[wolfie205]

I just found an online counsellor who's willing to work with me and I read about her bio and she sounded pretty good. She told me to sign up for a session and so I did. Paid for it and all, only to receive a receipt for paypal and the account that I had transferred money was definately not the counsellor's account. It was a male name. I'm not sure whether to go on with counselling because I'm worried I just wasted money and this person might not even be be an actual psychologist. Am I being way too paranoid? Is there a possibility the account belongs to someone else and I'm freaking out for no reason at all?

[hezaa82]

I've been using online Skype therapy for the last 7 months because I live in Tokyo and the options for therapy in English are very limited here. I've tried out a few counselors and they were all professional people with real practices in their countries. I almost prefer Skype therapy now because I can do it in the privacy of my own home and I don't have to get on a crowded train right after a session etc. But that's not to say that there aren't people trying to scam you on the internet. Maybe give the session a try and see if they seem legit?

Check them out with the licensing board where they are located.

Good luck to you.

Wolf, my t has a different name under her PayPal too for some reason, maybe it's tax evasion. It worried me at first but she explained why and is legitimate. If I were you I would ring her and check you have the right PayPal account as its a male name.

[Wren_]

There may be some online counselors set up where there is some kind of scam involved; but there are also many dishonourable in person therapists who step outside of ethical guidelines and rip people off in different ways. There are also many online counselors who offer a wonderful service and provide quality therapy just as there are in person. As with any therapist, look them up and find out about their qualifications. See if they've written any articles or publications or if there are any reviews online about them and raise your concerns with the therapist about the paypal name difference since it is concerning you.

[tinyrabbit]

I don't think you're paranoid. I think maybe trust your instincts on this one. Can you claim the money back through Paypal?

[Perna]

I have used online counselling, you can check out some with Metanoia:

Internet Therapy Guide: Is this therapist for real? Verifying online therapists' professional credentials

I would not worry too much what account the money goes into; when one is self-employed, there can be any number of set ups (husband's company name, your own, some other agency entirely, etc.)

[wotchermuggle]

Hmm, I would definitely ask the therapist right away about it and before you pay for any more sessions. I did online therapy once when I wanted to try out therapy. I paid for one session at a time and then five at once. Just be careful.