Online therapy across borders: risk, cover and compliance

ABOUT THE EPISODE

What we cover

What should a therapist check before working with a client overseas? Tess and Natalie discuss risk, safeguarding, insurance, licensing and tax questions for cross-border practice.

• Screening and safeguarding clients abroad
• Insurance and local jurisdiction
• Tax and professional networks

What should therapists check before working with a client abroad?

Dr Tess Browne and Natalie discuss screening, safeguarding, insurance and local jurisdiction when therapy crosses borders. Being able to work online does not by itself establish that a therapist is permitted, covered or equipped to work with a client in another country.

The practical questions need to be checked for the locations and circumstances involved. This includes asking relevant professional and insurance providers rather than relying on a general assumption that one answer applies everywhere.

How can therapists think about ongoing risk and professional support?

Cross-border work requires more than a decision made at intake. Risk, safeguarding routes and the client's location may need continuing attention so that the therapist knows what support could be used if circumstances change.

The episode also considers tax and professional networks. These areas sit alongside clinical thinking and may require specialist advice, while connections with other professionals can reduce the isolation of managing international work alone.

Related listening: If cross-border questions sit within wider decisions about running a practice, listen to Thinking of Going into Private Practice? on costs, referrals, networking and sustainable development.