J. Vargas

Jose Hamilton Vargas is the CEO and Founder of Youper, a mental health app that utilizes artificial intelligence to assist users in managing emotional and behavioral health. He is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist with a strong commitment to making mental health care more accessible. Vargas co-founded Youper in January 2016, and under his leadership, the app has gained significant traction, with over 3 million downloads and recognition as a clinically effective tool for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as validated by research from Stanford University.134

Professional Background

• Education: Vargas earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Universidade de Brasília and further specialized in data science at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
• Previous Roles: Before founding Youper, he served as a psychiatrist at Liva Saude in Brazil and held leadership positions in health-related organizations, including as CEO of Health Bank (Banco de Saúde) .123

Vision and Impact

Vargas's mission with Youper is to empower individuals to take control of their mental health. He emphasizes the importance of user experience, stating that the app was designed to feel personal, akin to having a confidant or friend. This approach has led to increased user engagement and positive feedback regarding the app's impact on mental well-being.23

His work has been recognized in various media outlets, including being referred to as "the pandemic therapist" due to the app's relevance during challenging times.1 Vargas continues to advocate for the integration of technology in mental health care, aiming to bridge gaps that often prevent individuals from seeking help.45