Unsung Hero Spotlight: Unmute

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic's significant impact on mental health, individuals from marginalized communities have faced disproportionate and persistent stressors. Innovators have responded to this need by developing platforms that improve access to culturally competent mental health professionals.

Meet Asini & Colleen: Unmute

Asini Wijewardane and Colleen Leung, co-founders of Unmute, are dedicated to dispelling mental health myths and leveraging AI to match individuals with suitable therapists. They are committed to supporting "muted communities," a term encompassing various marginalized groups, including AAPI, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+.

The Challenge: Historical Marginalization and Limited Access

Communities facing historical marginalization have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, exacerbating existing health disparities and making it challenging to access culturally competent therapists. Stigmas surrounding mental health and a shortage of culturally competent therapists further hinder access to care.

The Solution: Unmute's Culturally Competent Platform

Unmute's online platform addresses these challenges by offering:

• A focus on marginalized communities, with a commitment to equitable and accessible therapy.
• A detailed questionnaire to help match individuals with suitable therapists.
• Therabuddies who guide users through the therapy experience, including therapist selection and providing advice.

The Impact: Positive Outcomes and Client Satisfaction

Since its inception, Unmute has achieved notable outcomes:

• 97% of clients report feeling highly compatible with their therapist.
• 92% found a match within two or fewer consultations.
• 100% returned for their second appointment.

The Challenge: Finding Culturally Competent Providers

Unmute faces the challenge of finding a sufficient number of culturally competent providers for its directory. To address this, they are actively pursuing partnerships and therapist referrals.

The Future: Plans for Expansion and Licensing Algorithm

As Unmute expands, Leung aims to license their algorithm by collaborating with insurance companies to power therapist searches through insurance plans.

The Motivation: The Power of Individual Impact

Leung's dedication to Unmute is driven by the platform's impact on individual lives. Despite the platform's potential for failure, she believes the positive impact on the lives of the 426 patients served to date makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

Unmute's work underscores the importance of culturally competent mental health services and the power of innovation in improving access to care for marginalized communities.