Each Unmind member whose employer has granted them access to Unmind Therapy and Coaching has a set number of therapy sessions funded by their employer. Sometimes, you and your therapist may feel that more support would be helpful, even once you are close to or have reached this limit.
This article explains:
- What to do if you think you need more sessions
- What options might be available
- How decisions are made
- Where to get support if extra sessions are not possible
If you feel you need more sessions
If you are coming towards the end of your current session allowance and feel you may need more support:
- Talk to your therapist about how you’re feeling and what you think you might need further support with.
- Together, you can look at how many sessions you have used so far, and what your goals are for the remaining sessions.
- Your therapist can help you understand whether extra, employer‑funded sessions might be appropriate to request, or whether other options may be a better fit.
Try to raise this before your final scheduled session, so there is time to plan next steps.
What options might be available?
Depending on your situation and your employer’s agreement with Unmind, your therapist may explore options such as:
- Using your remaining funded sessions in a way that best supports you (for example, spreading them out or focusing on specific goals)
- Requesting additional employer‑funded sessions where there is a clear clinical need and your difficulties are affecting you at work
- Discussing whether self‑funded sessions are an option for you
- Signposting you to other sources of support, such as public health services, your GP, private medical insurance, or local/charitable organisations
Your therapist will talk these options through with you so you can decide together what feels most appropriate.
Can my therapist request extra employer‑funded sessions?
In some cases, your therapist may feel that more sessions would be clinically helpful and linked to your wellbeing at work. If so, they may suggest making a request for additional sessions to your employer via Unmind.
If they do this:
- They will explain what they are requesting, and how extra sessions could support you.
- They will ask for your consent before submitting a request.
- The request will be shared with your employer without your name or identifying details, unless you agree that sharing limited information with your name would help them support you better.
Your therapist can also help you think about any other support you might need alongside therapy, such as workplace adjustments or other services, and can pass this on to your employer with your consent.
What if I have already used all of my sessions but feel I still need support?
In some cases, you might have already used all of the sessions funded by your employer, but feel you would benefit from more support before your allowance renews. If you would like to continue seeing the same practitioner, you can reach out to them to talk together about how you are feeling and what support you might need next.
If you would prefer not to see your previous practitioner, or you are unsure what to do, get in touch with Unmind Support using the messenger on this page or by emailing support@unmind.com.
If appropriate we will contact your employer on your behalf whilst keeping your request anonymous to ask whether they are able to fund additional sessions for you
Keep in mind that extra sessions are not guaranteed - any additional employer‑funded sessions are decided by your employer, not by your practitioner or Unmind
Who decides whether I can have more sessions?
Unmind and your therapist do not make the final decision about extra employer‑funded sessions. These decisions are made by your employer, based on:
- Information in the request your therapist submits
- Your employer’s agreement with Unmind
- Any internal policies your organisation has around additional support
The Support team will:
- Check that a request from your therapist meets the criteria for additional sessions
- Contact your employer on your behalf, without sharing your identity (unless you have given explicit consent)
- Let your therapist know when your employer has made a decision
Because your employer needs time to review the request, the process can take up to two weeks from submission to decision.
What if my request for more sessions is declined?
If your employer decides not to fund more sessions, we understand this can feel disappointing or worrying. If a request is declined:
- Your therapist will be told about the decision and can discuss it with you.
- Together, you can explore other support options, which might include:
- Moving to self‑funded sessions with your therapist, if this is something you feel able and willing to do
- Support from other services, such as NHS or public mental health services (where available), your GP, private medical insurance, or local/charitable organisations
It can be helpful to know from the start that extra employer‑funded sessions are not guaranteed, even when your therapist makes a request. Funding decisions sit with your employer, not with your therapist or Unmind.
What about urgent or crisis situations?
If you are at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or are in crisis, the priority is always urgent and emergency support, not extra employer‑funded sessions.
In an emergency, please follow the crisis guidance provided in your local area and any instructions given in the Unmind platform, such as contacting emergency services, crisis lines, or your GP. Your therapist can also help you think about how to stay safe and which services to contact.
Extra sessions may sometimes be part of your ongoing support plan, but they should never replace crisis or emergency pathways.
If you are unsure what to do
If you are not sure whether more sessions are possible or what your options are:
- Speak to your therapist in your next session, or
- Contact the Unmind Support team.
They will help you understand what is available within your employer’s plan and what the next best step might be for you.