Crafting a User-Centered Platform to Help People Find the Right Therapist with Ease
Problem Statement
Research & Discovery
Research & Discovery
Competitor Analysis
I began with a deep dive into existing platforms like BetterHelp, TherapyRoute, and Psychology Today, among others. The goal wasn’t just to analyze their features, but to feel the user experience.
I explored their search filters, profile pages, trust-building mechanisms, and mobile responsiveness.
Key takeaway: Many platforms were overcrowded with filters or information that didn’t feel meaningful. They lacked personalized touchpoints (e.g., therapists introducing themselves with a short video) and failed to build trust effectively through visual cues or user reviews.
Key Insights
- Emotional compatibility is a top priority for therapy seekers.
- Trust and validation are critical factors in creating a safe environment for users.
- Therapy seekers want a guidance-driven search, not just a list of therapists.
- Therapists need a flexible, easy-to-manage platform that boosts their visibility without overwhelming them.
Emma Richardson – The Therapist
Age: 34
Occupation: Licensed Art Therapist
Experience: 7+ years
Location: Urban area, works both in-person and online
Pain Points:
- Struggles to reach a wider audience beyond her local clients.
- Limited visibility makes it hard to showcase her expertise.
- Managing scheduling and client sessions manually is time-consuming.
- Lack of interactive tools to conduct virtual therapy sessions effectively.
Goals & Needs:
✅ A platform to showcase expertise, gain credibility, and connect with clients.
✅ Seamless scheduling and client management tools.
✅ Secure video conferencing and therapy tools for remote sessions.
✅ A space for peer collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
David Miller – (Therapy Seeker)
Age: 27
Occupation: Marketing Executive
Experience with Therapy: Beginner
Location: Lives in a small town, struggles to find therapists locally
Pain Points:
- Limited access to specialized therapists in his area.
- Doesn’t know how to choose a therapist that fits his needs.
- Finds booking sessions complicated due to lack of digital options.
- Concerned about privacy and data security in online therapy.
Goals & Needs:
✅ Easy search and booking process for therapy sessions.
✅ Secure and confidential therapy sessions.
✅ Option to review therapist profiles and client feedback before booking.
✅ Ability to track progress and access therapy resources online.
Outcome & Impact
- Increased Reach – The platform allows clients from remote areas to connect with specialized therapists without geographical limitations.
- Seamless Booking – A streamlined booking system removes traditional barriers to therapy access.
- Diverse Therapy Options – Clients can choose from multiple therapy modalities (Art, Music, Drama, Dance, etc.) based on their needs.
- Increased Visibility – Therapists can showcase their expertise and connect with a broader client base.
- Revenue Generation – Subscription models for therapists and pay-per-session options create sustainable revenue streams.
- Scalability – The platform is designed to grow, supporting more users and therapy modalities over time.
- Data-Driven Improvements – Insights from user analytics help refine services and enhance user experience.
Coffee? Chat? Collaboration?
Design That Speaks
Experiences That Engage