Clearhead launches digital tool to help rangatahi find their purpose

Clearhead CEO & Co-Founder, Dr. Angela Lim, said the Finding Purpose digital tool is the first of its kind to provide personalisation and clinically validated information on making meaning of their experiences and personal purpose. The digital tool takes individuals on a journey of self-discovery by exploring their career, relationships, routines, and hobbies.

“Following COVID, we found the top two causes of psychological distress amongst our platform users came from loneliness and lacking purpose in life. The reality is that many Kiwis are finding it difficult to access the support they need to help manage these feelings, with more than 90% of public funding going towards crisis support rather than preventative mental health services, like therapy,” explained Dr. Lim.

“Learning how to find purpose in one’s life generally takes at least three therapy sessions to complete, with the average cost of therapy being $150 - $250 per hour. We understand that is out of reach for most people and those who would benefit the most from this learning, which is why we developed our Finding Purpose tool.” Dr. Lim said.

“We want to hand Kiwis the tools and knowledge they need to support their mental health every day, so they don’t have to reach crisis point. The tool also supports people to consider how their everyday decisions can better align with their values, including whether they are in the right relationship or job,” she added.

In 2022, Clearhead received $50,000 in funding through nib Foundation’s Health Smart Grants. nib Foundation Executive Officer, Amy Tribe, said they are thrilled to partner with Clearhead to support young people to proactively improve their mental health and wellbeing.

“We really loved the fact that Clearhead wanted to co-design the Finding Purpose tool alongside young people so that it would appeal to and target the specific needs of that cohort. Our partnership has enabled Clearhead to develop a unique offering that we hope will help individuals to better understand their purpose in life,” Mrs Tribe said.
Clearhead Clinical Psychologist, Sam O’Sullivan, has been running successful workshops on finding purpose in life over the last seven years and designed the tool alongside young people.

Clearhead has distilled a full-day in-person workshop into a fun and quick online tool. The platform’s AI analyses users’ statements to support greater self-reflection, making conscious the underlying values that are actively bringing meaning to the individual's everyday life. This supports people to consider how their everyday decisions can better align with their values.

Dr. Lim said that Clearhead is looking forward to seeing their tool in the hands of Kiwis to support their health and wellbeing.

“Our Finding Purpose digital tool applies a holistic, strength-based approach to decision-making in everyday life that empowers individuals to cope with anxiety, stress, and depression while building long-term resilience.

“Ultimately, we hope this digital tool will help people of all ages to find their purpose and live a more fulfilling life,” said Dr. Lim.

The Finding Purpose digital tool has launched and is available to all New Zealanders from 8th February 2023.

For more information, please see here