Psychology and the Internet

Grateful acknowledgement goes to the California Board of Psychology for their permission to use and modify their excellent information for consumers available on their website (http://www.psychboard.ca.gov/).

Be aware that every jurisdiction may have differences in their laws and rules regarding the practice of psychology and licensed professionals.  The information contained in this section is general information.  If you have a question regarding a licensed psychologist, please check with the state, province or territory where the individual is licensed to obtain specifics about your questions.

Individuals who claim to be psychologists and who provide psychological services on the Internet must be licensed as a psychologist. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction (state or province).  Some jurisdictions require psychological providers to register or be licensed in the particular state to provide services via the Internet to consumers in that state.  Check with your jurisdiction's psychology board before obtaining services via the Internet.

If you communicate with someone, or access a website that purports to provide psychological services, make sure you have and can verify at least the following information:

• The full name, address and phone number of the individual providing the "service;"
• What types of services or advice he or she is qualified to provide;
• What type of license (e.g. psychologist, counselor, social worker) does the person hold, for what services provided, in what locations;
• To what extent you can expect your communications with him or her to be confidential and whether his or her website and e-mail use encryption methods to protect confidentiality;
• Payment arrangements.

The current advice for consumers who seek mental health services over the Internet is Caveat emptor, or BUYER BEWARE. Please be careful.

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