Unmute FAQs
How do I get started with Unmute?
Getting started is easy! Just take our Matching Survey and your preferences will automatically be sent to our team of Therabuddies to get you matched with the right therapist.
What are the benefits to using Unmute instead of searching by myself?
Finding a therapist can be an incredibly time-consuming and mentally draining process, especially if you’re already suffering from anxiety, depression and low energy, executive function issues, or life stress. Unmute takes on those difficult and tedious pieces of therapist matching, such as:
Searching databases for appropriate providers
Narrowing down potential options
Speaking to therapists and following up when they are unresponsive
Inquiring about availability
Verifying insurance and pricing
Making connections to a therapist directly
With the help of Unmute, you can focus on making sure you’ve got the right fit, without the stress and hassle of all the administrative work.
What will the matching process look like?
The matching process is conducted over email. When you submit your matching survey, a Therabuddy will reach out to you within 2 business days with 5 matched therapists and their bios. From there, you’ll let your Therabuddy know your preferred rankings of the matches, and your Therabuddy will reach out to each clinician as appropriate. Once we find you a match, we’ll make a warm introduction by email where you can then coordinate a phone consultation with your matched therapist.
How long will it take to be matched with my therapist?
Match times can vary pretty extensively. This is usually due to the high demand for therapists right now, as well as factors such as seeker and therapist responsiveness and insurance matching. Currently, we’ve had successful matches occur within days or sometimes a couple of weeks.
How many therapists will I be matched with?
You will start with 5 matches, but we continue working with you and providing matches until you find the right fit!
Do I have to reach out to the therapists myself?
No, we will do all the preliminary outreach for you, using the information you share with us to search for a good match and confirm that they will be able to help you and address your needs. You will then be introduced to suitable therapists directly via email, so you can set up time for a phone consultation.
What do I do on a phone consultation?
A phone consultation is a great time for you to really get to know your potential therapist and ask any questions you may have about them or the therapy process in general. For more information and helpful tips, check out our Phone Consultation Guide.
How do I know if my therapist is the right fit for me?
The therapist fit is very subjective. Much of it is based on gut feeling; if you don’t feel comfortable and empowered by your therapist, or if you believe that they are judging you or your problems, then you likely won’t be able to get much done with them. On the other hand, it is really important to come into therapy with an open mind; part of therapy is being challenged and guided towards improving your mental and emotional wellbeing, and that is never easy. For more thoughts on how to start a counseling relationship off on the right foot, check out our blog.
How much does therapy usually cost?
This largely depends on insurance. All major insurance companies are required to provide behavioral health coverage; check in with your plan provider to see if you have any co-pays, and if so, what they are.
If you are paying out of pocket, the price depends on many factors, including experience, specialty, and area. Average session range can be anywhere from $100-$200, but can reach up to $250 for some providers. For more affordable options, some therapists also offer sliding scale sessions, which can cost as low as $20 or, more rarely, for free or “pay-what-you-can.”
Can you work with my insurance plan?
Almost certainly. We have experience with national insurers, regional companies, and state-based programs. For more specialized situations, we may ask you some questions to make sure that we are finding providers that can work with your plan.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We have many out-of-pocket therapists in our network. Just give us your comfortable payment range per session, and we’ll look for someone that can work on your budget.
Will my health information be protected?
Absolutely. We are a HIPAA-compliant company and use technology that is completely secure. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Does Unmute match to group practices or only private practices?
We generally prefer to start with private practices because it allows us to directly communicate with the therapist and minimizes any work on your end regarding intake. However, we will search through groups if we find a strong match.
What if I need crisis intervention?
Unmute is not a crisis support service. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to a service such as one of the following:
911 or your local emergency services department
SAMHSA Helpline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
NAMI Helpline
Do you also match to psychiatrists/prescribers?
We do not currently match to prescribers or non-therapist/counselor providers. However, we are happy to match you to a group practice that includes medication management specialists.
Why is there a $35 fee for matching?
The matching fee allows us to provide specialized, personal matching services with one of our expert Therabuddies and keep our network running. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact info@unmute.today and we would be happy to work with you and get you the help you need in a way that’s affordable to you.
Where does Unmute currently operate?
Unmute is currently based in and focused on Massachusetts and California, but we will accept seekers from anywhere in the US.