How to Choose the Right Online Therapist Without Getting Scammed
Lately, online therapy has become a go-to tool for those seeking counseling and guidance.
For millions, it is a mental health lifeline. Telehealth has snowballed in recent years, bringing the convenience, comfort, and privacy of being able to get the help you need without leaving home.
Tragically, as with any other industry, there are those looking to use the premise for nefarious gains. So, sadly, the rise in popularity of online therapy coincides with a rise in scams.
That means if you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, then choosing a virtual therapist online goes beyond merely finding someone qualified and experienced.
You also need to consider how safe your personal data is and that your money will be well spent.
Today’s advice will help you spot red flags and understand what to look for to make sure that your mental health is in the right hands with a legitimate and trustworthy online therapist.
Types of Online Therapy
The first step in choosing the right therapist begins with understanding what is available to you. So, let’s explore the formats and platforms.
Session Formats
Video calls, phone conversations, and text messaging formats are all available for online therapy, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Video conferencing provides a more personal experience as it is face-to-face, but some people can feel too vulnerable, so it might not be the option for you.
Texts offer flexibility and can work well for those on the go, as well as a sense of anonymity, which can be appealing when discussing difficult subjects.
However, the therapist has less context to work with as there are no non-verbal clues to draw conclusions from.
Phone calls offer a nice middle ground and are a low-tech alternative for those without an internet connection.
Individuals vs. Platforms Options
In addition to the format, you have to decide whether to work with an individual therapist or use a therapy platform to find one.
Choosing an independent therapist often brings a more personal service, and these individual therapists tend to put in a lot of effort with clients because their business depends on good reviews and word of mouth.
However, you might find they have less availability and cost a little more.
Platforms offer convenience and tend to have the tech tools required built-in.
They have a lot of choices and often have flexible pricing, making them accessible.
Millions are using platforms such as BetterHelp and Talkspace. If you decide to go that route, the main thing you need to do is make sure you screen their professionals thoroughly.
License and Credential Checks
Whatever route you go, you need to pick a therapist with the right qualifications for the task, backed by credentials and licensed to work.
Verifying a Therapist’s License
Any licensed therapist should provide a license number when asked to do so.
Remember, you can check state licensing boards and other verified directories like Psychology Today to verify licenses within the US.
Credential-related Red Flags
Vague titles such as “life coach” or “mental health advisor” should ring alarm bells unless they can be backed up with genuine licensing details.
You should also avoid any therapist who is hesitant to share their qualifications or refuses to answer your questions.
Ultimately, you want a therapist who is transparent about their training and scope of practice.
Choosing a Secure Reputable Platform
Another important point of scrutiny is the level of security and privacy commitment provided by the platform.
They aren’t all created equally, and many are more concerned with your money than your mental health.
What to Look for to Know that Security and Privacy Are Prioritized
When vetting a potential platform, look for those that use encryption and follow privacy regulations like HIPAA in the U.S.
That is the best way to make sure your sessions and personal data are going to be handled safely.
This can be checked by reviewing the platform’s privacy policy and terms of service.
Checking Reviews and Ratings
User reviews can be really helpful in making a decision, but be sure to read them from independent sources.
Your red flags to look for are consistent complaints about billing or unresponsive therapists.
Remember to also exercise caution if the reviews seem too good to be true.
Common Scams Encountered in Online Therapy
Unfortunately, scammers are drawn to growing industries. Being aware of the most common tactics can help you avoid them.
Fake Therapists
It is really important to verify the identity of a therapist as there are many scammers out there posing as therapists or impersonating them with stolen credentials to help convince their prey.
Official directories and licensing boards can help with verification. It is never advisable to book a therapist through social media DMs or non-reputable websites.
Billing and Subscription Scams
It is common to find that your subscription might be tough to cancel; you might even find that the platform continues to bill after cancellation.
So be sure to read the fine print before you sign up and know exactly what you are committing to.
Subscribing with a credit card can help should you come into any disputes over charges.
Questions to Ask Before Committing
A good therapist should encourage questions rather than shy away from them, so let’s discuss what you should be asking.
Questions for Your Potential Therapist
The following is a list of important questions to ask before you commit to booking a session:
- Are you license
- What is your therapeutic approach like?
- What are your typical clients?
- How do you deal with emergencies or crises?
- How is client confidentiality protected?
Make sure your therapist can give you a clear and detailed answer. If they are evasive or their response seems vague, trust your gut.
Take Advantage of Free Consultations and Trials
See if your therapist offers a short trial or free consultation. It provides the perfect opportunity to see whether or not they are right for your needs.
You can analyze their communication style, how professional they are and whether you feel at ease.
Protecting Your Privacy and Digital Footprint
A lot of personal information is exchanged during online therapy, so it is important to consider its security.
We already discussed the platform’s commitments, but there are a couple of things you can do to take further responsibility.
Don´t Share Sensitive Information
Although sharing your banking details will be necessary for signing up with a platform, your therapist shouldn´t ask for it.
Don’t overshare and give away any details pertaining to your address or anything that could be used for fraud or identity theft.
Consider Using a VPN for Online Therapy
A VPN subscription can help encrypt your data and safely traffic it, keeping it secure, especially when accessing online therapy via public Wi-Fi.
Trust Your Gut Instincts
Although we have shared a few red flags to watch out for, your intuition is honestly the best scam detection tool available to you.
Pressure or Haste
If you feel pressured or rushed in any way, it is often a sign to step away. Anyone promising a quick, magical fix is probably only interested in your wallet.
If you are being told to commit to a long-term deal at a price you aren´t comfortable with, then you should also beware.
Therapy is a gradual process, and no ethical professionals will pressure you into a rushed commitment.
Remember to Report Suspicious Behavior
If your instincts are yelling at you to steer clear, remember to report it to the platform or relevant licensing board to make sure no one less savvy falls prey.
Conclusion
Finding the right risk-free online therapist can be tough, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming.
Don’t let horror stories put you off of the help you need; remember that 86% of teletherapy clients are happy with their experiences.
It just takes a little bit of knowledge and precaution to find a trustworthy, qualified therapist for your needs.
Be sure to verify credentials and stick to secure platforms that protect your privacy.
Never underestimate the power of your instincts, and use the tools available to you to protect data.
Mental health matters—and therapy should be safe, empowering, and transformative.
