From Classmates to Co-Founders: How Two Graduates, 13 Years Apart, Joined Forces to Transform Mental Health Care

Nita Akoh and Jay Nakhai, two Northeastern alumni, are making strides in mental health care through their innovative partnership. Nita’s startup, MyAtlas, leverages biometric data to improve mental health management. Jay’s AEON Counseling provides personalized therapy. Together, they aim to enhance the quality of mental health services by combining their expertise.

Both graduates focused on similar missions but initially took different paths. Nita’s passion sparked while studying behavioral neuroscience. Her experience in a psychiatric hospital led her to realize the potential of patient data. This inspired her to create MyAtlas, a platform that collects data from personal devices to monitor mental health. The app uses AI to provide tailored advice, considering cultural and lifestyle factors. For instance, if a user struggles with stress, the platform suggests interventions that are particularly effective for people with similar backgrounds.

Jay, who graduated in 2010, started AEON Counseling as a way to address community needs through therapy. His work expanded significantly during the pandemic, emphasizing individual and family counseling. After meeting Nita through a mutual contact, they recognized their shared goals and began collaborating.

This partnership is timely, especially as mental health concerns grow among younger generations. Recent surveys show that nearly 1 in 5 young adults experience mental health issues, highlighting the importance of accessible care. In a step to support this demographic, Nita and Jay are providing a year’s worth of mental health treatments for 100 college students, aiming to offer specialized, innovative care that resonates with Gen Z values.

The partnership allows AEON clinicians to access real-time data from MyAtlas users, helping therapists make informed decisions and identify patients who may be at risk. Both Nita and Jay emphasize the need for culturally aware treatment, aiming to meet patients where they are.

“The decision to engage in therapy is significant,” Jay explains. “We want to create a safe environment for patients and ensure we can respond to their needs effectively.” This collaboration is a strong step toward improving mental health services and making them more relatable and effective for young patients.

With the landscape of mental health care evolving, these two women exemplify how innovation, compassion, and collaboration can lead to positive outcomes. They are not just changing the way we think about mental health but are actively shaping the future to be more inclusive and effective.

For more information on mental health initiatives and support, check resources like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

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