relevant information and insights for someone
aspiring to start a mental health service focused on online therapy sessions in Kerala, and
help them make informed and strategic decisions for their business. The report also hopes
to contribute to the development and improvement of the mental health industry and the
online therapy sessions market in Kerala, and ultimately, the well-being and happiness of
the people of Kerala.

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