Apply HN: Anonymous P2P therapy phone calls (going through a rough time?)

What we do: We like to think of it as a ‘Anonymous User to User therapy sessions’. We are building a mobile app that allows users who are going through a rough time in their life to be connected to a random person around the world to have a real phone call with.

Why: We all go through rough times. It can be school, love life, or not getting into YC fellowship (hint). Some of these things are very tough to talk about with people you know IRL (judgmental, embarrassing, they don’t care, ect). And we all know for a fact that talking it out with someone and getting advice is a great way to fix problems. This is done much easier when it’s an anonymous person on the other end so you can be 100% free.

How it works: Imagine you just got denied from YC fellowship. You’re there lying in bed all embarrassed and sad, but you can’t tell anyone about it because you’re just not that close to someone else. You pick up Yusuf’s app and automatically connect to a random person around the world who is also going through a tough time. You tell each other the story of what you’re going through and comfort each other. It’s simple as that.

Sure, I can talk more about our marketing strategy, product features, monetization, ect. But I’ll let you guys ask those questions (if you want to!)

Wanna know more about US (4 founders), past startup experience, more on our product, ect? ASK!!

Would it be truly random, or would there be some effort to match people likely to understand each other's backgrounds and problems?

We do not plan on charging anyone for the usage of this app.

Monetization isn't exactly our FIRST priority (user experience is for now), but we do have some ideas behind it. For examples, ads can easily bring in revenue if needed. Or even qualified trained therapist are able to provide 'exceptionally higher' help for a fee (this is further in the future of course).

Have you considered using this idea as a way to change the way suicide hotline works?

it is true that as humans we all have experienced stressful and difficult times in our lives,and knowing that there's an easy to reach-shoulder that is willing to hear your problem and advice you is something that I'm willing to try. Great concept and idea! Wish guys the best of luck!

Recently I read a story about how a Veterans suicide line went to a voicemail. Horrifying. There is a startup here, maybe it's a non-profit.