getATTUNE: The Marriage of Tech and Therapy

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Written by Shariah Green

"Do you, _____, take getATTUNE to be your guide to finding the right therapist to learn how to love, to honor and to cherish yourself?"

Alicia Teetah is a licensed professional based out of Charlotte, NC specializing in individual, couple and family therapy. In addition, Alicia is a nationally certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapist. Passionate about dispelling the stigma of mental health, she developed ATTUNE, a mobile app that connects people and therapists.

When Alicia moved to North Carolina, she found that her career was taking a halt because people in the area didn’t really believe in the use of a therapist. “They’d rather pray their issues away.” With the constant evolution in technology, we as humans sometimes feel threatened when we think of merging our real lives with artificial intelligence, on-line sites and mobile apps. So, why turn to an app that promises to help find the right therapist? Alicia says, “I believe that God created therapists to help with the things he can’t necessarily do here on earth.” Alicia is a non-tech founder, but she knows the importance of health and her goal is to bridge the gap between tech and health. With getATTUNE, the user can find the right clinician to aid with whatever your challenges may be.

According to Barna.com, by all measures, Millennials and Gen X have more interest in counseling than Boomers and the silent generation. One-fifth of Millennials (21%) and 16 percent of Gen X are currently engaged in therapy. This study shows you that the getATTUNE app has arrived in time and will hopefully help to continue to decrease the shaming behind obtaining professional help. This innovative solution allows you to take control of your health in a comfortable space. The app identifies therapists near you by geo-tagging. Once your zip-code is in you can swipe left to see the different clinicians that fit what you’re looking for. The app also allows therapists to build their business.

Pictured above, from left to right: Business Mogul Managing Editor, Shariah Green, Attune App Creator/Founder, Alicia Teeteh, and Business Mogul Founder/Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Sheria Rowe

Pictured above, from left to right: Business Mogul Managing Editor, Shariah Green, Attune App Creator/Founder, Alicia Teeteh, and Business Mogul Founder/Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Sheria Rowe

Shariah: Tell us a little about Building Endurance and what your organization offers.

Alicia Teeteh: We provide out-patient therapy, supervision and we also provide training in the community. The name came from being a marathon runner. I feel like in life you need to build endurance and sometimes that takes getting that mental health support.

Shariah: What was the determining factor for developing the Attune app?

Alicia Teetah: Honestly, it sounded like a good idea. I am very much into if I have a good idea go with it. I don’t think there is anything I can’t do. It’s just a matter of how well it would be executed it. So, I had the idea and decided to go for it.

Shariah: For the persons who are skeptical about a therapist and technology, what makes getAttune different and how do you get them comfortable with using Attune?

Alicia Teetah: I want people to know that you don’t have to stick with the first therapist you meet. So, that very first meeting should really be about you figuring out if you’re comfortable. Do I like this person? Do I feel like opening up to this person? It’s just like when you choose your doctor. You’re not just going to go to any doctor. You’re going to one that you feel most comfortable with and any good therapist is going to understand that. They should even offer to refer someone else. Because this isn’t just about us as clinicians. It’s about people finding the best person for them.

Shariah: I noticed a diverse list of therapists on the app. How did you develop the list of therapists and verifying credentials?

Alicia Teetah: Right now, day by day it's me and my interns. Once a person comes on, their profile isn’t live.

Shariah: As a professor you advocate for healthy relationships, female empowerment and decreasing the stigma of mental illness. How will Attune assist in this mission?

Alicia Teetah: Attune is trying to get us more connected. For a long time I strayed away from technology and social media. I felt like man, I want this to go away. But, now I’m like no, you can help bring us together. There’s somebody in California that could be moving to Tennessee and find a therapist on Attune in Tennessee and secure an appointment when they get there. My goal is to close the gap that I’m constantly talking about.

If you’re a licensed clinician, patient or interested in being an investor follow @getATTUNE and message the team directly for more information.