NASW Update on CareDash and BetterHelp Concerns

Updated 8/15/2022

NASW previously informed you of our concerns about the posting of psychotherapists’ profiles, without their knowledge or consent, in soliciting business for online psychotherapy platforms.

Immediately upon learning of this practice, NASW took the following steps:

• Sent letters to CareDash and to BetterHelp demanding that the practice be halted immediately

• Filed our own complaint directly with the FTC on behalf of NASW members nationwide

• Engaged in direct discussions with BetterHelp to reach a resolution

• Shared information and strategized with our sister therapist organizations to increase our impact

As a result of these efforts, as noted above, BetterHelp has disassociated itself from CareDash – for which we are grateful.

Additionally, CareDash has modified its practices in response to our concerns about deceptiveness. See this Twitter statement from CareDash’s president for details. NASW is reviewing these helpful – but likely inadequate – changes and plans to discuss the matter with CareDash soon.

We are grateful to our members for bringing this practice to our attention and for advocating to end it. This is more proof that your voice and engagement is critical to the work we do!

For a summary of developments, see this NASW blog.

Given this progress and ongoing discussions between NASW’s National Office and  CareDash and BetterHelp, we ask that you refrain (at least temporarily) from filing complaints on this issue with law enforcement/consumer protection agencies, including the state attorney general and the FTC.

We will continue to update you on developments as they occur.

As noted in the blog, we are very grateful to you, our members, for your support and engagement on this issue.

Thank you to the members of NASW. Your NASW membership supports the advocacy and action provided by the staff of NASW at the state and national level. Your voice is critical to the work we do.

If you are not a member of NASW, please learn more about how we support you and how to join NASW here.

Thank you,

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP

NASW-NC Executive Director