Online Therapy

Online Therapy: A Popular Way to Get Help

Online therapy has significantly transformed mental health care by increasing accessibility and offering greater convenience, affordability, and flexibility. It may also help reduce the stigma often associated with seeking treatment.

For many individuals, this modern option provides a private and effective way to address life’s challenges and receive mental health support, while breaking down many of the barriers traditionally linked to in-person therapy.

However, as with any internet-based service, it’s important to choose a provider carefully to avoid the risk of being scammed, exploited, or receiving inferior service.

List: Common Scams Targeting Therapy Seekers

While online therapy has brought tremendous benefits, it has also opened the door to fraudulent services that prey on vulnerable individuals seeking mental health support.
These scams can range from fake therapists to unethical businesses looking to profit from people’s struggles.

Here is a list of 11 common online therapy scams and how they typically work:

1. Unlicensed Platforms (or “Therapy” Services)
   
   These platforms claim to offer professional therapy services, but the practitioners are not licensed or regulated. They may offer therapy-style chats or support but don’t provide evidence-based practices. Some sites even employ “therapists” without any clinical background.
   
   
2. Impersonation By Unlicensed Individuals
   
   Some platforms hire unqualified or unlicensed individuals who provide substandard or dangerous “therapy”. These impostors may lack the training to handle complex or serious mental health issues, potentially causing harm to the client.
   
   For instance, one unlicensed individual was accused of impersonating a licensed social worker and treating hundreds of patients online.
   
   
3. Subscription or Package Scams
   
   Some online therapy services lure clients with seemingly “affordable” subscription-based services, promising unlimited access to therapists for a monthly fee. After signing up, users may find that the service is either low-quality or that the “unlimited” sessions have numerous hidden restrictions, like limited communication hours or difficulty reaching an actual therapist.
   
   
4. Privacy Breaches and Data Misuse
   
   Some platforms have been caught sharing sensitive user data, including information from intake questionnaires and therapy sessions, with third parties. For example, one company paid a settlement after allegations that it had shared user data with social media platforms for advertising purposes.
   
   
5. Fake Reviews and Testimonials
   
   Scammers post fake reviews or testimonials on therapy websites or social media platforms to make their services seem legit. They might even hire individuals to pose as satisfied clients, boosting the appearance of credibility.
   
   
6. Deceptive Online Directories
   
   Fraudsters may create fake or unauthorized online directories that list real therapists, sometimes with incorrect information, to trick clients into paying for a membership fee. The fee goes to the scammer, not the therapist or a legitimate service.
   
   
7. Non-Refundable Upfront Fees
   
   Some online therapy platforms demand large upfront fees for a set number of sessions or a “package deal” but then provide low-quality services or don’t deliver the therapy as promised. Once paid, these services make it difficult or impossible to get a refund.
   
   
8. Ineffective or Unhelpful “Solutions”
   
   Some fraudulent sites offer ineffective therapy solutions or provide poor customer support, leaving clients without the help they need. These operations often use high-pressure tactics to get payments, and once they have the money, they become unresponsive.
   
   
9. “Free Therapy” with Hidden Costs
   
   A scam website may advertise “free therapy” or “free consultations” but require users to enter credit card information. Later, the user is charged for services they didn’t request or that didn’t live up to the promised quality.
   
   
10. Manipulative Emotional Scams
    
    Scammers may exploit someone’s emotional distress, offering fake therapy in order to manipulate or control them. This can happen with individuals who pose as fake therapists online, using manipulative tactics to keep the client engaged in their services for emotional exploitation or financial gain.
11. Scam “Mental Health” Apps
    
    These apps claim to offer mental health tools, self-help guidance, or therapy services, but they provide little to no value and may either sell user data or simply be a vehicle for generating ad revenue.

Final Tips: How to Choose a Legitimate Online Therapy Company

Needless to say, working with a legit service is crucial to ensure you’re receiving safe, professional, ethical, and effective mental health care. With so many platforms available, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are trustworthy.

Here are a few practical tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Always check for BBB accreditation: Checking if an online therapy service is BBB accredited is important because it helps you determine the trustworthiness, legitimacy, and ethical practices of the provider.
  
  Having BBB accreditation means the company has been vetted and meets the Better Business Bureau’s standards for honesty, transparency, and integrity. It also means the company is committed to resolving consumer complaints and maintaining good business practices.Choosing aBBB-accredited therapy platform adds confidence and security, especially when dealing with personal and sensitive mental health matters.
• Verify credentials and licensing: Reputable platforms require therapists to be licensed in both their own location and the state or country where the client resides. You can and should verify a therapist’s license with the state licensing board.
• Avoid “coaches”: For serious mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma, seek a licensed mental health professional. Avoid platforms that use unqualified “coaches,” who lack the necessary training.
• Research the platform and therapist: Before committing to a service, check reviews and professional recommendations. Be wary of services that make unrealistic promises or use high-pressure payment tactics.
• Understand services offered: Ask yourself a few basic questions, such as: “Do I need individual therapy, couples therapy, or group support?, “Am I comfortable with video, chat, or phone-only sessions?” and “Do I want a specific therapy type like CBT, trauma therapy, or mindfulness?”.
• Check for HIPAA compliance: Ensure the service complies with privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S. This means all communications and stored data are encrypted to protect your information.
• Read the privacy policy: Carefully review how the company collects, uses, and protects your data. The FTC has fined platforms for sharing sensitive user information with third parties without consent, so scrutinize their policies.
• Seek transparent pricing: Reputable platforms are upfront about their costs, payment options, and subscription models. Be cautious of services that use high-pressure payment tactics or are unclear about their fees.
• Consider therapist matching and reviews: Look for platforms that use a smart matching process based on your needs and allow you to switch therapists if needed. Reading reviews can provide insight, but remember that a good personal fit is most important.
• Trust your instincts: If a service or individual gives you an uneasy feeling, it is wise to walk away. Scammers thrive on urgency and preying on trust, so take your time to vet potential services thoroughly.
• Test customer service: Genuine therapy sites have responsive and professional customer support. Unresponsive or rude customer service may signal a fraudulent operation.