Ourstory

Founding Story

As a first-generation Chinese American, my family did not speak about mental health while growing up. So when my mom battled severe depression and suicidal ideation three years ago, our family was at a loss. I blindly navigated the therapist
search process for her and found a therapist.


My mom was skeptical about seeking therapy and so when the therapist I found her ended up being a bad fit, she was no longer interested in trying therapy again.

 

I was desperate.

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Our Purpose

After trying to find therapists for my loved ones, I realized how pitiful the process was. In an age where we can swipe for pretty much anything, something this useful and important couldn’t be that hard, right? But it is.

 

The more friends I spoke to, the more apparent it became that I wasn't alone. Each story was almost always the same: not knowing where to start, what to look for, what to ask, what to expect. In addition, COVID-19 had altered our day to day norms creating even more importance to unmute conversations around seeking mental health support.  

 

Our Offering 

Unmute was initially developed so friends and family could comfortably speak out about their mental health with us and so that we could demystify what therapy is for them. Today, our platform is available to anyone in the US and offers a matching service for individual therapy and peer support groups.

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Our Mission

During these unprecedented times when we want to speak on a Zoom call, we click unmute. We’re choosing to figuratively push the unmute button today and speak out about our mental health, because it's more important than ever to normalize mental health care and provide easy access to therapy.

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With Love, 

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Colleen Leung 

Founder & CEO

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Unmute Founder, Colleen Leung & Mom

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Mazen Danaf

Data Scientist

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Therabuddy

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Emily Perelman

Therabuddy

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Therabuddy

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Kaylee O'Connell

Therabuddy

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Audrey Shin

Marketing Intern

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Asher Lefkowitz

Team

Colleen Leung

Colleen Leung

Co-Founder & CEO

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Michael Young

CTO 

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Rhiannon Chiacchiaro

Director of Customer Success

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Kira Defranza

Therabuddy

They/Them

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OurValues

At Unmute, we believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, and that mental wellness is just as important as physical. Furthermore, we actively advocate for increased access to mental health services for all people regardless of identity, background, or circumstance. 

 

We consistently strive for a more just, equitable, and transparent community within Unmute and beyond. We invite conversation and reflection, and work to build a team that values culture add over culture fit. 

 

We take social responsibility very seriously and implement it in the way we work and run our business. As part of our value system, we affirm that:

 

  • Black lives matter

  • Love is love

  • Trans men are men, trans women are women, and gender exists beyond a binary 

  • Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing

  • Abuse victims should be believed

  • Intersectionality within communities is key to addressing discrimination and oppression

  • People have the right to autonomy over their bodies

  • Disability does not diminish a person’s worth

  • No human is illegal

  • All people should have the right to practice their faith freely and safely

  • Everyone has privilege and we are responsible for using it to uplift marginalized voices

  • We stand with the BIPOC community in our commitment to dismantle racism and create greater equity and inclusion

 

It is our sincere hope that you will join us on our mission. Together, we can unmute the conversation on mental health. 

Follow us @unmute.today

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