Frequently asked questions
Answers about how the platform works, what it costs, who it's for, and what to expect.
How the platform stays free
No subscriptions. No platform fees. No percentages taken. The model is simple.
- Free for clients — browsing, posting, and messaging all carry no charge.
- Free for clinicians — listings, browsing, and messaging carry no charge.
- No transactions through the platform — when a client and clinician connect, they handle payment between themselves, however they prefer (cash, Zelle, Venmo, sliding scale, etc.).
- The platform exists to make the introduction — that's it.
What this is for
- Adults seeking affordable individual therapy or brief consultations.
- Clinicians offering rates outside their standard practice — sliding scale, pro bono, or accessibility-focused.
- Specific, time-bounded support: a single consultation, short-term work, or check-in sessions.
- People who want price transparency before initiating contact.
What this is NOT for
- Mental health emergencies. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or go to an emergency room.
- Ongoing long-term therapy as a primary care path. The platform is best for entry points and supplementation, not as a substitute for sustained care.
- Children and minors. All listings are between adults. Minors should be referred to age-appropriate services through parents or guardians.
- Insurance billing. The platform is self-pay only. Clinicians who accept insurance can list separately if they offer self-pay slots.
For clients
Are clinicians on this platform real and licensed?
Yes. Every clinician submits their credential and state license at posting. We verify before listings go live. Each listing shows their credential (LMFT, LCSW, PMHNP, MD, and so on) — hover any credential for the full name.
What if I can't afford anything I see?
Post your own request with what you can afford for the session length that works for you. Clinicians browse the left column looking for clients to serve, and many post intentionally accessible rates. If nothing fits, the 988 Lifeline is free and available 24/7.
Will the clinician really accept the posted price?
Yes. The price posted is the price they charge for that specific session length. No hidden fees, no upsells, no bait-and-switch. That's the whole reason the platform exists.
Is the platform anonymous?
Browsing is fully anonymous. When you message a clinician, you share your first name and email. After that, you communicate directly outside the platform. No chat history is stored.
What if a clinician doesn't respond?
Try another. The platform doesn't guarantee replies — only the introduction. Response times vary by clinician. If a clinician's listing isn't getting attention, they may take a break, renew, or change their offering.
For clinicians
Why post here? What's in it for me?
Find clients you can actually serve at your accessible rate. Skip the directory pattern where price is hidden until first contact. Differentiate yourself as price-transparent. Build a small caseload of clients who already know what you charge.
Will I get scammed?
Risk is bounded by what you choose to share. The platform never sees your phone, address, or bank info. After the first email exchange, you communicate directly outside the platform — you control what's shared, when, and with whom.
Are there any fees?
No. The platform takes nothing. The price you post is exactly what you receive when you accept a client. Payment happens between you and the client however you prefer (cash, Zelle, Venmo, sliding scale, etc.).
How is this different from Psychology Today or Open Path?
Most therapist directories charge clinicians monthly fees ($30–40+) just to be listed. This platform takes nothing. Most directories also show "sliding scale" ranges, leaving the actual price ambiguous until contact. Here, every listing shows the exact price for an exact session length.
How long do listings stay up?
30 days. After that, you can repost in seconds with the same or different terms. The expiration keeps the directory fresh and reflects current availability.
What about credentialing verification?
We verify state license at submission. We do not vet for clinical quality or fit — clients do that during their consultation. Listings showing credentials you do not actually hold will be removed.
General
Is this HIPAA compliant?
The platform itself holds no protected health information — no messages stored, no diagnoses recorded, no medical records. Your relationship with a clinician once you connect is governed by their own HIPAA practices and the clinician's own systems.
What if there's a dispute?
Once a client and clinician connect, the platform isn't a party to whatever happens between them. For licensure complaints, contact the relevant state licensing board. For criminal matters, contact law enforcement.
How do I report inappropriate behavior?
Email us. We can remove listings and refuse re-registration, but we cannot remove someone from your inbox once they have your email. Trust your own judgment about who to engage with and how much to share.
Still have questions?
Browse the directory or post your own listing — most things make more sense in context.