Therapist directory / 'ghost network' controversy: Mashable reported that 7 Cups created therapist profiles without consent and defended its directory practices; multiple therapists sought removal of their profiles.
Source7 Cups is an emotional support service that matches up people that…
Public company, workplace, funding, and market signals
Updated Jul 29, 2026
7 Cups is a Palo Alto-based mental health platform that combines free 24/7 peer emotional support from trained volunteer listeners with paid licensed online therapy, self-help content, community forums, and a local provider directory.
Primary product
Free 24/7 anonymous emotional support chat, plus paid licensed online therapy
Founded
2013
Headquarters
Palo Alto, California, United States
Team size
400-500
Work style
Flexible
Industry
Wellness and Fitness Services
Sub-industry
Online mental health support and therapy
Offices
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Business model
Stage
seed
Total raised
$2.3M
Feb 2018
Jan 2014
Sep 2013
Aug 2013 · Y Combinator
Leadership
Founder & CEO
Director of Community Development
Head of Content
Investors
Mission-driven, trust-based, and community-oriented. The company describes itself as decentralized, high-accountability, and oriented around urgent problem-solving and helping people with limited access to care. Volunteer services are framed in a gift-economy model.
Work style
Flexible
Compensation
Public compensation for corporate roles is not disclosed. The visible therapist role is part-time 1099 independent contractor work with no punch-clock and no minimum client load; platform access is bundled with referral and visibility features, while the public site does not publish standard employee salary bands.
Benefits
Pricing
Free peer support; paid licensed therapy subscription; provider directory/premium listing monetization
Differentiators
Technology
Customers
Competitors
Estimated revenue
USD 1M-$10M
Estimated monthly visits
1.3M
Traffic estimate as of Jun 2026
Therapist directory / 'ghost network' controversy: Mashable reported that 7 Cups created therapist profiles without consent and defended its directory practices; multiple therapists sought removal of their profiles.
SourceBehavioral Health Business reported criticism that 7 Cups created therapist profiles without permission and used a local support directory that could mislead consumers.
SourceLaw.com reported a false-advertising lawsuit alleging 7 Cups misappropriated therapist profiles and used deceptive 'send message' buttons.
SourcePublic reporting also highlighted safety and trust concerns around 7 Cups' local support directory and AI counseling-related claims.
SourceEIN Presswire · Feb 2026
7 Cups announced a partnership with FC Mother to expand maternal mental health support, with the release describing 7 Cups as the world's largest mental health community and citing its global listener network and volunteer model.
Law.com · May 2025
Reported a lawsuit alleging 7 Cups misappropriated therapist profiles and used deceptive messaging in its directory.
Behavioral Health Business · Apr 2025
Reported on backlash over 7 Cups' local support / therapist directory practices and concerns that the company created profiles without permission.
Mashable · Apr 2025
Detailed criticism of 7 Cups' therapist directory, alleged unauthorized profiles, and consumer-protection concerns.
PRUnderground · Sep 2024
Award coverage noting recognition for digital mental health implementation and the company's peer-support model.