DocInfo

Short answer: ask for the therapist’s license number and the state where they’re licensed, then verify that number on the appropriate state licensing board website. Also check for disciplinary actions, confirm credentials/education, and look for telehealth/HIPAA protections and clear informed-consent policies. Practical step-by-step checklist Ask for the basics “What is your license type (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PsyD, PhD, MD/DO, PMHNP) and your license number? Which state issued it?” Verify the license Go to your state’s professional licensing board website (search: “[your state] + mental health licensing board” or “[your state] + board of psychology / board of social work / board of professional counselors / medical board”). Enter the license number or practitioner name to confirm status and view any disciplinary actions. For physicians (psychiatrists) use DocInfo (Federation of State Medical Boards) or your state medical board. For nurse practitioners check your state board of nursing. Confirm education and credentials Check degree (PsyD/PhD, MSW, MA, etc.) and whether the program is accredited (e.g., APA-accredited internship or ACOTE where relevant). Memberships (APA, NASW, AAMFT) are helpful but not a substitute for license verification. Check telehealth and privacy practices Ask how sessions are held (platform), whether it’s HIPAA-compliant, and how your data/records are stored. Confirm emergency plan (what to do if you’re in crisis) and that they won’t prescribe controlled meds across state lines unless licensed in your state. Verify fit and legitimacy through third parties Look up the clinician on Psychology Today, Zocdoc, or the provider directory of your insurer to see consistent credentials and reviews. Note: directories can have errors—combine directory info with board verification. Red flags Refusal to provide license number or state. Asked to meet/pay off-platform (Venmo/cash) only. Promises of guaranteed cures or insistence that you stop other treatments abruptly. No informed consent, no cancellation policy, no emergency/safety plan. Places and services that vet providers (examples) Zencare — more selective, shows video introductions from therapists; good for private-pay matches. SonderMind — vets clinicians and works with insurance billing (good if you want in-network care). Open Path Collective — nonprofit offering vetted therapists at low sliding-scale fees. BetterHelp / Talkspace — large, convenient platforms that do credential checks; mixed reviews on matching and continuity, so still verify license if you want. Amwell, Teladoc, MDLive — telehealth platforms that credential clinicians; useful when you need psychiatry or integrated medical care. Brightside (and similar mental-health companies) — focus on medication management + therapy for mood disorders; verify credentials and state licenses. How to ask (sample script) “Can I have your license type, license number, and the state that issued it? I’d like to verify your licensure on the state board website before we start.” If you want, paste the license number and state here (or tell me the therapist’s name and state) and I can walk you through verifying it or check public board pages for you.

Mentioned in position 1 of 12