The process
From “something feels off” to real support
GoToTherapy was designed around one belief: the hardest part of therapy is often everything that happens before it. So we made starting feel like a conversation — and kept licensed human therapists at the center of your care.
How it works
Four calm steps, one human at the center
From “something feels off” to ongoing care with a licensed therapist — here's exactly what happens, and where AI helps versus where humans lead.
- 01
Talk it through first
Our AI care companion helps you put words to what's going on. No giant intake form — just a conversation, at your pace.
- Chat naturally and skip anything you'd rather not answer
- It listens closely and reflects back what it hears
- Ends with a draft Care Profile you review and correct
- 02
Get matched with intention
Review therapist recommendations, each explained in plain reasons — licensed in your state, relevant specialties, approach, availability.
- Every recommendation shows its “why this fit”
- Only therapists licensed where you live are suggested
- You make the choice — matching is a starting point, not a verdict
- 03
Meet your therapist
Join secure video sessions with a licensed therapist who fits your needs, schedule, and budget.
- Video sessions from wherever you're comfortable
- Clear pricing before you book
- Switch therapists anytime if it isn't clicking
- 04
Stay supported between sessions
Your companion helps you reflect, practice the exercises your therapist assigns, and walk into every session prepared.
- Brief check-ins that track how you're actually doing
- Guided practice for therapist-assigned exercises
- Session prep, so the hour starts warm, not cold
How matching works
Recommendations with reasons you can check
Our matching weighs the factors that actually predict a good fit — and shows its work. Every suggestion arrives with a plain-language explanation of why it made the list.
Your state & licensure
Only therapists licensed where you live are ever suggested.
Specialties
Matched to what you're actually working through.
Approach
CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic, somatic — fit matters.
Availability
Therapists with openings that match your schedule.
Language
Care in the language you think and feel in.
Price & format
Your budget, and video, phone, or messaging preferences.
An example match
Why this fit
- Licensed in New York
- Focuses on anxiety and work stress
- Offers evening video sessions
- Accepts your insurance plan
You always make the final call — and if a therapist isn’t clicking, switching is easy and judgment-free.
Safety
Built to hand you to humans when it matters most
AI has a supporting role in your care — and firm boundaries around it. These are ours.
A quiet safety net
If your words ever suggest you may be at risk, our safety system responds immediately — surfacing real human resources rather than more conversation.
Clinicians in the loop
Risk signals follow clear clinical protocols. With your consent, your therapist can be informed so care continues beyond the moment.
Crisis lines first, always
In an emergency, AI steps aside entirely. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and 911 connect you with trained humans, day or night.
In crisis right now? Call or text 988 or call 911. GoToTherapy is not an emergency service.
Privacy & security
Your story stays yours
The things you say in therapy deserve the highest protection we can build. These aren't features — they're commitments.
Encrypted, end to end
Your conversations and records are encrypted in transit and at rest.
Never sold, never for ads
We don't sell your data, and it is never used for advertising. Full stop.
Consent you control
Granular consent settings for how information is used — change your mind anytime.
Deletion rights
You can request deletion of your data. Your records belong to you.
Sessions are never recorded unless you explicitly opt in — and you can revoke that consent at any time.
Ready when you are
Begin wherever you are
Start with the companion conversation, or go straight to browsing verified therapists. Both doors are open.