Frequently Asked Questions
Want to dive deeper? Take a look below, or just get in touch. We’d love to talk!
The Program
How is Meru Health different from traditional face-to-face therapy?
Meru Health is a clinically proven therapy program that includes personalized care from a dedicated licensed therapist, self-paced lessons and guided activities, a biofeedback device to help you connect mind and body, and support from an anonymous peer community. All of this can be accessed from your smartphone.
Unlike traditional face-to-face therapy, Meru Health is a continuous program: you’ll get new exercises daily, and you can go through the program at your own pace, right from your smartphone.
You can also talk with your therapist any time you need it, even daily, via secured in-app chat. Your therapist is always available to support you and guide you through the program.
Studies show that mental health isn’t just mental. Nutrition, sleep, and even simple breath directly impact your mental health. Our program uses a holistic approach and focuses on daily activities and practices to deliver superior and long-lasting results.
Our program participants find it 40% more effective than traditional therapy.
What is the time commitment for the Meru Health program?
Our program is very flexible. Usually you only need around 15 minutes to complete your daily practices. You can work through the program at your own pace – anytime, anywhere from your smartphone.
During the program, you can have up to four video sessions with your dedicated therapist and get unlimited in-app chat support and guidance from them.
How long does the Meru Health program last?
Meru Health program is designed to last for three months (12 weeks).
After completing the program, you will have access to all program content and practices for one year, and also become a part of our “Meru Grads” post-program community with access to many resources like webinars to help you stay on track.
What is a Meru Health’s biofeedback device? How does it work?
All Meru Health participants are provided with a free biofeedback device that will teach you to improve your physical response to stress so that you can feel calmer, faster. This device is a small clip you need to wear on your earlobe only when doing biofeedback breathing practices in the Meru Health app. You don’t need to wear it all the time.
Studies suggest that people who practice biofeedback breathing tend to be healthier and live longer with less risk of disease, reducing rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. After the program ends, you can continue to access the biofeedback training and keep the biofeedback device for yourself.
How does the anonymous group support feature work?
All Meru Health participants get access to our anonymous peer support group. The support group gathers each week over a specific topic, encouraging you to share your experiences and learn from others.
The group is completely anonymous, and other participants won’t see your name, nickname, or avatar. You won’t be able to respond directly to other participants; however, your therapist will be there if you need additional support. You are not required to participate in the discussions or share any information in the group.
Can children and adolescents use Meru Health?
Currently, we can only provide our services to patients 18 or older. We recognize the importance of mental health care for minors and are working hard to obtain the necessary licenses to improve their access to mental health care through Meru Health.
Here are some alternative resources available for minors.
Your Therapist
How do I interact with my therapist?
The program starts with a 30-45 minutes video call with your dedicated master or doctoral-level licensed therapist to identify your treatment goals and personalize your program experience.
During the program, you will communicate with your therapist through a secured in-app chat ─ discreetly, and without any pressure. The therapist will always be there to discuss everything you have in mind, guide you through the program, and provide additional resources that might be helpful for you.
You can send a message to your therapist at any time and as frequently as you want. Your therapist will reply to you as soon as possible during their workdays. You can also schedule up to three additional video sessions with your therapist during the program. It’s also a great way to review your therapist’s feedback and tips when you need it most.
Are Meru Health therapists licensed?
Yes, our team consists of master or doctoral-level licensed therapists who have at least three years of experience and have verified background checks.
Can I use Meru Health if I’m already seeing a therapist?
Yes! Our program has served as a valuable addition to existing therapy for many of our participants as it offers practical skills to decrease anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Do you consider a person’s faith when providing support?
Our therapists go through extensive diversity training to respect and embrace the religious views and beliefs of any person we help. Please be sure to bring this up with your therapist during your first video session so they can consider your faith while supporting you.
Can I specify the gender/ethnicity/specialty of my therapist?
You can request a therapist with a specific background or identity, and we will try to find the best match for you. However, we cannot always accommodate specific requests.
Our licensed therapists are trained to work with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Your personal therapist will ensure care is tailored to you. If you would like to switch therapists, please let us know.
How can I reschedule my therapist call?
You can reschedule your therapist appointment in the Meru Health app. You can also email [email protected] or call (833) 940-1385 Monday-Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm (PST).
Health Plan & Costs
Am I eligible for the program, and how much will it cost?
Meru Health is covered by major health plans such as Moda Health, Cigna, Aetna, and more. We also collaborate directly with some employers to offer the Meru Health program as a health benefit.
To determine your eligibility, please select your health plan or employer on this page.
The cost of the Meru Health program varies based on your plan type, with members subject to co-payments, deductibles, or coinsurance. We accept payments from FSA/HSA accounts. For your exact program cost, please register on the Meru Health app and submit your insurance details. Final costs will be determined by your health plan and may vary depending on your plan details.
What forms of payment does Meru Health accept?
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as payments from FSA/HSA accounts. Once your claim has fully processed, we’ll email you a secure link for payment. You’ll also receive an invoice for your records after completing the payment.
If your employer or health plan provides Meru Health as a benefit, the processing time will vary depending on insurance.
How do I pay?
During your time in the program, you should anticipate there to be up to four billing events: one for the intake call, and one for each month of the program. We only bill for any month you engage in the program.
You will receive the first statement within 60-90 days of beginning the program, by email. You can use a credit card or FSA/HSA accounts to pay.
Can I pay with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
Yes! If you have a copayment or deductible for the program, you can pay it using your HSA/FSA account.
Other
What if I need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is at risk of danger, call 911 immediately. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline**: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) National Crisis Text Line: Text “NOW” to 741-741
Will my information be private? Even from my employer?
Privacy is a fundamental right and core value at Meru Health. We follow HIPAA-compliant regulations and requirements to ensure your information stored is protected and safe, according to federal and state laws. Our HIPAA-compliant platform ensures your personal information is protected and encrypted at all times.
We value your privacy and will not share any identifiable information with your employer or anyone else, except where permitted by law.
Can I get an evaluation for a leave of absence from work?
While our therapists are licensed clinicians, they do not provide evaluations to support accommodations of any type, including requests for a medical leave of absence, workplace, educational or housing accommodations, or animal-emotional support assessments.
Can you renew, change, or start me on a prescription for mental health medicine?
Our psychiatrists are available to answer questions about mental health medications and discuss your existing medications during the program. They can coordinate with your primary care physician upon request.
We do not prescribe or modify any medication directly. However, we will happily refer you to a provider who can.
Can I print out the program content?
The program content is available to you at any time on your smartphone, even after completing the program. If you would like a printed version of some of the practice reflections you’ve completed or things from your resilience toolkit, contact your therapist, who can provide additional support.
I still have questions, how can I get in touch with you?
You can get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or call (833) 940-1385.
We’re available weekdays, 7 am – 4 pm (PST).
