Frequently asked questions
Plain answers about how NearbyTherapy works for people looking for a therapist and for the clinicians listed here. If your question is not covered, write to [email protected].
For patients
Is NearbyTherapy free for patients?
Yes. Searching, viewing listings, calling a practice and sending an inquiry are free for patients, and no account is needed.
Are these real, licensed therapists?
Every listing comes from the public NPPES NPI Registry, the federal registry of health care providers run by CMS. Each listing shows the NPI and, when the registry has it, the license number and state. Claimed profiles carry a License verified badge after we check the license against the registry and the state licensing board.
What is the difference between a claimed and an unclaimed listing?
An unclaimed listing shows only registry data, such as name, credential, practice address and phone. A claimed profile adds what the therapist enters, such as specialties, approaches, insurance, fees and session formats, and it can receive inquiries.
Why do some filters show fewer results?
Concern, insurance and price filters match claimed profiles only, because the registry does not hold those details. Registry listings in the same area appear below under More licensed providers in your city, so you can call and ask.
Can I search for online therapy?
Yes. Choose Online in the search. Therapists generally must be licensed in the state where you are located during the session, so check the license state on the listing.
What happens when I send an inquiry?
You enter your first name, email, an optional phone number, a preferred contact time, how you would like to meet and how you plan to pay. We send a code to confirm your email, then deliver the inquiry to the therapist, who replies to you directly.
Should I write about my symptoms in the inquiry?
Please do not include medical details. A short note about your availability and what kind of support you are looking for is enough, and you can talk about the rest with the therapist directly.
How do I know if a therapist takes my insurance?
Claimed profiles list the insurance plans the therapist accepts. For any listing, it is best to confirm with the practice and with your insurer before the first session. Our therapist that takes insurance guide explains how networks and out-of-network benefits generally work.
Is NearbyTherapy a crisis service?
No. NearbyTherapy is a directory. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). In an emergency, call 911. Crisis resources
Do you give medical advice or recommend treatment?
No. We help you find and compare licensed providers. Questions about diagnosis, treatment or medication belong with a licensed clinician.
For therapists
Why am I listed without signing up?
Your listing is built from public data in the federal NPI Registry, which CMS publishes for everyone. You can claim it to control what patients see, correct it, or ask us to remove it at any time.
How do I claim my profile?
Enter your NPI on the claim your therapist profile page to see your listing, then create an account and confirm your email with a code. We verify your license and open profile editing, and we email you the next step.
How is my license verified?
We match the license number and state on your claimed profile against the NPI registry and the public lookup of your state licensing board. Profiles that pass show a License verified badge. Read more about therapist license verification.
How much does it cost to be listed with a claimed profile?
Plans start at 24 USD per month billed yearly, or 49 USD monthly, for one clinician. Group Practice and Clinic plans cover up to 10 and up to 40 clinicians. See therapist directory listing prices.
Do you take a share of session fees?
No. You pay a flat subscription. There is no per-client fee and no percentage of what you earn.
Can I cancel?
Yes, anytime. Your plan runs until the end of the period you paid for and then stops renewing. Payments are final, as described in the refund policy.
How do I correct or remove a listing?
Use the corrections page with the NPI and your email. After you confirm your email with a code, we handle the request within 2 business days. A removal hides the listing once the email is confirmed and the NPI matches.
Do you store session notes or patient records?
No. NearbyTherapy is a directory. We do not store session notes, and inquiries hold only the few contact fields a patient chooses to send.