Zafer Z. Khan

Zafer Z. Khan is the founder and CEO of Saalvio, a platform shaped by his two decades of experience in social work and more than five years of research and practice in psychology. His path into mental health sharpened in the aftermath of the pandemic, when the silent struggles of friends, colleagues, and communities underscored a truth he could no longer ignore: access to care was fractured, uneven, and often out of reach.

At Saalvio, Zafer has guided the building of ThriveAI, a CBT-based conversational tool designed in close collaboration with clinicians, and he continues to lead programs that integrate licensed care with ethical digital support. He has developed workshops on psychological safety for leaders, trained clinicians in trauma-informed approaches, and spoken at professional forums on the intersection of technology and wellbeing.

He also mentors early-career social workers and psychology students, volunteers in community programs, and helped create a 24/7 mental health support line staffed by doctors, counsellors, and peer support workers. As both writer and reviewer of Saalvio’s blog, Zafer treats each piece as an extension of that mission: translating research and lived experience into clear guidance for workplaces, families, and individuals alike.

Outside of work, he grounds himself in gardening, cultural roots, and the quiet discipline of continuous learning.

Key Areas of Focus

• Promoting resilience and trauma-informed care
• Raising awareness through mental health education
• Implementing ethical digital mental health tools (e.g., CBT chatbots, telehealth)
• Integrating clinician technology and scalable care models
• Supporting community outreach, early intervention, and family-centered approaches