Amidst the stresses of a pandemic, Therapeasy helps Coloradans find their perfect therapist Due to stay-at-home orders and social movement to make taking care of our distancing guidelines, “shopping” around mental health as important as our physifor a behavioral health provider is difficult, cal health,” said Way. even through these services have been For reference, about 49% of white adults, deemed essential. 33% of Hispanic adults and 31% of black Therapeasy is a digital tool that con- adults with a mental health diagnosis renects users to providers who have the ceived counseling in the past year. Comhighest compatibility rating. The tool of- paratively, only 25% of Asian adults with a fers an easier way for people experienc- mental health diagnosis received counseling mental health issues to seek profes- ing in the past year (nami.org/mhstats). sional help. Therapeasy understands that cost is The algorithm reduces the trial and er- the #1 barrier to mental health care, and ror approach to finding a good connec- the platform is free for patients to get tion with a provider who is actually avail- matched to a behavioral health provider. able, saving users costly consultation fees in the process. How it works Therapeasy’s new online platform went The founders like to think of Therapeasy live on May 1, 2020. “I hope Therapeasy as the match.com or eharmony for bebecomes a strong movement in encour- havioral health care. Providers complete a aging everyone to take care of their men- questionnaire regarding expertise, availtal health the same way they take care of ability and personality to create a profile. their physical health,” says Christine People seeking care complete a quick Thai Way, CEO/Founder at Therquestionnaire, sharing their prefapeasy. “We aim to make erences, and the site will autherapy easy. It’s in our tomatically provide them name!” with the top three comAmerican adults By promoting compatible providers. From experience mental patibility factors, Therathere, the user may view illness each year, but peasy aims to increase provider’s client retenonly 43% receive tion rates, which can be care as low as 40%. The statistics are startling - for example, 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness each year and only about 43% receive care (nami.org/mhstats). Therapeasy.co’s mission is to improve well-being by making connections, facilitating healing and eliminating stigma in behavioral health care.
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Why is Therapeasy important “Growing up Chinese American influenced my idea for Therapeasy. Ironically, although resilience is a strength in Asian culture, stigma around mental health is still highly evident. This stigma can create an invisible barrier to seeking care when it is needed. I wanted to be a part of the
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June 2020 | Inside Story
the provider profiles and initiate a chat with a provider to further explore if it is a good fit. Our matching algorithm calculates compatibility based on factors beyond issues, demographics, location and availability, but also accounts for interpersonal and communication styles. Getting through COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic is magnifying the existing mental health epidemic due to related stress, anxiety, and grief. Developing a gratitude practice with a journal, starting a meditation or yoga practice with guided apps, and finding a counselor to connect with virtually or in-person are all ways to improve self-care. Accessing behavioral health care may be more difficult during the COVID-19 crisis due to physical distancing guidelines. Therapeasy provides a virtual method for people to connect with providers. If you are looking to receive mental health services or a Colorado behavioral health provider, visit www.mytherapeasy.com or e-mail hello@therapeasy.co.
The Therapeasy team from left to right: Christine Thai Way, Jonathan Just, Katie Richardson, MD
