Help Center
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about finding your fit with StartHere.care.
General
What is StartHere.care?
StartHere.care is a therapy matching platform that helps you find therapists whose working style aligns with your preferences. We focus on "fit" (the relationship factors research shows matter most for therapy outcomes) rather than just credentials or specialties.
Is StartHere.care a therapy service?
No. StartHere.care is NOT a therapy provider, clinical service, or emergency resource. We help you find and connect with independent therapists, but we don't provide therapy ourselves. Once you match with a therapist, you work directly with them.
Did AI write my profile?
No. Your profile is built from your own responses using an algorithm, similar to a structured personality assessment. No language model generates or fills in your bio. Your words are your words.
Does StartHere.care use AI for matching?
No. Match strength is calculated by comparing your responses to a client's needs across defined criteria: specialty, approach, availability, and more. The algorithm compares. It doesn't interpret, infer, or make judgment calls. That's your job.
Can I turn off AI features?
There are no AI features to turn off. Generative AI was never part of the platform.
How much does it cost?
It's free. There's no catch. StartHere.care was built to solve a problem, not to profit from one. Hosting costs are covered because the problem is worth solving. There's no cut taken from anything, and therapists aren't charged for visibility or clients for better matches. Therapists set their own session rates, and billing happens directly between you and your therapist.
How does StartHere.care make money?
It doesn't. This platform was purpose-built to push back against the for-profit model. If costs ever grew beyond what's sustainable, voluntary donations would be explored before anything else. There's no plan to charge and no hidden tier coming.
Will StartHere.care always be free?
That's the intention. If anything meaningful changes, it will be communicated directly and in advance.
What areas do you serve?
StartHere.care is open to licensed therapists in all 50 states. We started in Michigan and are actively expanding our therapist network nationwide. Client matching is currently available in areas where we have verified therapists.
How is StartHere different from Psychology Today or other directories?
Most directories let you filter by insurance, location, or specialty, but leave you to guess about fit. StartHere matches you based on communication style, session structure, and therapeutic approach. You see WHY each therapist might be a good match, not just a list of credentials.
Do I need to create an account?
You can browse therapist profiles without an account. To complete the matching questionnaire and express interest in therapists, you'll need to create a free account. This also lets you save your preferences and come back later.
How it works
How does the matching process work?
You complete a brief questionnaire about your preferences, covering things like communication style, session structure, and what you're hoping to work on. We show you therapists whose profiles indicate alignment with your preferences, with explanations for why each might be a good fit.
How long does the questionnaire take?
About 3 minutes. We ask focused questions about your preferences, not essay questions or clinical intake forms. Your answers help us show you relevant therapists, not diagnose you.
What do Strong, Good, and Possible matches mean?
Strong matches align closely with your preferences across multiple dimensions. Good matches have solid alignment in key areas. Possible matches may work depending on factors that are harder to quantify. These categories help you prioritize who to reach out to first, but even "Possible" matches can turn into great therapeutic relationships.
Where can I see my matches after completing the questionnaire?
After completing the intake, you'll be taken to your results page showing all matches by fit level. You can always access this page by clicking "My Matches" in the navigation menu (desktop) or the Matches icon in the bottom nav (mobile). You can also update your preferences and see new results anytime.
What happens after I express interest in a therapist?
The therapist receives a notification and can review a summary of your preferences. If they're also interested in working with you, you'll both be notified of the match and can exchange contact information to schedule a consultation.
What if I don't like any of my matches?
You can update your preferences anytime to see different results. Not every therapist will be a fit for everyone, and that's okay. The goal is to find alignment before investing time and energy in sessions that don't work.
Can I express interest in multiple therapists?
Yes. We recommend expressing interest in 2-3 therapists who seem like strong fits. This increases your chances of finding someone with mutual availability and interest. Once you connect with a therapist, you can update your status so others know you're no longer looking.
Privacy & data
What information do therapists see about me?
Before a match, therapists see only a summary of your therapy preferences and goals, not your name, contact information, or personal details. After a mutual match, you choose what contact information to share.
How is my data protected?
All data is encrypted in transit (TLS/HTTPS enforced sitewide) and at rest on SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure. Every database table has row-level security so users can only access their own data. Our client intake collects only structured selections with no free-text fields where sensitive details could be accidentally disclosed. We don't sell data, we don't share it with advertisers, and we don't use cross-site tracking. Authentication is handled by a dedicated provider that stores passwords in hashed form. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. You can delete your account at any time from your Settings page. Just go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and click "Delete account." This will permanently remove your profile, matches, and all associated data including any uploaded photos or videos.
Is my profile information sold or shared?
No. Your profile and contact information are not sold or shared with third parties. The only people who see your information are the therapists you choose to connect with.
Will my employer or insurance company know I'm using this?
No. StartHere.care doesn't report to employers or insurance companies. We don't share your information with anyone except the therapists you choose to connect with. Your search for therapy is private.
For therapists
I'm a therapist. How do I join?
During signup, select "I'm a therapist" and complete our onboarding process. You'll create a profile describing your practice style and preferences. We verify all therapist licenses before they go live on the platform.
What does it cost for therapists?
There are currently no fees built into StartHere.care. You set your own session rates and handle billing directly with clients. If we ever introduce platform fees in the future, we'll give plenty of advance notice.
How are client inquiries different from other directories?
When a client expresses interest, you see their therapy preferences and what they're looking for, not just "I want to book an appointment." This helps you decide if the fit is right before investing time in consultations that may not work out.
Can I send referrals to other therapists?
Yes. The Referral Portal lets you create warm handoffs for clients who need a different specialist. You fill out a brief profile of what they need, and we match them with therapists in the network. You stay informed about the referral status, and your client gets connected with the right person.
Can I pause receiving new client requests?
Yes. In your settings, you can toggle "Seeking clients" on or off. When off, you won't appear in new search results, but your existing matches and connections remain active. This is perfect for when your caseload is full.
How long does the onboarding process take?
About 10 minutes. You'll answer questions about your practice style, communication preferences, and specialties. These help us match you with clients who are looking for what you offer. You can always update your profile later.