SonderMind is an insurance billing platform and directory that helps mental health providers accept insurance and build private practices. SonderMind helps therapists get credentialed with major insurers, manage their billing, and attract new clients through a therapist directory and matching service, as well as provides continuing education resources. SonderMind is completely free to join and has no ongoing costs.
Editor's Note
We regularly review and update our content to provide the most accurate and current information. In this round of updates, we confirmed that SonderMind’s pricing and core features remain consistent, while expanding its availability to all 50 states. We added new details about its client-facing mobile app, and a new AI-powered matching system.. We also updated our comparisons to reflect changes in the competitive landscape, including new developments at Alma, Headway, and Grow Therapy.
SonderMind At a Glance
Cost: Free for practitioners
Insurance Billing Features: Yes
Includes Telehealth Platform: Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free to join
- Option for same-day reimbursement
- Includes EHR features that all integrate with one another well
- Clinical outcome measures and custom form templates included
- Smart, intuitive, well-implemented design
- Now available nationwide
Cons
- Requires full licensure to join
- Included forms and clinical measures are limited compared to top EHRs
- Some therapists noted a high volume of non-converting referrals
Preview SonderMind
SonderMind is a comprehensive billing and directory platform for therapists and psychologists. Features of SonderMind include insurance credentialing, premium in-network reimbursement rates, and a built-in provider directory. SonderMind has expanded its footprint to be available in all 50 US states. SonderMind is completely free for practitioners to join.
One of the main benefits of SonderMind is its hands-off insurance credentialing service. SonderMind works with many insurance payors to negotiate favorable terms for insurance billing and can likely get you credentialed much faster, and with higher reimbursement rates, than you’d be able to on your own. SonderMind practitioners sign on as independent contractors. SonderMind sends reimbursement payouts every two weeks but has an option for same-day payment.
SonderMind operates a built-in provider directory that automatically interfaces with all of its other systems. Clients are able to find a therapist that appeals to them and book with them directly using the availability provided by providers.
Other options in the insurance credentialing and billing space include Headway, Alma, and Grow Therapy.
Key Takeaways
- SonderMind is a great all-in-one insurance billing platform for generating client leads, and managing day-to-day administration and billing in one place. It handles all in-network, out-of-network, and cash-pay billing and also includes a telehealth platform.
- SonderMind practitioners sign on as independent contractors. SonderMind sends reimbursement payouts every two weeks but has an option for same-day payment.
- Allowing SonderMind to handle credentialing means you’ll likely get better reimbursement rates, and faster than you could on your own.
Accept Insurance & Get Client Referrals Credentialing – Get paneled for free with the major payors in your state so you can start seeing insurance clients. Guaranteed Billing – Don’t worry about unpaid claims! Any insurance claims that you submit are guaranteed. Schedule a call to learn more.
What Is SonderMind for Therapists?
SonderMind is a comprehensive billing and directory platform for therapists and psychologists. Features of SonderMind include insurance credentialing, premium in-network reimbursement rates, and a built-in provider directory. SonderMind has no costs to join as a provider.
Review our scoring criteria for therapist directories here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Hands-Off Insurance Credentialing
One of the main benefits of SonderMind is its hands-off insurance credentialing service. SonderMind works with many insurance payors to negotiate favorable terms for insurance billing and can likely get you credentialed much faster, and with higher reimbursement rates, than you’d be able to on your own.
SonderMind is in-network with many of the top insurance payors, including:
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Additional regional payors
However, the particular payors and plans you’ll be in-network with vary depending on your location. SonderMind states that it takes up to four months to get fully credentialed with your designated insurance payors. As with any such service, you’ll only be credentialed with these payors while working with SonderMind as a contractor, and you won’t be able to bill through them independently.
Fully-Managed In-Network & Out-of-Network Billing
Through SonderMind, you’ll be able to manage both in-network and out-of-network client billing. Upon your acceptance into the platform, you’ll be able to start seeing clients that are billing out-of-network or cash-pay. Then, after you’ve been credentialed with insurance payors (1-4 months), SonderMind will handle all of your in-network billing.
By default, providers on SonderMind’s platform are paid every two weeks for sessions they’ve completed. SonderMind also offers the option for providers to be paid immediately for sessions they submit; however, this will incur a charge of 2% of the total payout.1
Full EHR Suite
Unlike some other in-network billing platforms, SonderMind includes a full EHR with its system to ensure you have all the tools you need in one place. Robust clinical documentation features, a well-designed calendar and scheduling system, and a built-in telehealth platform help minimize the need for external software.
SonderMind has several clinical outcome measures available, including inventories for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and daily function. The client can complete these outcome measures directly in the client portal, and outcomes are automatically recorded in treatment notes. Altogether, the system is designed well and would likely be sufficient without the need for external software. During our interview, SonderMind representatives stated that the company plans to improve its EHR suite with more customizable forms and support for more clinical outcome measures, among other improvements.1
SonderMind is one of the only platforms of its kind to include a relatively advanced EHR system. It’s a great system and has a lot in common with some of the best mental health EHRs available today. In additon to EHR features, SonderMind has also developed a companion app for clients that helps improve client engagment and offers clients education around breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises, and more.
Gain New Clients with SonderMind’s Built-In Provider Directory
SonderMind operates a built-in provider directory that automatically interfaces with all of its other systems. Clients are able to find a therapist that appeals to them and book with them directly using the availability provided by providers.
SonderMind has custom algorithms that help guide clients toward their ideal therapist match by taking into account both client preferences and the skills and expertise reported by practitioners. When we demoed SonderMind, we were impressed by the overall design and implementation of the platform. SonderMind has improved the client experience in recent months, notably including an “AI Concierge” that helps clients match with therapists and get scheduled.
If you need another directory to use in conjunction with SonderMind, our list of the best therapist directories is a great place to start.
Grow Your Skills with SonderMind’s Educational Resources
When you join the SonderMind network, you’re given access to the company’s SonderMind University content which includes clinical case studies, live and online events, and continuing education courses (CEUs). As well, practitioners can access virtual courses for improving their private practice and a community of other practitioners for sharing ideas and referrals.
How Much Does SonderMind for Therapists Cost to Join?
SonderMind is completely free for practitioners to join. Rather than taking fees from clients or practitioners, SonderMind has contracts with the insurance payors and earns commissions through them. This model is common among services such as SonderMind and allows therapists to get started with minimal barriers.
Accept Insurance & Get Client Referrals Credentialing – Get paneled for free with the major payors in your state so you can start seeing insurance clients. Guaranteed Billing – Don’t worry about unpaid claims! Any insurance claims that you submit are guaranteed. Schedule a call to learn more.
How Much Does SonderMind Pay Therapists?
SonderMind pays its therapists by reimbursing them for each service provided, either at the cash pay rate, for private pay clients, or at a pre-negotiated insurance reimbursement rate. Specifically, you will be an independent contractor for SonderMind, which will reimburse you for the services provided. By default, you are paid every two weeks, but for a 2% fee, you can be paid the same day as your session.1
SonderMind Reimbursement Rates
A discussion on reimbursements with this type of platform is intrinsically difficult as reimbursement rates may vary tremendously depending on several variables. For instance, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta billing Cigna may have an entirely different rate than a Psychologist out of California billing United Healthcare.
On top of all of this, the negotiations going on between companies like SonderMind and its insurance partners will constantly be changing, so it’s impossible to say what a given reimbursement rate will be in the long haul.
Since SonderMind has major contracts with top insurers, it can offer enhanced reimbursement rates that will usually be higher than what you would be able to negotiate with a payor on your own. Plus, credentialing is far faster than if you were to negotiate with payors independently.
To determine your exact terms and rates, you’ll need to contact SonderMind directly.
Why Would I Want to Work with SonderMind?
Working with SonderMind is a unique experience that allows the autonomy of a private practice while offering a degree of support that helps you get your practice off the ground.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to work with SonderMind:
- Become credentialed with insurers without having to manage the process, and significantly faster than you could on your own, while also receiving enhanced reimbursement rates.
- Accept insurance without having to manage benefits checks for clients or insurance billing
- Great EHR features mean you likely won’t need external software or subscriptions
- Find a reliable source of client referrals through a dedicated insurance-based system
- Ensure consistent revenue with reliable insurance reimbursement
What States Is SonderMind Available In?
At the time of writing, SonderMind is currently available in all 50 United States.
Alternatives & Competitors
SonderMind has a lot to offer, but there are other insurance credentialing and billing platforms available. Below we’ll compare SonderMind with Headway and Alma.
Headway
Cost: Free for practitioners
Insurance Billing Features: Yes
Includes Telehealth Platform: No
Overall, SonderMind and Headway seek to do the same essential thing – link providers, insurance payors, and clients more effectively. Both platforms are free to join and have no ongoing costs for practitioners.
However, SonderMind has a much more robust set of features for client documentation, scheduling, and clinical outcomes measurement, and it also has an integrated telehealth platform included at no cost. Both platforms are available nationwide.
To learn more about Headway, visit our full Headway for Therapists review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional features for insurance and out-of-pocket billing
- Existing clients can be imported into Headway for easy management
- Includes access to CEUs
- In-network with some Medicaid/Medicare
Cons
- No support for multi-state billing
- Limited features for practice management or documentation
- Some users reported lower reimbursement rates than competitors
Alma
Cost: $125 monthly or $1,140 annually
Insurance Billing Features: Yes
Includes Telehealth Platform: Yes
SonderMind and Alma are very similar services, with both offering the same core features in billing and credentialing, as well as basic EHR functionality. Alma costs $125 monthly or $1,140 annually, whereas SonderMind is free to join. Alma has a far more robust selection of tools such as clinical measures than SonderMind does, plus Alma has Wiley Treatment Planner integration. As well, Alma includes CE courses in the cost of membership and access to a community of other therapists. Reimbursement rates are inherently difficult to compare, as every practitioner’s rates may differ considerably from one another.
To learn more about Alma, visit our full Alma for Therapists review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- More comprehensive system of features than other directory and insurance billing platforms
- EHR features such as treatment plan templates, telehealth, and others
- Comprehensive community and continuing education content
Cons
- One of the only directory and insurance billing platforms that require a monthly fee
- No publicly available information about reimbursement rates – however, this is usually the case with this type of platform
How to Get Started Working for SonderMind
To get started working for SonderMind, simply navigate to SonderMind’s sign-up page and schedule an interview call with SonderMind staff. During that interview, you’ll discuss your background, therapeutic technique, and whether you’re a good fit for the platform. All told, the process to get started with SonderMind can take 1-4 months.
The steps for getting started with SonderMind are:
- Interview. To begin, you’ll schedule an interview with SonderMind staff to discuss whether you’re a good fit for the platform (1-2 days).
- Platform Approval. Once you’re accepted to the platform, you’ll be able to start seeing clients for out-of-network or cash-pay billing while you wait for in-network credentialing.
- Onboard. You’ll work with a coach 1-on-1 to get your profile set up, credential you with payors, and get you ready to start seeing clients (1-4 months).
- Start Seeing Clients. After you’re set-up with the payors you plan to bill and you’re fully set up on the platform, you’ll be ready to start receiving client referrals.
Final Verdict
Overall, SonderMind is a solid in-network billing and directory platform. During a demo and interview with the platform, I was impressed with the breadth of features offered and the seamlessness they’re implemented with. While it isn’t available nationwide, SonderMind is certainly worth trying out if you are licensed in one of the states it’s a part of.
You should consider signing up for SonderMind if you:
- Are looking for an in-network billing and directory platform with an integrated EHR
- Are looking to get started billing for in-network services
You should consider looking for an alternative to SonderMind if you:
- Aren’t fully and independently licensed
- Want to credential with insurance payors independently
History & News
- Year Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
SonderMind is a privately held company founded in 2014 and based in Denver, Colorado, with around 100-250 employees.2 SonderMind states its mission is to improve the mental healthcare system and make it easier for everyday people to access affordable mental healthcare.3
SonderMind in the News
In 2023, competitor Mindstrong shuttered its doors and SonderMind purchased its technology assets and acquired a handful of employees.4 In an interview, a SonderMind representative stated that Sondermind plans to improve its search and client-matching features with the technology that was acquired.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SonderMind Mental Health Free to Join?
Yes, SonderMind is free to join and use for providers.
Can Medication Providers Join SonderMind?
Yes. SonderMind encourages psychiatrists and medication providers to join its network, but SonderMind currently only provides psychiatric care in Colorado and Ohio.
Do You Have to be Licensed to Use SonderMind?
Yes, you must be fully and independently licensed to join SonderMind or any in-network billing platform like it. This is due to the requirements of insurers.
How Does SonderMind Make Money?
SonderMind makes its money through partnerships and contracts that it has with the insurance payors it credentials providers with. To put it simply, SonderMind receives a commission for helping insurance providers find care for a wider number of clients.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Church, M. Personal communication, August 31, 2023.
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No author. (n.d.). SonderMind Company Profile. Crunchbase. Retrieved from: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/sondermind
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SonderMind (n.d.). About us. SonderMind. Retrieved from: https://www.sondermind.com/about
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Olsen, E. (March 23, 2023). Mindstrong sells tech assets to SonderMind, shuts down operations. Mobihealth News. Retrieved from: https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/mindstrong-sells-tech-assets-sondermind-shuts-down-operation
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No change)
Primary Changes: Reviewed entire article to assess for factual accuracy and updated where appropriate. Updated regarding SonderMind’s expansion to all 50 states and new client-facing features. Updated style and formatting throughout. Revised language throughout article to improve clarity and flow.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added summary block and star rating breakdown
Author: Matthew Church, MS
Medical Reviewer: Melissa Boudin, PsyD
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