Research continues to demonstrate that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in client success. Therapeasy, a brand new therapist matching service, is actively thinking about this from the very beginning by exploring best fit criteria for successful matching of clients and therapists through their algorithm-based online platform.
The vision for Therapeasy was born because it's co-founders realized that the personal problems they each experienced in accessing mental health care were not unique to just them. Unfortunately, they share similar stories with frustrated people everywhere. Therapeasy's mission is to improve wellbeing by making connections, facilitate healing, and eliminate stigma in mental health care.
Based on what we know now, I'm honored to have collaborated with Therapeasy to explore what clients are needing from professionals in order to find the best and most successful match! Check out my conversation with Therapeasy Co-Founder Jonathan Just.
What are clients saying they need from therapists to determine best fit?
Jonathan: “When we first started doing research for Therapeasy (it was only an idea at the time), we conducted a widespread market survey and were able to gather nearly 400 responses. This was extremely important to us as we began work to formulate the Therapeasy matching algorithm.
What we learned is this: the number one characteristic considered when searching for a provider is area of expertise, which is an indicator of competency. But the number two characteristic considered is personality fit, which is an indicator of compatibility. Personality fit was indicated to be even more important than logistical factors such as location, price, and even appointment availability. This means that clients would be willing to drive further, pay more, and even move their schedules around in order to see a provider that they considered a "good fit " But as you know, especially if you have tried any online dating sites, personality can often times be difficult to determine and measure. This is why most therapist directories don't include personality fit, and why we made the decision to make it a priority for our algorithm.”
What do clients saying about the Therapeasy Profile that helps them find the best fit therapist?
Jonathan: “I'd say that it's the interpersonal style preference that I mentioned previously that helps people find their best fit. Users have the ability to choose their preference between therapists who emphasize action and results, or are quiet and caring (as an example). Their preference is then matched up against the interpersonal assessment results on each provider profile, that helps contribute to each compatibility score. We also just recently added provider cultural competency to our algorithm. This option can be extremely important to underrepresented POC groups, LGBTQ+, and those with disablities who want to find a therapist who looks like them, or understands the community of which they are a part of. Since implementation, a full 1/3 of our users indicate that they are seeking a therapist who has cultural competency and experience working with clients of these backgrounds.”
I've noticed therapists can get stuck in listing off their schooling and credentialing on a professional profile rather than speaking to their ideal client. How does Therapeasy help therapists capture the heart and authenticity behind their message?
Jonathan: “I have definitely noticed that as well. It's understandable right? Many providers have put in a lot of time, effort, and money into their education so it's only natural for degrees and credentialing to be very important to them. Our market survey results however, indicated that certification and credentials were much lower on the list of search considerations. Of course I'm not saying that education is not important, but it simply isn't as important to many people seeking care as other factors.
This is why Therapeasy profiles don't feature a list of what school you went to, when you graduated, or how many credentials you have. Instead, we highlight a bio section where each provider is encouraged to share a bit about what makes them and their practice special. It is often this message that people will connect with, prompting them to reach out and start a conversation.”
What tips do you have for therapists setting up their profiles that adds to success in matching with their ideal clients?
Jonathan: “Great question. One practice that we started early was providing insights and tips to our providers to help with continuous profile optimization. The easiest and often quickest way to ensure a match turns into a client is to make sure that your profile photo is a good one. You might think that this is super obvious, but you would not BELIEVE the amount of profiles with below par photos.
What I mean by that is: blurry/out of focus, low resolution, cropped, far away, or out of date (yes we can tell that the photo is 30 years old). Believe it or not, it makes a difference. My tip would be to use a headshot, taken in natural lighting, against a non-distracting background. If that sounds overwhelming, just find a teenager to help take it with their phone. No need to hire a professional these days!
Another tip I'd give relates to the perspective and language used in the profile bio section. If the first place people look is at your photo, the next thing they will do is read your bio. I think that a well written bio speaks directly to the reader, instead of describing from a third-person. Using conversational language to describe what makes you/your practice special or unique is what can really help connect and attract clients who are looking for exactly what you have to offer. Instead of attempting to write something that will appeal to everyone, speak directly to your ideal client. These are just a couple of simple tips to help optimize any profile.”
This is all amazing! What else can we highlight in Therapeasy's efforts?
Jonathan: “Therapeasy is currently and temporarily offering their therapist matching service to all Colorado providers, absolutely free. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we understand that business this year has been challenging. Because more people now than ever are seeking mental health care, we want to make sure that providers in our communities have the ability to promote and connect with those who have a high compatibility to their practice. This means that it costs $0 to create a provider profile and start getting matched today.
Therapy for me has changed my life and saved my marriage, which was only possible because I was able to find the right therapist. For anyone thinking about starting therapy for the first time or looking for a new therapist, I encourage you to log on to Therapeasy to find yours now.”
Thank you to Jonathan and the rest of the Therapeasy team for your passion and innovation in helping clients and therapists match successfully! Create your profile as a mental health professional at https://therapeasy.co