Individual Therapy for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Beyond Kinshasa.

We recommend joining from a computer, laptop or tablet in a private setting as that typically provides for a better therapeutic experience. If you’d prefer to join from a smartphone, you can absolutely do so as our platform works well on smartphones (both iPhone and Android). Using your phone can be convenient as it allows you to attend therapy from anywhere private. However, we recommend using WiFi rather than cellular data when possible to ensure stable video quality and avoid data charges. Consider using headphones for better audio quality and privacy, and position your phone so your therapist can see your face clearly (many clients use a phone stand). While phones can work well, many clients prefer larger screens like tablets, laptops, or computers for a more immersive experience.

You can message your therapist between sessions through the Grouport app. Response time is typically 24-48 hours during standard business days. This channel is good for scheduling questions, small check-ins, or sharing something that came up before your next session. It's not designed for immediate crises — if you're in crisis, use your country's local emergency services or crisis line, which is staffed 24/7. Your therapist will discuss the between-session communication norms in your first meeting so you know what to expect between weekly meetings.

To prepare for your first therapy session: (1) Test your technology by logging into the platform before your appointment time if your sessions happen within our member portal. If your sessions don’t happen within our member portal, make sure you see the auto session reminder email with the unique link for that week’s session sent to you 24-hrs before the session and make sure you have zoom downloaded on your device. If you don’t have zoom downloaded, then you can always download it on your device for free. (2) Find a private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted. (3) Have a glass of water nearby and ensure your device is charged. (4) Think about what you'd like to get out of therapy - your goals, main concerns, and what you're hoping will change. (5) Have any relevant information ready (medications you're taking, previous therapy experience, etc.). Remember that first sessions are often just getting to know each other, there's no pressure to share everything immediately.

Your decision to attend therapy is yours alone. No one else knows your mental health or the challenges you experience, except for yourself. If you’re struggling and you need help, you will know that best. What goes on in your mind is not visible to others and you shouldn’t have to face internal challenges alone. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to take care of yourself. You should set a boundary that this is your decision and therapy helps you be your best self. If still needed, your therapist can certainly discuss strategies on how to address these challenges with your partner.

Many people continue therapy on an ongoing basis beyond needing it because they value ongoing support and maintenance. There's no pressure to end when symptoms improve. You can also discuss your thoughts about ending with your therapist, and they'll be able to help you evaluate what the best course of action is and create an ending plan if relevant. If you have achieved your goals and feel like you have the tools to handle future challenges on your own, and you know which skills to draw on by yourself, then it's a matter of evaluating if you feel like you need additional maintenance even if less frequent or if you feel ready to address your challenges on your own. Whichever way you decide, you can always come back at any time and it’s totally up to what you think is best for your needs.

Individual therapy is one-on-one mental health treatment between you and a licensed therapist. Unlike group or family therapy where multiple people participate, individual therapy focuses entirely on your personal goals, challenges, and growth. Sessions provide a confidential space to explore thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, address mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, work through past experiences, improve relationships, and make desired life changes. Your therapist tailors treatment to your specific needs using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ERP, EMDR, or trauma-focused therapy. Individual therapy is collaborative and you and your therapist work together toward goals you define.

You should consider individual therapy if you're experiencing persistent sadness, worry, or mood changes; difficulty coping with stress or life changes; relationship patterns you want to change; trauma or past experiences affecting current life; decreased interest in activities you once enjoyed; sleep or appetite changes; substance use concerns; difficulty managing emotions; feeling stuck or unfulfilled; grief that feels overwhelming; or simply wanting personal growth and self-understanding. You don't need a crisis or diagnosis to benefit from therapy. If something in your life causes distress or you want to improve your mental health, online therapy can help. Many people attend therapy proactively to maintain wellbeing.

Seasonal affective disorder happens in many countries, especially those with long dark winters or extreme seasonal changes. Therapy combined with light therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication helps you manage seasonal depression. Where you live affects light exposure and seasons differently.

Parenting is hard. Cultural expectations about parenting vary, but the stress is universal. Whether you're dealing with difficult child behavior, work-life balance, single parenting, parenting with limited support, or parenting across cultures, therapy addresses parenting stress and helps you cope.

Sometimes. If your medical expenses (including therapy) exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you might be able to deduct the excess on your taxes. Most people don't hit that threshold. Using HSA/FSA gives you tax savings another way through pre-tax dollars. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

The Centre Neuro-Psycho-Pathologique at the University of Kinshasa is the country's main public psychiatric facility, and people outside the capital often face days of travel from Lubumbashi, Goma, or Mbuji-Mayi plus long waits before a first consultation. Grouport delivers weekly 45-minute one-on-one video sessions with a licensed therapist directly to any device with a working connection, with the option to start right away rather than joining a months-long queue. Sessions run at $103 each, billed at $448 per month, on a HIPAA-secure platform.

Grouport bills a flat $103 per session on average in USD, billed at $448 per month, through Stripe, which accepts internationally-enabled Visa and Mastercard issued by Congolese banks such as Rawbank, Equity BCDC, or TMB, as long as the card is enabled for online USD transactions. Your bank converts from Congolese francs at the daily rate, typically adding a small forex fee. People who lack a qualifying card often use a diaspora-supported virtual card or a family member's card abroad, then start weekly one-on-one video sessions with a licensed therapist right away.