Samer Abughannam knows finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming and with the mental health sector being as fragmented as it is, the process is not straightforward. That's why he started Layla Care, a service that guides clients through the process, offering a curated network of vetted providers. An initial intake form and conversation with a care coordinator helps match individual needs and goals to a suitable therapist. Clients retain control, choosing their therapist from the recommended options.

His goal was to grow and improve Layla Care, maybe even expand into preventative or early intervention mental health services.

And an opportunity came knocking… 

And as luck would have it, Abughannam’s team member brought an intriguing opportunity to his attention: the Communitech Fast Track Health program. 

This program focuses on challenges identified by health-care partners and surfaces solutions from Canadian tech companies, with the end goal of commercialization through piloting and procurement opportunities. 

LaylaCare participated in the first iteration of the Fast Track Health program (formerly known as Future of Health) in 2022. He saw the program as a chance to connect with partners and explore the future of mental health care.

“The demand for mental health services is outpacing the system's capacity. We believe collaboration is key to making healthcare more productive and efficient, while also creating opportunities for prevention and early intervention,” he said. “That's why we joined this program – to connect with partners and explore where the future of mental health care might take us.”

More than mentorship

The program proved to be more than just mentorship. Abughannam and his team felt right at home with the supportive community.

“Fast Track Health provided us with more than just mentorship; it gave us a community. We became part of the Communitech community, which has been a vital support system for our startup,” Abughannam said. “Additionally, the growth coaches provided invaluable expertise in specific areas our company needed help with.”

Building partnerships and expanding networks

The program also helped Abughannam connect with potential partners in new areas.

“Through the program, we connected with potential partners in Nova Scotia, a new market for us, and in Ontario, where we have our main base,” he said. “These connections opened doors for collaboration.”

Abughannam's participation in Fast Track Health provided valuable insights – exposing him to the perspectives of various health-care players. 

“We got a clearer understanding of how to operate productively within the sector,” he said. “These conversations, started through the program, are still ongoing and continue to inform our growth.”

Resilience through collaboration

Abughannam highlighted the general support and resilience gained by being part of the Communitech community.

“Having a network of mentors and fellow innovators around us gives us the resilience to adapt, grow and keep pushing forward,” he said. “It's like having another team member – the entire Communitech community – cheering us on and helping us navigate the challenges of being a young company.”