Welcome to Pleiades! We're excited to have you join our community and take this important step in your mental health journey. This guide will walk you through the process of getting started on our platform, from creating your account to your first therapy session.
Before You Begin
To have the best experience with Pleiades, make sure you have:
- A private, quiet space where you can speak freely during video sessions
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
- About 30-45 minutes to complete the initial assessment
- Your insurance information (if you plan to use insurance)
Your Pleiades Journey: Step by Step
Create Your Account
Start by creating a secure Pleiades account:
- Visit our homepage and click "Start Your Journey"
- Enter your email address and create a secure password
- Verify your email address by clicking the link in the verification email
- Complete your basic profile information (name, date of birth, contact information)
Your privacy is our priority. All information you provide is protected with bank-level encryption and subject to our strict privacy policies.
Complete the Personality Assessment
Our proprietary assessment helps us understand your unique needs, preferences, and personality traits:
- The assessment takes about 20-30 minutes to complete
- Answer honestly – there are no "right" or "wrong" answers
- Complete the assessment in one sitting if possible
- The assessment covers personality traits, communication style, therapy goals, and preferences
This assessment is key to our matching algorithm and helps us find therapists who are truly compatible with your unique needs.
Share Your Mental Health Concerns
Tell us what brings you to therapy:
- Select from common concerns like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.
- Rate the impact these concerns are having on your daily life
- Indicate how long you've been experiencing these concerns
- Share any previous therapy experience
- Describe what you hope to achieve through therapy
This information helps us match you with therapists who have experience and expertise in addressing your specific concerns.
Set Your Preferences
Customize your therapy experience by setting your preferences:
- Therapist characteristics (gender, age range, cultural background)
- Session format (video, phone, messaging)
- Scheduling preferences (days of week, times of day)
- Specific therapeutic approaches you're interested in (CBT, psychodynamic, etc.)
- Insurance and payment information
While our matching algorithm considers all these factors, the strength of the therapeutic relationship is our primary focus when suggesting matches.
Review Your Matches
Within 24 hours, you'll receive 3-5 therapist matches based on our compatibility algorithm:
- Each match includes a compatibility percentage
- Review therapist profiles, including their approach, specializations, and background
- Watch brief introduction videos from each therapist
- View their availability calendar
Take your time reviewing these matches. Finding the right therapist is a personal decision, and we encourage you to trust both the algorithm and your intuition.
Schedule Your First Session
Once you've selected a therapist, it's time to schedule your first session:
- Choose a date and time from their available slots
- Select your session format (video is recommended for the first session)
- Provide your payment or insurance information
- Receive a confirmation email with session details
You'll also receive a reminder 24 hours before your scheduled session with preparation tips and a direct link to join the session.
Prepare for Your First Session
Take these steps to prepare for a successful first session:
- Find a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted
- Test your technology 15 minutes before the session using our system check
- Consider what you'd like to share and what goals you have for therapy
- Have a glass of water and tissues nearby
- Approach the session with an open mind
The first session is typically focused on getting to know each other and establishing goals for your work together.
Attend Your First Session
It's time for your first session:
- Log in to your Pleiades account 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time
- Click on "Upcoming Sessions" and then "Join Session"
- Allow browser permissions for camera and microphone
- Spend the first session getting to know your therapist and setting expectations
After your session, you'll be prompted to provide feedback and schedule follow-up sessions if you wish to continue with this therapist.
Continue Your Therapeutic Journey
As you continue with therapy, make the most of the Pleiades platform:
- Use the secure messaging feature to communicate between sessions
- Access therapeutic resources recommended by your therapist
- Track your progress through periodic assessments
- Manage appointments and billing through your dashboard
Remember that therapy is a journey, and progress often happens gradually. Be patient with yourself and the process.
What If My Match Isn't Right?
Finding the right therapist sometimes takes time. If you don't feel comfortable with your initial match after 1-2 sessions:
- Provide feedback about why the match didn't work for you
- Review your other matches or request additional matches
- Speak with our matching support team who can help refine your matches based on your feedback
There is no additional charge for switching therapists, and we're committed to helping you find the right match.
Navigating Your Dashboard
Your Pleiades dashboard is your central hub for managing your therapy experience:
- Upcoming Sessions - View and manage your scheduled appointments
- Messages - Secure communication with your therapist
- Resources - Access therapeutic tools and materials
- Billing & Insurance - Manage payments and insurance claims
- Progress Tracking - Monitor your therapy journey
- Account Settings - Update your preferences and information
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Our matching system has helped thousands of people find therapists they connect with and trust.
Start Your Journey Now