A Mission Born from Crisis

When Dimitri Podoliev co-founded Mindly in 2021, he envisioned a cutting-edge mental health platform connecting clients to licensed therapists through AI-powered care. But when war erupted in Ukraine, Mindly transformed into something far greater—an essential lifeline for thousands in dire need.

“After the start of the war, we converted Mindly to make therapy accessible to all Ukrainians, even those in severe financial distress,” Podoliev explains. “Every dollar we make goes entirely to funding therapy sessions for those who can’t afford it. Our goal isn’t just free therapy—it’s quality therapy that delivers real results.”

Pivoting Under Fire: A Startup’s Wartime Strategy

Before the war, Ukraine boasted over 2,000 startups, with tech founders known for resilience and adaptability. Mindly was no exception. Within weeks of the invasion, the startup pivoted from a marketplace for psychologists to a fully-funded mental health initiative.

Operating under extreme conditions, Mindly’s team worked remotely—from basements, bomb shelters, and even cars. Yet, their impact was immediate. “In the first three weeks of the war, we provided over 1,000 therapy sessions. By summer, we aim to reach 50,000 users,” Podoliev says.

But how could a startup fund thousands of free therapy sessions?

Funding Therapy Through Innovation and Global Support

On March 12, from Mindly’s satellite office in Warsaw, Podoliev announced the company’s new financial model. Global donations poured in, funding thousands of free therapy sessions for displaced Ukrainians.

“Poland became a natural expansion point,” says Podoliev. “Not only does Warsaw host over 300,000 Ukrainian refugees, but it also serves as an Eastern European tech hub, essential for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.”

This expansion aligned with Mindly’s participation in the Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund, which awarded them $100,000 in non-dilutive cash, product support, and Google Cloud credits. Google CEO Sundar Pichai even met with Podoliev in Warsaw to reaffirm support.

Empowering Therapists While Supporting Patients

The mental health crisis in Ukraine is unprecedented. Millions have been displaced, and stress disorders are rampant. The World Health Organization reports overwhelming psychological distress among refugees, with symptoms ranging from severe anxiety to complete disorientation.

Recognizing this, Mindly also ensures therapists are supported. “Therapists are people too,” Podoliev states. “They’re facing trauma just like their patients. Asking them to work for free wouldn’t be fair. That’s why 100% of Mindly’s income goes toward covering therapy costs.”

The AI Revolution: Scaling Therapy for the Future

As a founder with expertise in AI, machine learning, and neural networks, Podoliev sees technology as the key to unlocking widespread access to mental health care.

“AI is the only way to truly make therapy accessible,” he says. “There’s a global shortage of therapists, and traditional therapy is expensive. AI can assist professionals, optimize patient care, and help scale services efficiently.”

While AI-based mental health solutions are still in their infancy, Mindly is already integrating AI-driven patient monitoring and automated mental health assessments into its platform. This will help reduce stigma around therapy by making access more discreet and efficient.

Rebuilding Ukraine—One Therapy Session at a Time

Even before Mindly, Podoliev was deeply embedded in Ukraine’s startup ecosystem. As the co-founder of iHUB, one of Eastern Europe’s largest startup incubators, he helped entrepreneurs secure investment and build scalable businesses.

Within 48 hours of the invasion, he led a fintech team to assist the Ukrainian National Bank, helping raise over €11 million in financial aid. Now, his mission with Mindly is clear: provide critical mental health support today and pave the way for Ukraine’s long-term recovery.

“We still need financial support,” he admits. “Every dollar goes toward maximizing free therapy sessions. But beyond funding, we need media visibility and partnerships. The more people who know about Mindly, the more lives we can change.”

With every therapy session, Mindly is not just treating trauma—it’s helping rebuild the spirit of a nation, one person at a time.