Hyderabad: At a time when artificial intelligence is becoming the default tool for almost every task, Hyderabad-based mental healthcare organisation Artemis Foundation has decided to take a different path. The organisation has consciously restricted the use of AI in its work, not only because of its environmental impact but also because its founder, Theodore Joseph, believes mental healthcare cannot be built on algorithms.“While our initial belief was that empathy and human connection cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence, our resolve to ban its use only grew stronger after we learnt about the enormous energy and water consumption AI requires,” he says.That philosophy extends beyond technology and has been formally incorporated into the organisation’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). From choosing gardens and parks over conference halls and counselling cabins to encouraging public transport and carpooling instead of private vehicles and avoiding single-use plastics by carrying reusable water bottles and utensils, every aspect of their work is designed to minimise their environmental footprint.“When the Artemis Foundation was set up, we decided against renting an office. Instead, we registered the organisation at a board member’s home and built an almost entirely online working model,” Theodore says.Therapy Happens Under TreesTheir counselling sessions and team meetings are equally unconventional. Rather than meeting around a conference table, they gather in green spaces such as Sanjeevaiah Park, PVNR Marg, or any nearby park. “If clients are not comfortable meeting in a public space, we offer online counselling instead,” he adds.According to Theodore, what began as an effort to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint has also brought unexpected mental health benefits. “We saw that spending time outdoors helps reduce stress, regulate emotions, and improve overall wellbeing. That has also enhanced the quality of our counselling sessions,” he says.The foundation also follows a strict low-carbon routine. Team members are encouraged to use public transport or carpool, choose cafés that avoid single-use plastics for meetings, and carry reusable steel or copper water bottles and utensils instead of disposable ones. These practices have gradually influenced the team’s personal lifestyles as well.“All our members have planted saplings at home. Many of them have now grown into large plants and are being transplanted to nearby parks,” Theodore shares.
