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

Short answer: ask for the clinician’s full name and license number, then verify that number on your state licensing board (or the appropriate board for their profession). Also confirm they’re licensed to practice in your state or authorized via an interstate compact, and use a reputable telehealth platform that vets clinicians.

Step-by-step checklist

• Get the therapist’s full name, professional degree (PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, etc.) and license number (ex: LCSW #12345).
• Look up the license on the appropriate state board website:
  • Psychologists → state Board of Psychology (or PSYPACT if interstate telepsych).
  • Social workers → state Board of Social Work.
  • Counselors → state Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.
  • Marriage & family therapists → state Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
  • Psychiatrists/MD prescribers → state Medical Board. Find links by searching “[state] [profession] licensing board” or use the NPI Registry.
• Use the NPI Registry (npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov) to confirm the provider’s professional listing and practice address.
• Confirm the license status (active/expired) and any disciplinary actions on the board site.
• Confirm they’re authorized to provide telehealth in your state. Many clinicians must hold a license in the state where the patient is located. For psychologists, PSYPACT allows interstate telepractice among participating states.
• Ask the clinician or platform whether they are HIPAA-compliant and how they protect your privacy.

Useful directories and telehealth services (they vet clinicians)

• Psychology Today — large directory of independent therapists with license details and contact info.
• Zocdoc — lets you book vetted clinicians and shows insurance/telehealth options.
• GoodTherapy and TherapyDen — directories with therapist profiles and license info.
• Telehealth platforms that credential clinicians: Teladoc, Amwell, MDLIVE, Doctor On Demand. These companies verify clinician credentials and handle billing/telehealth logistics.
• Online therapy marketplaces: BetterHelp and Talkspace — widely used and provide license info for clinicians; double-check privacy/HIPAA details and state licensure for telehealth.

Red flags (avoid or investigate further)

• No license number or refusal to provide it.
• License listed in a different state but they say they can treat you without appropriate authorization.
• Vague or inconsistent degree or credentials (e.g., “therapist” without LPC/LCSW/PhD).
• Guarantees of a quick cure or demanding large cash-only payments with no paperwork.
• No privacy policy, no informed consent, or pressure to switch to insecure communications.

If you want, I can:

• Check a therapist’s license for you if you give me their full name and the state they say they’re licensed in.
• Help you find vetted providers on Psychology Today, Zocdoc or specific telehealth platforms in your area.