Use this checklist to evaluate any online therapy service on therapist credentials, privacy policies, session formats, and support options before you begin.
Key Takeaways
Therapist credentials and licensure should be verifiable through your state's licensing board.
Privacy policies vary widely — understand how your session data is stored and shared before you sign up.
Session format, frequency, and communication options differ significantly between platforms.
Insurance compatibility and out-of-pocket costs should be clarified upfront, not after your first session.
A platform's crisis support protocols matter — know what happens if you need help between sessions.
Why the Platform Itself Deserves Scrutiny
Choosing to start online therapy is a meaningful decision. But the platform you use to access that care is its own variable — one that shapes your experience as much as the therapist you work with. Different teletherapy services operate under different business models, credential standards, privacy practices, and session structures.
Before you enter a credit card number or answer intake questions, it's worth pausing to evaluate the service itself. This checklist is designed to help you do exactly that — methodically and without pressure. If you haven't yet read a broader orientation to how these platforms work, the Teletherapy Landscape guide offers a useful starting point.
Verify that any therapist listed on the platform holds a current, active license in your state.
Required
Your Insurance Member Portal or Card
Cross-check the platform's insurance claims against your own plan's network and mental health benefits.
Required
The Platform's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
Review data collection, retention, and sharing practices before creating an account.
Optional
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Information
Familiarise yourself with crisis resources that operate independently of any teletherapy platform.
The Checklist
Work through the groups below before committing to any platform. Most answers should be findable in the platform's FAQ, terms of service, or privacy policy — or by contacting their support team directly. If a platform is reluctant to provide clear answers to these questions, that itself is useful information.
Therapist Credentials
Confirm that therapists on the platform hold active licenses in your state — and verify independently through your state's licensing board website.Must
Check what professional designations the platform accepts (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PhD, PsyD) and whether those align with the type of support you're seeking.Must
Find out whether the platform screens for therapists with specific areas of expertise, such as trauma, anxiety, or relationship issues.Should
Ask how the platform handles therapists whose licenses lapse or whose credentials are flagged — and how quickly they act.Should
Privacy and Data Practices
Read the platform's privacy policy to understand what session data is collected, how it is stored, and whether it is ever shared with third parties.Must
Confirm whether the platform is HIPAA-compliant and what that compliance covers in practice.Must
Ask whether session content (video, text, audio) is recorded or retained — and whether you can request deletion of your data.Must
Check whether the platform uses your data for product development, research, or advertising purposes.Should
Session Format and Flexibility
Determine which session formats are available — live video, phone, asynchronous messaging, or a combination — and whether you can switch formats as your needs change.Must
Find out the standard session length and whether it can be adjusted.Should
Check the platform's cancellation and rescheduling policy, including any fees for late changes.Should
Ask whether you can change therapists if the initial match isn't a good fit — and how straightforward that process is.Must
Cost and Insurance
Identify the full cost per session, including any subscription or membership fees charged separately from session rates.Must
Verify whether the platform accepts your specific insurance plan — and confirm this with your insurer directly, not solely through the platform's claims.Must
Ask what documentation the platform provides for reimbursement if you are paying out of pocket and submitting claims yourself.Should
Check whether financial assistance, sliding-scale fees, or reduced-cost options are available and how to apply.Nice to have
Crisis Support and Safety Protocols
Ask explicitly what the platform's protocol is if you or your therapist identifies a safety concern during or between sessions.Must
Confirm that the platform provides or clearly directs you to emergency resources (such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) in situations that exceed what a therapist can address remotely.Must
Find out whether the platform offers any between-session support — such as access to a crisis line, messaging support, or an on-call clinician.Should
Technical and Accessibility Considerations
Test the platform's interface before committing — many offer a trial or demo — to ensure it is accessible and intuitive on your preferred device.Should
Check whether the platform offers accommodations for users with disabilities, including captioning for video sessions or screen-reader compatibility.Nice to have
Ask about the platform's technical support availability and how quickly they respond to connection or access issues that disrupt a session.Should
Insurance Claims Require Independent Verification
Some teletherapy platforms list insurance partners on their websites, but coverage details — including deductibles, copays, and whether a specific therapist is in-network — can vary significantly. Contact your insurer directly before your first session to confirm your actual benefits. Assuming coverage without verification can result in unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Once you've evaluated the platform, it's also worth reflecting on your own readiness and goals. The self-reflection checklist can help you clarify what you're looking for before your first session begins. And when you're ready, the First Session Prep hub covers what to bring, say, and expect on the day.
Teletherapy Is Not Suitable for All Situations
Online therapy platforms are generally designed for ongoing mental health support, not acute crisis care. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For non-emergency crisis support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text. No teletherapy platform is a substitute for emergency services.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Therapy & Treatment Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
