How Plutonic Works
We craft therapeutic virtual spaces just for you. Join with your avatar and meet a real licensed therapist. In the virtual space, video and voice chat are available for use. Therapy doesn't have to be daunting. Be your true self and feel comfortable in therapy. We also provide therapy in traditional formats including in-person.
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Our Care Team
MENTAL HEALTH | TECHNOLOGY
James Shu,
Founder and CEO
Your #1 mental health advocate. Avid software engineer, hardcore gamer and virtual worlds creater and user.
Justin L. Enggasser, Ph.D.
Lead Clinical Advisor
Justin Enggasser, Ph.D. is an Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Director at the VA Boston Healthcare System. Dr. Enggasser is a clinician-scientist focused on developing and testing novel technology-based clinical applications to augment treatment delivery and improve access to care. He previously served as a Global Clinical Lead for Addiction at Pear Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that built and disseminated the first FDA-approved digital therapeutic for addiction. He has published research in several major scientific journals, and is a co-creator of VetChange, a digital therapeutic designed for U.S. military veterans experiencing post-deployment problems related to alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder. Dr. Enggasser is a licensed psychologist in the commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Stephanie Branom, LCSW
Therapist Provider
Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 7 years of experience. She has dedicated her career to assisting individuals in comprehending the effects of trauma on their lives. Her goal is to provide support and guidance to help individuals navigate the current challenges that they are facing. Stephanie specializes in trauma, anxiety, addiction, depression, mood disorders and PTSD
Jeanette Gurr, LPC CPCS
Lead Therapist Provider
Jeanette is licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience. Specializing in trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression, Jeanette is dedicated to creating a safe space for you to explore your inner self, discover your strengths, and reclaim your life. As an LGBTQ+ ally, she is experienced and comfortable working with a wide range of challenges, including severe and persistent mental health diagnoses, addiction, young adults, and couples.
Ashita Patel, MA, NCC (she, her)
Pre-Licensed Therapist Provider
As a dedicated and compassionate therapist, Ashita's mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals from all walks of life can embark on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. She firmly believes that every person's story is unique, and is committed to providing non-judgmental support and challenges to those facing various struggles. She has had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, ages, genders, and sexual orientations, as well as ADHD and autism. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in joy, empathy, active listening, and a genuine desire to understand each client's experience.
Alyse Munoz, MSW, LCSW
Therapist Provider & Gamer Performance Coach
Alyse Munoz, MSW, LCSW, CFRC is a clinician and eSports performance coach with 10 years of experience working in crisis response, trauma, and performance, primarily serving the first responder and military communities. Alyse earned her MSW from the University of Southern California, specializing in military mental health, and trauma. Alyse’s subject specialties include mental health and performance, trauma, resiliency and mental health, communication and team-building, elite and tactical environments, and mental skills for mental health.
News
1. Realistic Motion Avatars are the Future for Social Interaction in Virtual Reality
2. Comparing counseling outcome for college students. Treatment of social anxiety disorder using online virtual environments in Second Life.
3. Some avatars are from ReadyPlayerMe.
4. Some virtual spaces are hosted on 3rd party platforms
Why Plutonic?
Plutonic's evidence based therapy services are built to help you
Safely Express Yourself
Research shows the numerous benefits of using an avatar in a virtual environment. Digital representations of you can create a sense of comfort and allow you to safely express your feelings and experiences. One Australian study found that over 25% of people prefer to speak about negative experiences during therapy in virtual reality versus face to face.¹
Effectively Address Your Needs
Research shows virtual interactive spaces for counseling can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Studies also show cognitive behavioral therapy using virtual spaces facilitated by licensed mental health professionals can be just as effective as therapy in real life.² Our virtual spaces are designed with therapeutic qualities in mind as you receive your therapy session.
Stay Actively Engaged
Tired of standard virtual therapy and meetings? We all are. Studies show we are more actively engaged and retain information better in immersive environments.