Alma

Therapy doesn’t always work. Whether that’s due to a lack of connection between the therapist and client or an ineffective therapeutic approach, it all comes down to whether the client is able to find care that meets their personal needs. We surveyed nearly 7,000 people currently seeing a therapist through Alma to understand why these kinds of mismatches happen, what’s important in the search process, and how finding the right fit impacts their experience with care. Read more about finding the right therapist on the Alma blog: https://lnkd.in/ey7TXBmj

The idea that music can be beneficial to our mental health may feel like old news. But what if that music were specially filtered and sequenced, designed to soothe and shift your nervous system? While the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a relatively new intervention, polyvagal theory — the theory that led to the development of the SSP — is well-established. Research suggests that the nervous system plays a crucial role in our mental health and sense of well-being, which is where the SSP comes in. The SSP is a music playlist that engages the middle ear with frequencies we humans tend to associate with safety. 🫂 The middle ear is an amazing entry point for this kind of intervention because it’s directly connected to the vagus nerve… the main collection of nerves that help us calm down after major stress! If you’re curious to learn more, we have an introductory article to the SSP — including who the “ideal candidate” might be, what side effects there are, and the current research (and its limitations!) — visit the Alma blog

Whether you prefer to prepare or to “wing it,” a first therapy session can be intimidating. To make things easier, we’ve compiled the most common questions to ask a new-to-you therapist, using the acronym MATTY. - Modality: What modalities or types of therapy do you offer? What are you certified or trained in? What drew you to those modalities in the first place? - Approach: Generally speaking, what are you like as a therapist? What is your philosophy as a therapist and what are you most passionate about? - Typical Client: What is your typical client like? What do they tend to struggle with, what identities do they seem to share, and what makes you well-suited to support them? - Track Record: How long have you been a therapist for, and what do you think makes you a good therapist? - Yardstick: How do you measure progress? What signs do you look for to determine if a client is progressing or not? Do you use any assessment tools or give any homework? For more first session tips, visit the Alma blog: https://lnkd.in/ephafPSR

"The work you do is demanding and requires not just professional skill but emotional resilience. By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to care for others." If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions after facilitating a therapy session, we invite you to join Alma therapist Robyn Caruso, LMFT, CEDS-C, for a calming meditation session to help you re-center and unwind. https://lnkd.in/eNvUBbpM

Alma can give you the tools you need to grow your private therapy practice––from insurance partnerships, a comprehensive billing and EHR platform, continuing education, and more. Find our guide here: https://lnkd.in/gzGDwEKY

Gone are the days when a therapist could build a flourishing practice without an online presence. Looking for tips on how to connect with potential clients in a virtual world? Download our guide here: https://lnkd.in/g8j9UTXP

21Ninety shared insights from Black therapists in Alma’s network about the top concerns they encounter when working with Black clients. One Alma provider, Cherise Small LCSW, stated, “My Black clients often worry about the effectiveness of therapy and harbor mistrust towards the mental health system, fearing judgment or lack of support. I start by creating a welcoming environment, assuring them of my support, and building rapport. This foundation enables us to develop a safe space where I offer compassion and support, encouraging them to share their deepest thoughts and feelings without fear.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eEHXZq95

We are thrilled to announce that Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) has recognized Alma as one of its Outstanding Employers at the 2024 Heroes and Innovators Spring Celebration. BWI’s programs empower unemployed and low-income New Yorkers to build careers through comprehensive job training. Our collaboration with BWI has been pivotal in launching numerous careers in tech through the KindWork program. In 2023 alone, we proudly hired 17 BWI graduates, contributing to the program’s continuous growth and success. This partnership has been tremendously helpful to Alma while allowing us to contribute to BWI’s mission and impact.

Fortune named Alma the Most Comprehensive Online Therapy Platform, stating: “We especially love that Alma allows you to diligently filter your results to find a therapist you can connect with. You can filter by identity, including gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and more. This makes it easy for BIPOC or LGBTQ individuals to connect with a therapist who shares their identity. Research shows that identity-matching may improve therapeutic outcomes.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/esSwx67j

We're honored to announce that Inc. Magazine has named Alma as one of #IncBestWorkplaces of 2024 for the third consecutive year! "We care deeply about normalizing mental health and creating an environment for our employees that makes people feel comfortable showing up as their authentic selves. Our company has a 'time out' policy that allows people to take two additional paid days off per year (and expense therapy sessions) to take time to process during traumatic events. The company designed its benefits to support employee wellness, and we offer a $1,400 annual stipend for therapy as well as an expanded family leave policy of 16 weeks for all new parents." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eTMH4WnU