Do you verify that members who claim to be Phd students in Psychology etc. are actually students?

[pegasus]

Umm... As far as I know any PhD students, doctors etc are not supposed to diagnose etc, everyone here is for support so it shouldn't matter what their occupation is. Why would they need to be verified if everyone is in the same boat? Psych Central forums does not endorse anyone here.

Originally Posted by pegasus

Umm... As far as I know any PhD students, doctors etc are not supposed to diagnose etc, everyone here is for support so it shouldn't matter what their occupation is. Why would they need to be verified if everyone is in the same boat? Psych Central forums does not endorse anyone here.

Well, I guess it's big gray area. I thought you had a filter to screen these individuals. They could be anything, but then so any other members in these forums.

Anyway, I suppose, it's the nature of the internet to be so ambiguous.

[DocJohn]

We review such folks on a case-by-case basis and remind them we only allow students and professionals on the site in their capacity as a fellow human being offering support. We don't allow professionals or students to offer their professional advice through the site, since we cannot vouch for them or verify their authenticity.

[-jimi-]

IMO, since we're peer support meaning anyone can offer support, there should be a rule about stating that you are health care staff. Even if you don't see it, people gravitate towards those people in private message. Those staff type people could be anyone pretending. I really don't like to read in people's info that they have this or that title. Would you stop me if I put that I am a nurse on my info? I AM indeed an LPN but I never put it because i NEVER WORKED in healthcare. Ever. Even if I had had a career in this, I would not put it because well, I feel it is wrong.

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

We review such folks on a case-by-case basis and remind them we only allow students and professionals on the site in their capacity as a fellow human being offering support. We don't allow professionals or students to offer their professional advice through the site, since we cannot vouch for them or verify their authenticity.

Thank you for this Doc John. I joined PC while still a grad student. I came to seek and offer support, not act in a professional capacity. I come now for the same reason(s). I make a point to not mention my profession in the forums because I'm not here as a professional. I here as a person looking for friendship and support. I appreciate that we (MH professionals) allowed come here seeking the same thing others members are seeking.

OK! Thanks!

[-jimi-]

Oh, forgot, I actually also have a crapload of credits in psychology as well. I took psychology as a kind of vacation from other university subjects. I can show paperwork that backs me up.

IMO claiming to have this and that title on here, I do think proof should be added. I used to go to another site when I was new to the internet where there was this person who pretended to be a psychotherapist. After she was found out, it came out she was a social worker for parole prisoners, not a job to be ashamed of I think. Still I guess it seemed fancier to pose as someone who had her own clinic and made tons of money.

She managed to drive someone to a suicide attempt and the site went down after that, facing legal issues.

Not trying to scare anyone, just saying things might happen that are way out of control.

[Crypts_Of_The_Mind]

Unless you are on the "talk to a therapist" portion of this site, I think anyone saying they are professionals you should take that info with a grain of salt. Listen to their advice if you want, or don't if you don't, just like anyone else. After all, it is the internet. Would you believe every stranger on the street that says "I can tell you are upset. Tell me what's wrong. I can help. I'm a psychologist."?

[lizardlady]

I'm really confused by some of the responses here. Then again, I have poo for brains tonight.

Are some of you saying that mental health professionals who are members of PC should a) let it be known to the membership that we are professionals and b) prove it?

I am suspicious of anyone here who claims to be a professional and starts offering advice. As some of you pointed out, anyone on the internet can claim to be anything.

That said, why should professionals, such as myself, have to prove who they are and what their credentials are? As I said before, I come here for the same reason other members do. I've made friends here. I come to socialize. I come to get and give support. I never offer therapy to others here. Frankly, after spending my day with clients I have absolutely no interest in coming here to do more work (and for free!) I also don't mention my profession or credentials in the forums because a) that's not why I'm here, b) people try to get free therapy and c) there are some members who've had bad experiences with other professionals and can target professionals on the boards.

Hey folks, mental health professionals are people too. I know I'm not the only professional on the boards. Heck, there's a social group for mental health professionals! As long as we comply with the sites rules why can't we be treated like any other member?

[Crypts_Of_The_Mind]

Not at all.

There are people here who when giving responses in the forums will say things such as "I work as a psychologist and if a client of mine told me this, I would tell him or her..." I find people tend to queue in on those responses as if they are lifelines. It can be dangerous.

[-jimi-]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

That said, why should professionals, such as myself, have to prove who they are and what their credentials are? As I said before, I come here for the same reason other members do. I've made friends here. I come to socialize. I come to get and give support. I never offer therapy to others here. Frankly, after spending my day with clients I have absolutely no interest in coming here to do more work (and for free!) I also don't mention my profession or credentials in the forums because a) that's not why I'm here, b) people try to get free therapy and c) there are some members who've had bad experiences with other professionals and can target professionals on the boards.

There is a difference between being health care staff and coming here to give and receive peer support just the same as everyone else, and come here basically telling everyone they are staff and post from a "professional" standpoint.

I expect everyone here to be just peers. Peers means we're equal. I don't find it particularly nice to have people showing off for whatever reason they would do that.

Like you say, no one comes here to work as medical staff, and it can even be negative to let others know if it is your profession. I think people for their own sake should refrain from talking much about them being staff.

I wouldn't want to go as far as forbidding people from mentioning it. But if someone fills their own member page with how they have this and that title, that I would want to get rid of. That, IMO, is advertising. Also those who might do that are less likely to be real professionals. And god knows the last thing we need on here is fake staff. Unfortunately I'm just a regular member, but if someone is starting to show off, that might be dealt with by the owner of the site. As it should be.

As long as the medical staff is not trying to a job here I am perfectly fine with them.

[pegasus]

I think we have a lot of long term members here who people trust far more than those that come along saying they are this, that or the other. Nothing can beat the actual experience of peer to peer support. This is a self- help website helping one another. There are professionals here who do support and help but if they are specifically saying they are a psychologist then please report it. The forums do not pay or endorse a therapist to be here. Also, research is not allowed here so please report that too if you think it is happening.

[yagr]

Originally Posted by Crypts_Of_The_Mind

Not at all.

There are people here who when giving responses in the forums will say things such as "I work as a psychologist and if a client of mine told me this, I would tell him or her..." I find people tend to queue in on those responses as if they are lifelines. It can be dangerous.

This. Particularly the emboldened part. Oh, and lizardlady...I had no idea you were a professional. I think of you as a valued peer here. I wish all professionals on this site came to it as equals like you do. You're awesome.

[Travelinglady]

Some of us here let it be known that none of us are acting as professionals. I surely hope that's the case. I wouldn't trust a Ph.D. student, even if I could verify the credentials, since this person is not yet a professional!

I mention a Ph.D. in social psychology (not clinical or counseling) in my "about me" because I did earn that degree but lost my career as a college professor when I became mentally ill. I just don't want to give up my whole identity to my disorder. I hope that's not what you're talking about.

I do know that the moderators watch out for members who give advice/ try to diagnose from a professional perspective. If we find any, then we tell them to cut it out, but only respond as a fellow sufferer/friend. Please report anyone you think is trying to act as a professional. Thanks!

[Crypts_Of_The_Mind]

Hi TravelingLady, I honestly feel whatever you want to put in your profile is your business. Most people only visit the profiles if they have an interest because of something you posted anyway

My only issue are the ones that state it in their responses in the forums or in the chat ... although I no longer go to chat anyway so that's no longer an issue for me.

[Quarter life]

I am not a medical professional, yet I agree with lizard lady above...Everyone deserves and is entitled to a voice.

I have mentioned my profession (Architectural Technician) in the course of conversations and am sometimes asked for Building/Design advice. I usually keep answers fairly generic and advise anyone who asks to research the internet and/or engage a paid professional.

This said...I have encountered a few members in chat who are addressed by certain members with the title 'Dr' before their screen name ( excluding 'Dr John' Founder of Psych Central). I have not seen the member(s) correct others addressing them with this title. This is a concern for me as it could mislead others into believing that these members are here to answer medical or MI questions.

[ravencrow]

I have a PhD in Life not college. I'm learning all the time it's good to get support from all people no matter what background and educational level. Experience is a great teacher

[Quarter life]

Oops...I meant 'Travelling Lady'...so sorry

[Travelinglady]

No problem. We are both "ladies."

[-jimi-]

Originally Posted by pegasus

There are professionals here who do support and help but if they are specifically saying they are a psychologist then please report it.

I know this is a few years ago, but I actually reported this stuff, someone claiming to be a professional and gave strange advice. I made 4 such reports and because I "overreported" it was seen as stalking the professional and I got banned off the side for a while.

Will you promise one will not get banned for reporting breaches in rules that are not mine, but yours? I seriously meant no harm in what I did. For what it is worth, I thought I helped.

I am glad you are saying we should report, I am just worried others will be punished as well. My reporting days are over.

[sabby]

Reporting things to the Team is the absolute best way to go. We are not familiar with all members at all times and what they post. We rely on the community to help inform us when something is amiss. We may not see eye to eye on what you report, but we don't get upset about you reporting things -jimi-, at least not that I can recall (doesn't mean my recall is perfect either!).

The bottom line is this folks, mental health professionals are allowed here to look for support for their personal mental health and relationship issues or to be here supporting others as a peer from their own personal experiences not having to do with their professional experiences.

If anyone has any further questions or concerns, please let someone on the Community Support Team know via pm and we'll be happy to help you. At this time I am closing this thread.