How do I know if an online therapist is licensed and legit?

Short answer: ask for the clinician’s full name, license type/state, and license number — then verify that information on the appropriate state licensing board and national registries. Below is a quick checklist, tools to use, red flags, and a short script you can use to request verification.

Step-by-step checklist

1. Ask for identifying details

   • Full name
   • Degree and credential (e.g., PsyD, PhD, LCSW, LPC, MD)
   • License type (e.g., psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor) and the state that issued it
   • License number
   • Where they trained (school/program) and whether they’re licensed to provide telehealth across state lines

2. Verify the license

   • Look up the license number/status on the state licensing board website (search “[state name] board of psychology” or “[state name] board of social work/behavioral health/medical board”).
   • For physicians/psychiatrists use the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) or each state medical board; for board certification check ABMS “Certification Matters.”
   • For psychologists see the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) links or the state board lookup.
   • For social workers see the state social work licensing board or the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) site for guidance.
   • You can also check the NPI Registry (npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov) to confirm the clinician’s practice name and license details.

3. Check the telehealth platform and privacy

   • If they’re on a marketplace/platform, use reputable directories like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, or Zocdoc to find profiles — but still verify the license yourself.
   • Confirm the platform’s privacy/HIPAA policy (does the platform say it’s HIPAA-compliant?) and ask how your sessions and records are protected.

4. Look for disciplinary actions

   • State board lookups will usually show whether the license is active, expired, or subject to sanctions/discipline.
   • If you have concerns, call the licensing board and ask about the provider.

5. Confirm scope of practice and prescribing authority

   • Only psychiatrists (MD/DO) prescribe medications; therapist titles like LCSW/LPC cannot prescribe. If someone promises prescriptions without medical evaluation, that’s a red flag.

Useful services/tools (by name)

• State licensing board websites (search “[state] licensing board [profession]”) — authoritative source for license status.
• NPI Registry (npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov) — quick confirm of provider identity and practice location.
• Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, Zocdoc — directories with clinician profiles (useful starting places).
• Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) — for physicians/psychiatrists.
• ABMS Certification Matters — to verify physician board certification.
• PSYPACT — interstate telepsychology compact for psychologists (if you’re doing telehealth across states).
• ASWB — for information on social work licensure/exams and guidance to state boards.

What to watch for (red flags)

• No license number, or license doesn’t show as “active/valid.”
• Vague or inconsistent answers about qualifications or where they practice.
• Promises of guaranteed “cures,” extremely quick fixes, or unrealistic claims.
• Requests to use unsecure platforms (consumer video apps without privacy protections), or to pay only by cash/anonymous methods.
• Prescribing controlled medications without a proper psychiatric evaluation, or offering meds on first contact via chat only.
• No formal intake, no written consent, or no clear privacy policy.

Short script you can use “Can you tell me your full name, your license type and number, and the state that issued it? I like to verify licensure before starting. Also, can you send your informed consent/privacy policy and confirm whether you’re licensed to provide telehealth in my state?”

If something seems off

• Don’t share sensitive personal or payment information.
• Contact the state licensing board to report concerns.
• If you’re in immediate danger or feel at risk, call local emergency services or a crisis line.

If you’d like, paste the therapist’s name, license number (or the profile link and the state), and I’ll walk you through how to verify it or check it for you.