Remember Apple’s “There’s an app for that” commercial? Back in 2009, it introduced a brand-new concept that we could rely on our phones and computers for, well, “just about anything.”
The ad proved to be a kind of singularity – a point from which there was no stopping the tech revolution that was to come. And everything has been different since.
In many respects, this ‘different’ has made an overwhelmingly positive impact on our lives. A couple taps of your phone and there’s your favorite food delivered; another couple taps and an AI assistant has created the ideal outline for your work presentation.Despite these digital advancements, an app that increases your capacity for happiness is proving much harder to come by.
On their own, digital apps fall short for one reason: the primary catalyst for personal growth and happiness is connection. Not just to a screen or to the words someone is typing, but to a living, breathing person who can empower you to change at the deepest level.
The power of human connection to improve mental health
With the many digital tools and resources available for mental health, it might seem that connecting in real time with a therapist would be unnecessary or even an inconvenience.
Yet research has consistently shown that when we engage in empathic interactions with the right therapist, our brains undergo a cascade of changes that promote growth and resilience.
In the presence of this caring professional, your nervous system settles. Your defenses soften. And you enter a state of receptivity that allows for emotional integration, new learning, and the overcoming of behavioral patterns that no longer serve you.
As you talk about painful memories of the past in open and vulnerable conversation with a trusted therapist, the raw emotional experiences that held so much charge are processed and transformed, helping you let go of the old feelings that held so much sway in your life. With each visit, whether online or in person, your brain produces a surge of oxytocin in response to positive interactions with your therapist. This feel-good bonding hormone is a strong incentive for you to keep coming back and to keep making progress toward your mental health goals. That’s the power of a well-matched therapist, and it’s more accessible than you might think — currently, 83% of Alma users say they believe they’re partnered with the right therapist. Find your own perfect match here.
What’s missing in digital mental health tools & AI therapy
None of this is to say that the digital tools and resources we have for mental health today are lacking in merit. In fact many are valuable as adjuncts for personal growth, especially when recommended and guided by a therapist. What’s disquieting and even potentially harmful, is that many of these resources are marketed as replacements for 1-1 therapy, despite a lack of clinical evidence in terms of their long-term impact.
The research base on AI therapy, digital mental health tools, and text-based therapy are scant due to the fact that these modalities are so new. And existing data is typically skewed because it’s based on self-reporting within the apps. What we do know is that these tools are inherently limited in their scope and effectiveness due to several factors:
Lack of accountability
Apps typically place the entire burden of progress on the user. If you forget to log in or skip a week’s worth of self-guided lessons, there’s no one around to gently check in.
A real therapist notices when you disengage and doubles as real-time accountability to keep you on track with your goals.
Limited research
Despite the hype, many AI-based or self-guided mental health tools lack the robust, peer-reviewed studies associated with traditional therapy.
Inability to assess nonverbal cues
You are not the sum of your text responses. Your tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, and even the energy you bring into a room reveal so much of who you are and what you’re going through.
A text-based platform cannot pick up on the subtle sighs, shifts, and eye movements that trained therapists use to know and support you better.
Delayed or impersonal responses
Sending a message and waiting hours or days for a reply can feel alienating, especially during an emotional crisis.
Generalized advice
Digital courses don’t cater to your unique complexities, strengths, and weaknesses.
They can only offer general advice, which can’t compete with nuanced guidance based on your distinct personality and how you interact with the world — and, most importantly, how you’re feeling and what you’re focused on, right now. Your work with a therapist, by contrast, adapts moment-by-moment based on how you show up. No two sessions are alike and every session is designed to help you meet your goals.Improving your mental health is clearly better with people. But how do you find a therapist you can actually connect with? That’s where Alma comes in.
Alma’s commitment to finding the right therapist for you
Many people’s mental health journeys stop the moment they start looking for a therapist. They’re daunted by pages of search results and directories that list thousands of professionals. And you’re left with too many questions: Is this person right for me? Will they accept my insurance? Are they trained in the method I think might work best for me?
Alma was created specifically to address these hurdles for a worry-free experience.
Far from another impersonal portal, Alma is built on the premise that matching with a therapist should be transparent and intuitive.
Alma’s directory helps you set your own filters and find precisely the right fit for you. Whether you’re looking for someone who shares your cultural or religious background, specializes in couples counseling, or works extensively with anxiety, we’ve got you covered.
You can see which insurance plans each therapist accepts (97% of Alma therapists accept insurance, including major carriers like United, Aetna, and Cigna). And Alma’s online cost estimator tool helps you avoid any surprise fees.
The best part is that you don’t have to commit blindly. We know the value of a genuine connection between therapist and patient. That’s why Alma provides free 15-minute consultations with as many therapists as it takes to help you decide whose approach and personality will lead to the best results.
This gives you the freedom to explore multiple options without the usual pressure or commitment.
The numbers tell the story:
97% of people seeing an Alma therapist say they feel truly seen and heard, while 83% believe they’ve found the perfect connection.
For those dealing with more acute challenges – elevated anxiety, depression, or both – Alma’s data shows that 80% see a marked improvement in their symptoms within six months. While the tech revolution set off by Silicon Valley may have sent us searching for an app that would deliver happiness, we at Alma believe that the most impactful role of tech in mental health is to facilitate a real, human connection with a therapist who can guide you toward your best self and your most rewarding life. Get started today.
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