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Ready to start therapy, but don’t know where to begin?
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WHIMM is a therapist matchmaking initiative.
We connect people with independent therapists – thoughtfully and personally.
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How does it work?
We work with independent therapists across India —
people in private practice, not on big platforms.
We don’t use algorithms.
Every match begins with a real conversation.
1. You share what you’re looking for.
You fill out a short form that helps us understand what brings you here.
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2. We listen.
A care navigator has a brief, human conversation with you – no assessments, no scripts.
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3. We match you with care.
We confirm the match and provide you with the details of a therapist who fits what you’ve shared.
Why match?
Because therapy is not one-size-fits all
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The right fit changes everything —
how safe you feel,
how much you open up,
how therapy works for you.
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WHIMM was built to help you start with that fit —
not find it by chance.
Who do we match you with?
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Therapists in private practice –
independent, qualified professionals across India.
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They are often difficult to find, unless you know someone who can refer you.
We’ve spoken to each of them personally
to understand their approach, experience,
and areas of specialisation.
Who does the matching?
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Each match is made by someone with an advanced educational background in psychology, who understands therapeutic work.
We speak to you, take the time to reflect on what you share, and connect you with someone who is a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Clients
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1. Do you offer therapy?
No — WHIMM doesn’t provide therapy. We help you find a therapist who fits, and your sessions happen directly with them.
2. Is therapy online or in person?
All WHIMM therapists currently offer online sessions.
3. Is there a fee for accessing WHIMM's services?
Yes — there’s a one-time fee of INR 599 to be paid before your conversation. It covers the time we take to understand your needs and find the right therapist for you. If the first fit doesn’t feel right, we offer one free rematch.
4. Who can sign up?
WHIMM is for adults (18+) based in India who are looking to start or restart therapy.
5. How long does matching take?
We first check within our community of practitioners and confirm with someone - usually in a few days.
If no one fits, we search beyond our roster, which can take upto a week or 2.
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6. Is WHIMM for crisis support?
No — WHIMM isn’t a crisis service. If you’re in danger or need urgent help, please reach out to a helpline.
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For Therapists
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1. Does it cost anything to join WHIMM?
No – joining WHIMM’s network is free. We don’t take a commission or cut from your sessions.
2. Who are the clients referred through WHIMM?
Adults (18+) seeking therapy independently – usually first-time therapy-seekers or those looking to rematch.
3. How does the matching work?
We speak with each client first to understand their needs, preferences, and goals. Matches are then made based on fit, not availability alone.
4. What kind of therapists do you onboard?
Qualified practitioners in private practice with recognised degrees in psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy. We personally speak with each therapist before adding them to the network.
5. Can I leave the network anytime?
Yes. You can pause or withdraw at any point, no strings attached.
6. Do you offer supervision or community spaces?
Not yet — but we plan to. WHIMM’s therapist community is growing,
and we’re working towards spaces for connection and support.
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Ready to begin?
If you’re looking for a therapist
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Fill this form to tell us a little about what you’re looking for.
We’ll reach out within 48 hours for a short, human conversation before suggesting a therapist who fits. It’s simple, thoughtful, and personal.
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If you’re a therapist
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Fill this form to tell us a little about your practice.
We’ll reach out within 48 hours for a short conversation — to learn about your approach, experience, and the kind of clients you work best with.
About
My name is Payal Khatore
I’ve been orbiting the mental health space for a while now, in different roles and from different vantage points.
Over the years, I’ve worked across research, teaching, and practice – with organisations like Ashoka University, Sangath, and the Centre for Mental Health, Law & Policy. I hold a degree in Psychology from Ashoka University and an MSc in Global Mental Health from King’s College London and LSHTM.
My work has been published in Oxford Open Digital Health and featured by Wellcome, one of the world’s largest mental health research funders. I’m currently pursuing a second master’s in Counselling and Family Therapy, and have completed over 100 hours of supervised crisis counselling with the Vandravela Foundation.
I’ve seen both the research and practice ends of this field – but I’ve also been on the other side, looking for a therapist for myself.
Like many others, I found that starting therapy in India can feel confusing and alienating. WHIMM is my attempt to make that experience less disorienting, and to offer a starting point where care feels a little more considered.
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If you’d like to connect or collaborate, I’d love to hear from you.
Client Stories
"While navigating some life transitions myself, even the logistical task of finding the 'right' therapist felt exhausting. There is so much noise out there, so many profiles and approaches, and figuring it all out on your own can delay the very help you’re seeking. Reaching out to WHIMM changed that for me. Payal, as a care navigator, stepped in and made the process effortless. I wasn’t familiar with different therapy styles or what might suit me best, yet in our very first call she asked thoughtful questions and matched me with someone who genuinely resonated with my vibe. I recommend WHIMM because taking that search off your plate is such a relief. You feel your needs are understood and thoughtfully taken care of, and they go the extra mile so that starting therapy becomes easier, lighter, and one step closer to feeling well!" - S., 27 (she/her)
"I was really confused about whether or not I even needed therapy, but the first conversation with WHIMM was so validating and made me feel understood. They asked thoughtful questions and brought up things I hadn’t even considered, which helped me gain a lot more clarity about my situation. The whole process felt very easy and non-intrusive, and the therapist I was matched with turned out to be a great fit from the start. It also helped that they already had a brief idea about me before our first session, which made it much easier to open up. Overall, I’d really recommend WHIMM to anyone who feels unsure about where or how to start therapy – or even if you’re not sure you 'need' it. I realised you don’t have to be going through something specific to reach out and get support." - A., 21 (she/her)
