In an effort to tackle the growing crisis in children’s mental health services, digital health startup Ascentys, based in Bradford, has secured a significant boost in funding. The company recently received support from the UK government’s Mindset-XR programme, further fueling the development of its pioneering virtual reality (VR) therapy platform, D. This innovative solution, powered by artificial intelligence and adapted from gaming technology, promises a more engaging, cost-effective way to deliver mental health therapy.
The funding follows a string of financial backing for Ascentys, which includes £350,000 from Innovate UK and the National Institute of Health and Care Research. With additional support from Alzheimer’s Research UK and regional NHS mental health services, the startup is gaining momentum in its quest to revolutionize how therapy is delivered to young people.
A Response to a Mental Health Crisis
Mental health services for children are under unprecedented strain. The number of referrals has skyrocketed, waiting times are longer than ever, and burnout among mental health professionals is increasingly common. These challenges are compounded by alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which point to childhood depression as a leading cause of suicide. Meanwhile, the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that nearly a third of young people aged 16 to 24 show signs of depression.
Ascentys’ founder, Dr. Sayed Kazmi, highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues. “Children’s mental health services are in crisis,” said Kazmi. “We are seeing an increase in referrals, and yet the current system struggles to keep up, leaving children waiting far too long for the support they need.”
Innovative Technology for a Digital Generation
At the heart of Ascentys’ strategy is D, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to reimagine mental health therapy for children and young adults. The technology is built on artificial intelligence and draws heavily from innovations in the gaming industry to create immersive, interactive therapy experiences.
Early evaluations have shown promising results, with the technology proving to be both safe and effective in treating young patients. More importantly, Ascentys claims that D
could slash treatment costs by over 30% within a year, a significant consideration for health services grappling with tight budgets.
“We wanted to create something that resonates with young people in a world that is increasingly digital-first,” explained Kazmi. “The current therapeutic approaches can be repetitive and disengaging, particularly for children who are growing up surrounded by digital technology. We saw an opportunity to change that with D.”
The Role of the Mindset-XR Programme
The UK government’s Mindset-XR scheme has played a pivotal role in supporting Ascentys. The initiative aims to promote the use of extended reality (XR) technologies to enhance mental health treatment, with a particular focus on improving accessibility and effectiveness. By connecting companies like Ascentys with clinicians, academics, and patients, the programme fosters collaboration to accelerate the development and adoption of new solutions.
“We are delighted to be part of the Mindset-XR programme,” said Kazmi. “Beyond the financial support, the programme is helping us connect with experts across the country who share our vision for transforming mental health care.”
A Vision for the Future of Therapy
Ascentys is not just creating a product; it is spearheading a new approach to therapy, one that aligns with the evolving needs of a tech-savvy generation. By integrating VR into therapeutic practices, the company aims to make mental health treatment more engaging, accessible, and effective.
For clinicians, D offers an innovative tool that can augment traditional therapy methods, providing a dynamic and interactive environment for patients. For patients, especially children and teenagers, it presents a more relatable and enjoyable way to engage with therapy.
Kazmi emphasized the broader potential of the platform: “We believe what we have is more than just a product. It is a new way of thinking about how we engage children with their therapy. By leveraging technology, we can make therapy something that young people want to participate in, not something they have to endure.”
The Road Ahead
While Ascentys has made significant strides, the journey is far from over. The company is working closely with partners such as the Health Innovation Network South London to expand its reach and build new relationships with healthcare providers. These partnerships will be critical in ensuring that D can be integrated into mainstream mental health services across the UK.
“We know the enthusiasm for change is out there,” said Kazmi. “We’re excited to partner with clinicians and services that are looking for better ways of delivering mental health support. Our goal is to make therapy more accessible and effective for every young person who needs it.”
With the growing demand for mental health services and the increasing adoption of digital health technologies, the future looks promising for Ascentys and its innovative approach to therapy.
