First session, evening
Clara50 minBooked
AI Receptionist for Therapy and Counselling Practices A calm first hello, every time
Reaching out is the hard part. Clara answers kindly, books the first session with the right clinician, and asks only what she needs to.
Get startedCounsellingPsychotherapyCBTClinical psychologyPrivate psychiatryCouples therapyOnline sessionsGroup practices
Live call · New clientLive
Hi, I’d like to start therapy. I’m not really sure how it works.
Clara That’s completely fine. Most people start with a First Session. The soonest is Wednesday at 6 PM with Anna. Does that work, or would another day suit?
Booked: Wed 18:00 with Anna
Built for your practice
Recommended for
How Clara Works for Therapy and Counselling Practices
For many people, the first call to a therapist is the hardest part. Clara keeps it simple and kind. She never asks why someone is calling, and she doesn’t need to know. A caller who isn’t sure how therapy works is told what a first session involves, how long it lasts and what it costs, from your own information, and offered the soonest time. If they want a particular approach, she offers a therapist who provides it. If they’d rather speak to a therapist before booking, she takes a message.
Therapy diaries are built around evenings and regular weekly slots, with many sessions held online. Clara learns which therapists work which evenings, which sessions are online or in the room, and how long each session runs. Existing clients can move this week’s session on a call, in website chat or on WhatsApp, without waiting for a reply. On calls and WhatsApp she recognises returning clients from their number and confirms who they are. She never tells anyone else whether a person is a client, which matters when a partner or family member rings.
If a caller is in crisis or at risk, Clara stops the booking. She tells them to call 999 if they are in immediate danger, points them to NHS 111 and its mental health option for urgent help, and gives the Samaritans number, 116 123. She doesn’t counsel, assess risk or try to keep the person talking about how they feel. Questions for a therapist, insurer details and invoice requests arrive in your inbox as messages confirmed with the caller. Every conversation has a written transcript and summary, and Clara doesn’t record calls.
00:04
Do I have to say what it’s about?
00:09
Clara Not at all, you can talk about that with your therapist. The soonest First Session is Wednesday at 6 PM with Anna. Does that work, or would another day suit?
On a call
ThursdayRichmond
13:3014:10Do I have to say what it’s about?Not at all, you can talk about that with your therapist. The soonest First Session is Wednesday at 6 PM with Anna. Does that work, or would another day suit?14:50
Booked by Clara
Inbox3 new
Do I have to say what it’s about?Not at all, you can talk about that with your therapist. The soonest First Session is Wednesday at 6 PM with Anna. Does that work, or would another day suit?
Do I have to say what it’s about?
Not at all, you can talk about that with your therapist. The soonest First Session is Wednesday at 6 PM with Anna. Does that work, or would another day suit?
Booking stopped
Gentle, and to the point
Clara is calm and kind, asks only what she needs to book, and never asks anyone to explain why they are calling.
Hear Clara00:04
J. Moore · First session
00:09
Clara Online · 50 min
On a call
ThursdayRichmond
13:3014:10J. Moore · First sessionOnline · 50 min14:50
Booked by Clara
Inbox3 new
J. Moore · First sessionOnline · 50 min
J. Moore · First session
Online · 50 min
Booking stopped
The right clinician, the right session
First sessions, ongoing sessions, online or in the room: Clara knows who offers what, how long each session is, and which evenings are free.
See what Clara books00:04
Red flag heard
00:09
Clara Caller at risk. Told to ring 999 now. Booking stopped.
On a call
ThursdayRichmond
13:3014:10Red flag heardCaller at risk. Told to ring 999 now. Booking stopped.14:50
Booked by Clara
Inbox3 new
Red flag heardCaller at risk. Told to ring 999 now. Booking stopped.
Red flag heard
Caller at risk. Told to ring 999 now. Booking stopped.
Booking stopped
Anyone in crisis is told what to do now
If a caller is in crisis or at risk, Clara tells them to ring 999, or 111 for urgent help, and stops the booking. She never gives clinical advice.
How Clara handles safety999
Urgent symptoms are sent to 999 or 111, never booked in.
24/7
Evenings, weekends and bank holidays included.
Any
Practice system. Clara books into the one you already use, from Jane and Cliniko to Semble and Meddbase.
A day with Clara
Tue 19:42After hours
Hi, are you still open? I’d like to book an appointment.
Clara We’re closed for the evening, but I can book you in. Thursday at 2:10 is free. Shall I take it?
Booked · confirmation sent
InboxToday
Mr J. PatelInvoice question. Callback after 10am, confirmed with the caller.
Booking requestInitial assessment, evenings only.
Ms A. BelloRunning 10 minutes late for 13:30.
Questions Clara couldn’t answerThis week
Do you have parking?Asked 6 times · add this answer
Can I bring my child?Asked 3 times · add this answer
Built for mental health
The calls a therapy or mental health practice takes every week, and how Clara handles each one.
Do you offer online sessions?
ClaraYour servicesAnswered
Is it covered by my insurer?
ClaraInsurers you acceptAnswered
Move this week’s session
ClaraSame clinicianMoved
Question for my therapist
ClaraCallbackSent to inbox
Caller in crisis
ClaraRed flagTold to ring 999
Hear from a clinic already using Clara
Hear Clara for yourself“Clara has transformed how we manage patient calls across our clinics. Every enquiry is answered promptly and professionally, allowing our team to focus on delivering excellent care.”
Frequently asked questions
How does Clara work in a mental health practice?
Clara answers on your existing number, works out what the caller needs, and books, moves or cancels in your practice software on Clara Core. On Lite she sends you the booking request instead.
Will clients feel comfortable talking to Clara?
Clara is calm and kind, asks only what she needs to book, never asks why someone is calling, and is honest that she’s your practice’s assistant if anyone asks.
Is Clara a suitable virtual receptionist for therapists?
Clara is an AI receptionist built to be calm and brief. She answers calls, website chat and WhatsApp for your practice, books first and ongoing sessions with the right therapist, and never asks why someone is calling. She doesn’t counsel or give clinical advice. Anything for a therapist becomes a message, and anyone in crisis is directed to urgent help.
What happens if a caller is in crisis?
Clara stops the booking straight away. She tells the caller to call 999 if they are in immediate danger, to ring 111 and choose the mental health option for urgent help, and gives the Samaritans number, 116 123. She doesn’t assess risk or counsel. Every conversation has a written transcript and summary in your portal.
Can Clara match clients to the right therapist?
From your own information, yes. Clara learns which therapists offer which approaches, which days and evenings they work, and whether sessions are online or in person. If a caller asks for a type of therapy, she offers a therapist who provides it. She doesn’t recommend an approach.