As Egypt grapples with a mental health crisis affecting a quarter of its population, digital platforms are emerging as critical tools in bridging the gap between overwhelming demand and limited psychiatric resources.
Recent data from Egypt’s Ministry of Health reveals that 25% of the country’s nearly 100 million citizens suffer from mental health disorders, while fewer than 1,000 registered psychiatrists serve the entire population — a ratio that has sparked innovation in the digital health sector.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
A comprehensive 2018 survey by Egypt’s Ministry of Health, based on a random sample of 22,000 families nationwide, found alarming prevalence rates among those affected by mental health conditions:
- 43.7% experience anxiety disorders
- 30.1% suffer from depression, often linked to substance abuse
- Rural governorates show higher rates than urban areas
Dr. Mona Abdel Maksoud, director of the General Secretariat of Mental Health, noted during the ministry’s press conference that Minya governorate recorded the highest anxiety rates in the country.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges significantly. Research conducted in May 2020 by Dr. Safaa M. El-Zoghby found that 67.1% of surveyed Egyptian adults experienced depression during the pandemic, with 41.4% reporting severe mental health impacts.
Digital Pioneers Fill the Gap
Against this backdrop, Egyptian entrepreneurs have launched digital mental health platforms aimed at increasing accessibility while addressing cultural stigma.
Shezlong: First Mover Advantage
Founded in 2014 by software engineer Ahmed Abu ElHaz, Shezlong became the first online psychotherapy platform in the Middle East and North Africa region. Abu ElHaz’s personal experience — being bedridden after an accident and unable to find Arabic-language mental health support online — inspired the venture.
“I searched for online therapy platforms to get help without leaving the house, but I found nothing in Arabic,” Abu ElHaz told local media in 2020.
The platform has raised over $450,000 across multiple funding rounds, including investments from Endure Capital, A15, and 500 Startups. According to company data:
- 100,000+ registered users globally
- 500+ licensed therapists and psychiatrists
- Services available in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Germany, and the US
- 40% of customers are Arabs living abroad
Pricing ranges from $20-30 per hour for Egyptian therapists to $30-75 for international sessions.
O7 Therapy: The New Challenger
Launched in 2019 by Ashraf Bacheet, Ashraf Adel, and Nader Iskander, O7 Therapy secured $2.1 million in seed funding in March 2023, led by Hikma Ventures, the corporate venture arm of UK-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
“Mental health and wellness are of paramount importance,” said CEO Ashraf Bacheet in a company statement. “Our investment in mental wellbeing improves the lives of individuals in all areas of life.”
The platform currently hosts over 180 multilingual therapists and emphasizes cultural sensitivity for Arabic-speaking users worldwide. During the pandemic, the company reported significant user growth as demand for digital mental health services surged.
Hamzeh Abdul-Hadi, principal at Hikma Ventures, noted: “COVID-19 has both accelerated the adoption of digital health services and tragically made them more necessary than ever.”
Addressing Cultural Barriers
Mental health stigma remains a significant challenge in Egyptian society. A 2019 Statista survey found that approximately 50% of Arab youth respondents viewed seeking mental health help as negative.
Both platforms address this through anonymity features. Users can register with nicknames and access therapy without revealing their full identity — a crucial factor in a society where mental health treatment is often stigmatized.
“The convenience and quality of support offered by Shezlong will uncover these numbers,” explained Khaled Ismail, Chairman of HIMangel, an early investor in Shezlong, referring to underreported mental health needs.
Technology Infrastructure and Security
Egyptian mental health platforms employ several key technologies to ensure accessibility and privacy:
- 256-bit TLS end-to-end encryption for messaging
- HIPAA and GDPR compliance (O7 Therapy)
- AI-powered therapist matching algorithms
- Mobile applications for iOS and Android
- Video, voice, and text-based therapy options
No session recordings are made during video or audio consultations, according to platform policies.
Corporate Wellness Expansion
Both platforms have expanded into corporate wellness programs as Egyptian companies increasingly recognize employee mental health importance.
O7 Therapy offers organizational wellness programs including stress management and burnout prevention. The platform has developed an “Organizational Wellness Checkpoint” tool allowing employees to share their mental state, enabling early intervention.
Shezlong similarly provides business solutions, though specific corporate client numbers were not disclosed by either company.
International Context and Competition
While local platforms dominate the Arabic-speaking market, international competitors like BetterHelp (30,000+ therapists globally) and Talkspace also serve Egyptian users, though primarily in English.
The Egyptian market represents part of a broader Middle Eastern digital health expansion. Similar platforms have emerged across the region, though none have achieved the scale of Egypt’s pioneers.
Regulatory Environment and Challenges
Egypt’s healthcare system remains fragmented across multiple government bodies including the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Ministry of Higher Education, and Health Insurance Organization.
Currently, Egyptian health insurance does not cover mental health services, though platforms are working to establish partnerships with insurance providers in other MENA countries.
A 2020 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that 188 Egyptian psychiatrists surveyed expressed significant interest in web-based solutions, with almost all respondents saying such solutions would benefit patient care.
Looking Forward
Industry observers note several trends shaping the sector’s future:
- Integration with traditional healthcare systems
- Expansion of youth-focused services for Egypt’s large under-25 population
- Enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities
- Potential insurance coverage expansion
Both Shezlong and O7 Therapy plan regional expansion, with particular focus on serving Arabic-speaking populations globally.
As Egypt’s Ministry of Health works to develop more effective mental health strategies, digital platforms appear positioned to play an increasingly important role in addressing the country’s mental health challenges.
