Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about using Thera, from scheduling sessions to understanding our services.

About Thera

What is Thera?

Thera is an online therapy & counselling platform. Our Founder, Sharmeela P. understands first-hand the struggles of finding wellbeing and mental health support online. Thera was created to close the gap between people seeking help and the ones who provide it. Book a call with one of our caring wellbeing guides, so we can help you figure out your next steps. Thera is designed to help you find the right kind of help, for you. 

Who are the therapists on Thera?

Thera’s therapists are professionally trained clinicians (both accredited therapists and counsellors), with diverse backgrounds in clinical work, research, academia, and leadership. Each provider is selected for their advanced credentials, demonstrated experience with diverse populations, and the ability to work across 15+ languages and over 28 specialties. Our team is committed to clinical excellence, ethical care, and serving a global, multicultural community.

Finding a therapist

How do I find a therapist on Thera?

Finding the right therapist on Thera is a personalised process. You can filter clinicians by specialisation, price, language, years of experience, age and ethnic background. If you’re struggling to find a suitable therapist, our wellbeing guides are available on WhatsApp for direct assistance, and to safeguard your privacy, all conversations are deleted once your case is handled.

Can I change therapists if I’m not comfortable?

Yes, you can change therapists. However, according to clinical research, the number one factor for therapy success is the “therapeutic alliance”: the personal rapport and trust you develop with your therapist. This connection is built over time and requires your participation and openness; meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight, and a therapist’s role isn’t just to hand you a guidebook but to work alongside you on your personal growth. The therapeutic relationship is central to your progress. Sometimes it takes time, patience, and a few sessions to build mutual trust and understanding. 

What should I look for to assess quality when choosing a mental health care professional?

When selecting a therapist, consider clinical background, postgraduate education or certifications, specialised training, years of experience, language/cultural alignment, participation in research or academic leadership, professional association involvement, and positive client reviews. Therapeutic alliance, or the relationship you build with your clinician, is equally important to clinical credentials. Look for someone who ensures safety, respects your boundaries, and communicates clearly.

Therapy services

How do I book a session, and do you offer subscriptions?

To book a session: 

1. Select your therapist and click on “Book now”. 

2. Once your payment completed, you will be redirected to your therapist’s calendar. Select an available slot to propose a schedule to your therapist. 

3. Once confirmed by your therapist, you will receive a confirmation e-mail as well as a message and notification on your Thera account. 

4. If you need help booking a session, you can contact our wellness guides anytime here

Thera operates strictly on a pay-per-session basis to give you full flexibility and control, free from recurring payments, contracts, or credits.

Why only pay-per-session?

Thera’s pay-per-session approach prioritises your autonomy and clinical welfare. This model means you book and pay for only the sessions you need, with no pressure to use or lose credits. Subscriptions can impose unnecessary pressure and may even undermine the therapeutic process. Our clinicians advocate for pay-per-session models as they promote a healthy, ethical alliance between client and provider and allow you to pause or change your therapy at any time, without refund headaches or hidden fees. If you want guidance on scheduling or building a therapy routine, our wellbeing guides are here to support you. 

Where do Thera’s therapy sessions take place?

All therapy sessions on Thera are conducted online using secure, confidential technology, enabling you to speak to therapists from the comfort and privacy of your home or any place you prefer. If you and your therapist are located in the same city, it may be possible to arrange an in-person session, provided it suits both parties. 

Privacy and confidentiality

Is my information private and confidential?

Your privacy is at the core of Thera’s mission. All sessions and messages are encrypted and stored privately. When reaching out to our wellbeing guides, we recommend sharing only your email and no personal details such as your name, to ensure maximum confidentiality. WhatsApp conversations with our care team are deleted once your question is resolved.

Payments and session details

How do I pay for my session?

Payments are processed securely via Stripe.

How long is each session?

Each therapy session lasts approximately a minimum of 45 minutes. 

Cancellation and rescheduling

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my session?

You can cancel or reschedule your session up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, at no cost. 

Online therapy

Why choose online therapy?

Online therapy offers flexibility, convenience, and privacy, allowing you to access professional mental health support from anywhere. It eliminates the need for commuting and fits into your schedule, making it accessible and hassle-free. 

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy connects you with a licensed therapist through secure video or voice call sessions. You can choose your preferred communication method and schedule sessions that fit your routine. Everything is confidential and designed to make mental health support easy to access. 

Why is online therapy better?

Online therapy is more accessible and often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy. It breaks down geographical barriers, offers flexible scheduling, and allows you to receive support from the comfort of your home. 

Can online therapy help?

Yes, online therapy can be highly effective in addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationships and more. It provides a safe space to talk and receive professional guidance. 

Can online therapy be effective?

Studies have suggested that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many mental health concerns. The key is connecting with an accredited therapist who understands your needs and provides consistent support.