Founder's Message
Hi, my name is Ishmeet Singh, and I founded Cognitive Compass in 2023 to guide people from struggle to strength by making mental and cognitive healthcare accessible to all.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced a period of deep isolation and frustration, a stark contrast to my typically extroverted self. I soon realized I wasn’t alone. Statewide student mental health surveys found that roughly 22% of students felt they might be traumatized and would not be the same because of the pandemic, while over 63% reported experiencing an emotional meltdown and 45% said they felt depressed.
I was fortunate to have a support network that helped me recover, but many students don’t have access to that same kind of help. Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health reports that more than half of students say they need mental health support, yet 66% of youth with depression never receive treatment. According to ACLU California Action, stigma, limited funding, and a shortage of counselors, with only one social worker per 6,000 students, leave many without care.
Seeing this gap between mental health care and those who need it most, I began advocating for change within my school and community. Conversations with the Bakersfield College Board and Kern High School District counselors revealed two core issues: a lack of awareness and a lack of accessibility.
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Cognitive Compass was created to bridge the divide between people and the healthcare resources they need, making mental health support visible, approachable, and truly accessible to all.
WHAT WE DO
At Cognitive Compass, we harness the power of cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, psychology, statewide legislative advocacy, public speaking, research, and community education to improve the accessibility and utilization of mental and cognitive healthcare, helping individuals achieve better outcomes.​
HOW WE DO IT
Whether it’s creating a QR code system to streamline mental healthcare in schools and colleges, initiating a California state bill to enable schools statewide to do the same, or educating our community about human trafficking and mental health, we work to provide guidance and accessible cognitive and mental healthcare for people of all ages.
WHY WE DO IT
First, there is a major lack of awareness about mental health struggles within our communities. Second, existing mental healthcare systems are often difficult to access. By addressing both awareness and accessibility, we aim to bridge the gap between people and the care they deserve.
