How It Works
Mental health care that just makes sense
Finding a therapist
Finding the right fit makes all the difference.
Search the directory based on your needs
Alma’s personalized search helps you find therapists based on:
- Insurance
- Language
- Session availability
- Identity & therapy style
- ...and more
Test the waters with free consultations
Instantly book a free 15-minute consultation with an Alma therapist, with no commitment to start care.
Client voices
On finding care:
I was specifically looking for a therapist that focused on self-esteem and self-growth and with Alma’s directory, I was able to find that therapist. And the option to schedule consultation calls made it really easy and convenient.
Finding a therapist FAQs
What types of mental health services can I access through Alma?
Alma connects you with clinicians who provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents, and medication management. You can filter our therapists by specialty, gender, language, and more!
Is Alma available in all 50 states?
Yes! Alma’s network has providers in all 50 states. Keep in mind though that therapy licenses aren't like driver's licenses — they don’t cross state lines. To provide care of any kind, your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are currently located. Because of this, it’s important to enter the correct zip code when you’re searching the Alma directory.
How do consultation requests work?
A therapy consultation is not a first appointment — it’s a short conversation to help you determine if a therapist is a good fit for ongoing care.
No two therapists approach consultations exactly the same way, but you can expect it to feel like a brief, two-sided interview.
They will want to learn a bit more about your concerns and background, and you’ll get the chance to ask questions about their experiences and approach to care. You may not click with the first therapist you meet, and that’s okay! Note what you did or didn’t like and use that information to inform your future searches.
Do I need to make an account to find a therapist?
No. You can browse our directory without providing any personal information, and you can book consultations with no upfront costs or commitment.
What should I ask in consultation requests?
A therapy consultation can help you find the right care before committing. Learn what to expect, key questions to ask, and how to make the most of your time. Learn all about consultations and our tips and tricks on what to ask on our blog post What to Expect from a Therapy Consultation.
Starting care
Start one-on-one therapy within days instead of waiting 3 months.
97% of people seeing a therapist through Alma said that their therapist makes them feel seen and heard.
Starting care FAQs
What should I expect from my first appointment?
Whether you’re new to therapy or starting over, it’s always good to prepare for a first session with a new therapist. Learn all about what to expect from your first session on our blog post 7 Tips For Preparing For Your First Therapy Session.
Can Alma help with medication management?
Alma connects you with clinicians who provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents, and medication management. You can filter our therapists by specialty, gender, language, and more!
What if I want to change therapists?
With Alma, you can change your therapist at any time. If you are thinking about changing your therapist, check out our blog post Is It Time to Change Therapists? Here’s How to Tell.
How will I meet with my therapist?
That's up to you. We have therapists who offer sessions in person, virtually, and a combination of both! Decide what's best for you based on your schedule and personal preferences, then use the directory filters to narrow down your search. Every therapist will have their own policies and procedures about how they communicate with clients between sessions, but most use text or email.
Insurance & payment
Choose the payment method that works best for you.
Alma therapists accept insurance plans in all 50 states, including:
Find out if you’re covered:
112 million Americans qualify for care through Alma.
Other ways to pay
Select EAPs
Alma works with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) through major insurance carriers like Optum, Cigna, Aetna, Carelon, and more.
Health Spending Accounts
You can use your HSA, FSA, and HRA cards in addition to credit and debit cards to enroll in autopay to make payment after sessions seamless.
Out of Pocket
For out-of-network payment, many therapists offer sliding scales to make paying for therapy more affordable. Check your provider’s profile to find their payment offerings.
Client voices
On finding care:
I went onto the website and put in my zip code, my insurance, and the type of therapy that I was looking for, and [Alma] gave me a few hundred therapists in my area that accept my insurance.
Insurance & payment FAQs
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for therapy?
Yes! Alma clients can leverage their FSA, HSA and HRA benefits by adding their benefits cards to Autopay when enrolling.
What if I don't have insurance, my insurance doesn't cover therapy, or my therapist is out-of-network?
Therapists at Alma are also available for out-of-network care. Therapists set their own rate for care, but many work on a sliding scale — meaning they may choose to lower their fee per session based on someone’s income. Be sure to note what you’re comfortable paying per session in your consultation request.
How do I know if mental health care is covered by my insurance?
If you are insured through Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, or UnitedHealthcare, you can use our free cost estimator tool to check your mental health care coverage. We’ll share your payment responsibility and information about your deductible (the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in). If you're insured by a different insurance company, you can still browse Alma's directory to see in-network therapists. Learn more about calculating the cost of therapy →
Get started
Find a therapist who gets you.