Kalm App Relieves Stress with Chat-Based Counseling

Living in a big city, environmental pressures, and problems at work can be one of the stressors. Many of them get stuck, sadly not seeking the help they really need. Either because there is a sense of shame, lack of knowledge, or practical barriers. As a result, conditions continued to deteriorate.

Not wanting this to continue, Angela Widjaja and two of her friends who both have counseling and psychology education backgrounds founded Kalm. This application provides online counseling services based on chat nature unlimited and sustainable.

"We decided to build an online platform that opens access to professional counselors for anyone, in an easy and convenient way without any embarrassment," said the Co-Founder. Kalm, Angela Widjaja, to DailySocial.

He also explains the differentiation of Kalm with similar service. Generally they ask users to make an appointment with an online counselor for a counseling session chatting for 50 minutes to 1 hour. But in Kalm, users don't have to do that.

They can send chat at any time and as often as you go to Kalmselor (the counselor's name in Kalm), as long as it is still in the subscription period. Kalmselor is also required to answer chat at least twice in 24 hours.

"We feel the online counseling process gives counselors flexibility, especially so that they don't rush through the client's messages so they can provide more meaningful responses."

If users feel that they are not compatible with Kalmselor, they can replace it at any time. The whole counseling process from registration, matchingand chatting done in the application. It guarantees that the user's privacy is completely guarded with full security and privacy.

So that counselors can provide input that users really need, there is a profit-sharing scheme that is obtained from the paid subscription package fee. This is intended so that counselors can have more value in Indonesia, not just work for free.

"We believe that the counselors should be compensated according to their services."

Prioritize user privacy

In order to maintain user trust, continued Angela, the company focuses on data security. There are several things done to mitigate security risks. First, users can register and conduct online counseling anonymously, with just a nickname and e-mail address. Kalm does not ask for real names, telephone numbers, home addresses, or other identifying information.

As for Kalmselor, there are requirements that must be met such as complete personal information, including copies of ID cards, diplomas, practice permits, and others. Next there is a verification process for each incoming counselor registration, before being approved to become Kalmselor.

In terms of products, it is also protected because the company works with Digital Security Indonesia (DSI) who are experts in the field of digital security. DSI did penetration testing and provide reports on any possible security threats which can then be dealt with immediately.

"DSI will continue to support Kalm to ensure our platform is safe for users."

To enjoy Kalm's services, users only need to subscribe by purchasing a 1 week, 1 month, or 3 month price package. Per week, it ranges from Rp. 250 thousand to Rp. 350 thousand.

Kalm launched on Google Play since October 7 2018, since then Kalm has around 30 active Kalmselors serving more than 200 users.

Angela revealed that in the future, the company will continue to develop the Kalm and Kalmselor applications to provide the best service. There will be new features that are ready to be presented so that the goal is increasing wellness user and increasing value for counselors can be achieved.

Currently, Kalm is still using its own funds for its operations. Angela said that her party had started exploring with several investors for the possibility of obtaining investment funding.