Finding care
Online counselling: questions before you begin
Consider privacy, location, accessibility, and emergency arrangements before online therapy.
AI-assisted educational content · Updated 2026-10-06 · Not independently clinically reviewed
Check who is providing the care
Online counselling with a qualified professional is different from a self-help chatbot. Confirm the professional's identity, qualifications, experience, and ability to work with someone in your location. Ask whether the format is appropriate for your needs.
Agree on practical arrangements
Discuss the platform, fees, accessibility, confidentiality, record keeping, and whether anything is recorded. Plan what happens if the connection drops. Find a private place if possible, and consider whether anyone else can see your screen or hear you.
Plan for urgent needs
Ask what support is available between sessions and which local services to use in an emergency. An online session or chatbot may not provide crisis response. Our support guide has no live clinician monitoring and cannot contact help for you.
Sources and further reading
Original explanations and practical prompts informed by these resources. Regional services and professional requirements vary.