Alma vs. SonderMind: Compare Online Therapy Options

If you’re searching for a therapist online, you may have come across Alma and SonderMind. While both can help you find a provider, they have some distinct differences. Curious to know which is the better option for you? Here’s a quick feature comparison, followed by an in-depth look at how the platforms stack up.

Size of provider network

To find the right therapist for you, you want multiple options. The larger a platform’s provider network is, the higher the likelihood that you’ll find one who aligns with your needs and preferences.

Size of provider network: How do Alma and SonderMind compare?

Alma currently has a network of more than 21,000 providers in all 50 U.S. states. SonderMind has more than 10,000 providers in 45 states and Washington, D.C. Though both platforms continue to grow, this difference means it’s more likely that you’ll find a provider who fits all of your preferences on Alma.

Provider search

Searching for a provider is a different experience on each platform. Some give you the freedom to use filters and narrow down your options, while others take a more guided approach, asking questions to create a list of therapists that best suit your needs. People looking for a more personalized process often prefer guided searches.

Provider search: How do Alma and SonderMind compare?

Alma gives you the option to browse its directory or receive a list of matches by answering a few questions.

If you start by browsing the directory, you select the service you’re looking for, your location, your insurance (or if you’ll pay out of pocket), and whether you’re looking for virtual or in-person therapy.

Once you receive your initial page of results, you can filter those results by:

• Provider identity
• Specialty
• Session availability
• Language
• Therapeutic approach

If you want to get more specific, you can click on “more filters” and select:

• Degree type
• Ages served
• Only show providers who offer sliding scale feels (if you’re going to pay for therapy without insurance)

One helpful Alma feature is the descriptions embedded within the search functions. For example, under “degree type”, Alma explains what kind of training that professional has. And under “therapeutic approach”, you can explore straightforward definitions of types of therapy.

If you choose “help me find care”, Alma guides you through eight to 10 questions about what you’re looking for in a therapist, including therapeutic approach and demographic information, as well as what you want to focus on with your provider. The guided approach is especially useful if you’d like a helping hand figuring out what you’re looking for in a therapist.

With either search option, Alma generates a list of providers who match your criteria that you can then browse. You don’t need to create an account to access this information.

SonderMind only matches users with therapists through a short questionnaire (fewer than 10 questions). If SonderMind is available in your state, you answer what brought you to SonderMind today, with options including “I’m feeling down or depressed”, “I want general support”, and “I need guidance finding the right medication.”

Next, you choose whether you’re open to video sessions and what time of day you prefer. Then SonderMind asks whether you prefer a therapist of a certain gender and if you have any other preferences, including the therapist’s specialties, race or ethnicity, age, or sexuality. Rather than clicking these options, SonderMind prompts you to add any additional preferences in a free text box.

After this, you select how you’ll pay for therapy and, if you’ll use insurance, choose which one you have. Lastly, you enter your name and contact information.

Overall, the search experiences on Alma and SonderMind are similar, though Alma provides more specific prompts. This may help people who don’t know all of the different topics that therapists may specialize in or who desire a certain therapeutic approach.

Provider profiles

The next step can feel like a moment of truth: Will the providers you’re paired with fulfill your expectations? Having therapist profiles can help greatly—you get to see a face and a detailed bio so you can get a sense of what they’d be like to work with.

Provider profiles: How do Alma and SonderMind compare?

With Alma, once you have your list of therapists who meet your criteria, you can browse their profiles. Most answer questions to help clients get to know them better—some share why they got into therapy and what to expect from a session with them. You can also get an estimate of how much you would pay per session.

SonderMind also has provider profiles, but you can only access this with an account. Once you complete the questionnaire, SonderMind emails you a link to set up your account. When you do, you can view a list of providers who match your criteria. Each profile includes a self-written biography as well as their specialities, treatment approaches, insurances accepted, and licensure.

In the end, although both Alma and SonderMind have provider profiles, Alma wins here because it allows you access to this detailed information without having to create an account.

Consultations

Therapy is often a place where you reveal things you wouldn’t to anyone else. It’s no surprise, then, that many people want a preview of what it would be like working with a specific therapist before they commit to spilling the tea. This is where a consultation can be huge. These short sessions are often free. While it takes extra effort, having consultations with several providers can give you the chance to compare your options and decide which therapist is right for you.

Consultations: How do Alma and SonderMind compare?

Most Alma providers allow you to book a free consultation before starting therapy from within the therapist’s profile.

SonderMind doesn’t offer free consultations. Users select a therapist and start with their first session.

Pricing

Most people would prefer not to pay out-of-pocket for therapy. For people who pay cash, in-person sessions typically cost between $100 and $250, while online sessions range from $85 to $135.

For those whose insurance covers mental health, co-pays can be as low as $5. Additionally, many therapists offer sliding scale fees to help make therapy more affordable for those who might struggle to pay full price.

Pricing: How do Alma and SonderMind compare?

Alma accepts most major insurance plans. The amount you pay for each session depends on your insurance copay. You can figure out exactly what you’ll pay with your insurance plan with Alma’s cost calculator. And if you’re not using insurance, some Alma providers offer a sliding scale payment option based on your income.

SonderMind also accepts most major insurance plans. For those who aren’t using insurance, prices vary by provider, with most charging between $50 to $180 per session.

Alma vs. SonderMind for finding a therapist: The bottom line

Alma and SonderMind both offer online and in-person therapy and accept most major insurances. However, the search experience and what information you can access differ.

Overall, Alma offers more guidance when looking for a provider and allows anyone to view provider profiles before they need to create an account. You can learn much more about your therapist before committing to therapy, increasing your chances of finding someone you click with. You can also get an estimate of how much therapy will cost with each provider, and many offer free consultations.

Although SonderMind also has provider profiles, this information is only accessible to users who create an account.

Both make finding a therapist much easier than going through your insurance. Ready to find a therapist who fits your needs? Get started with Alma.