Estaraht: Revolutionizing Online Therapy for Arabs and Arab Expats

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) Abass Cheikh, the founder of Estaraht, had a question that changed his life and the lives of many others. Late one night, in the midst of a personal struggle, he typed into a search engine: “How can I talk to a therapist online privately, without shame?” What he found was disappointing. There were no solutions that truly resonated with his cultural experience as a Mauritanian, or the broader reality faced by Arab communities dealing with mental health challenges.

The lack of accessible, culturally aware therapy options sparked a realization: there was a massive gap in the market. As someone who had grown up in a society where talking about mental health could be stigmatized, sometimes even dangerous, Abass knew firsthand the toll this silence took on individuals. His search for help, devoid of true understanding, led to a moment of transformation. It was then that he decided to create Estaraht, an online therapy app that would cater specifically to Arabs and Arab expats, offering a private, judgment-free space to seek support.

The Birth of Estaraht

Estaraht wasn’t just built on a business idea; it was born out of a personal, often painful experience. Abass’s vision was clear: to develop a solution that acknowledged the cultural nuances surrounding mental health in the Arab world. This meant creating a platform that not only provided therapy in Arabic but also offered a level of privacy and sensitivity that many Arab communities desperately needed.

Unlike existing Western platforms that merely translated services into Arabic, Estaraht was designed with Arab users in mind from the ground up. It’s an app that understands the unique pressures and stigma that often surround mental health in the Arab world, particularly for men, immigrants, and older generations. The result? A discreet, culturally aware solution that could help those who are most in need but least likely to seek help.

Privacy and Cultural Sensitivity at the Core

One of the defining features of Estaraht is its commitment to anonymity. Users can access therapy without ever needing to share their real names. For many, especially in regions where discussing mental health remains taboo, the option to seek help without revealing one’s identity is a crucial step toward breaking the silence.

Moreover, Estaraht's therapists are all certified and verified by local and international health authorities, ensuring that users receive high-quality care from professionals who are attuned to the cultural sensitivities of their clients. This is not just about offering therapy in Arabic it's about offering therapy that feels right for its users.

Estaraht’s design also embraces the “text-first” approach, allowing users to begin their journey by chatting with a therapist before ever booking a full session. This is an especially valuable feature for individuals who might feel uncomfortable speaking face-to-face or who want to take small steps toward seeking help. It’s a barrier-free entry into mental health support, making it easier for people to reach out in the first place.

Reaching the Unseen

Estaraht has quickly become a lifeline for Arab expats across the globe whether they are navigating new cultures in the Gulf, Europe, or elsewhere. But its impact doesn’t stop there. The app is also serving students, refugees, mothers, and anyone undergoing significant life transitions. These groups, often living in isolation or uncertainty, are finding solace in a platform that understands their unique challenges.

Abass’s team has watched as Estaraht gained traction in a way that felt organic and real through word of mouth and the genuine needs of people seeking mental health support. Over 700 private therapy sessions were facilitated in 2025 alone, all without external funding, paid media campaigns, or flashy app store promotions. This success is a testament to the silent, persistent demand for a culturally competent, private therapy solution.

The Mental Health Crisis in the Arab World

The need for Estaraht couldn’t be more urgent. In 2025, 68% of Arab youth reported symptoms of anxiety, a startling statistic that underscores the pressure young people are facing in the region. Yet, most of the mental health content available in Arabic is either unregulated, ineffective, or both. Even worse, cultural stigma remains a huge barrier to seeking help.

For many, the fear of being judged for talking about personal struggles keeps them silent. Estaraht is bridging this gap by offering a platform that is private by default, culturally sensitive, and available at the tap of a button. This approach is helping to normalize mental health discussions, making it easier for people to seek the support they need, when they need it.

Looking to the Future

As Estaraht continues to grow, Abass and his team are looking to expand their impact even further. The app is not just a tool for therapy; it’s part of a broader movement to redefine how mental health is understood, discussed, and treated in the Arab world. The journey is still in its early stages, but the future is promising. Estaraht is proving that technology can be a powerful force for cultural change, especially when it’s built from the ground up with empathy, understanding, and respect for the people it serves.

Now, Estaraht is opening its doors wider. The company is seeking partners, investors, and media attention to help tell its story and expand its reach. If you're interested in exploring how Estaraht is transforming the mental health landscape for Arabs and Arab expats, or how culturally specific solutions are changing the future of therapy, you can learn more on their website.

To find out more about how Estaraht is helping people reclaim their mental well-being without shame, visit their homepage or explore their online therapy services.

Abass Cheikh, the founder of Estaraht, is leading the charge in changing the way Arabs approach mental health. To read more about his journey and vision, visit his author profile.

Estaraht is making therapy accessible, safe, and shame-free because mental health support shouldn’t come with a cultural cost.