Is therapy confidential? Privacy explained

The basic rule

What you tell your professional is confidential. They do not discuss it with your family, your employer, your community or anyone else without your permission.

The limits of confidentiality

There are a small number of situations where a professional may need to share information, and they should explain these in your first session:

• you are at serious risk of ending your life or seriously harming yourself;
• someone else is at serious risk of harm;
• a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed or is at risk;
• a court orders them to disclose information.

Even then, they would normally talk to you first and share only what is necessary.

How Therapy O'Clock protects your privacy

• Video sessions are encrypted and are not recorded.
• Messages between you and your professional stay on the platform. Phone numbers, emails and links are removed automatically.
• Professionals' and clients' private contact details are never published.
• Payments are handled by Stripe. We never see or store your full card number.

Keeping therapy private at home

Shared homes make privacy hard. Some ideas that help:

• Use headphones so only you can hear your professional.
• Choose a time when the house is quieter, or join from a parked car or a walk.
• Use a passcode on your phone and log out on shared devices.
• Bank statements show a payment description. If that worries you, think about which card you use.

Telling family, or not

You never have to tell anyone that you are in therapy. Some people choose to tell one trusted person for support. Others keep it entirely to themselves. Both are fine. If you do want to talk to family, our guide on talking to parents about mental health may help.

Questions people ask

Will my therapist tell my parents or spouse what I say?

No. Your professional will not share what you say with family without your permission, except in rare serious-risk situations they explain at the start.

Can my employer find out I am having therapy?

Not from your professional or from Therapy O'Clock. Private online therapy is separate from any workplace scheme.

Are online therapy sessions recorded?

No. Sessions on Therapy O'Clock are encrypted and not recorded.

Does my therapist keep notes?

Usually yes, brief notes to keep track of your progress, kept securely. You can ask what they record.

What happens if I mention suicidal thoughts?

Your professional will take it seriously and talk with you about keeping safe. Mentioning thoughts of suicide does not automatically mean anyone else is told; that depends on the level of immediate risk.

Can I use a nickname on my account?

Use your real name for bookings so payments and safety checks work properly. Your name is visible only to the professional you book.

Will my therapy show on my medical records?

Private therapy on Therapy O'Clock is not added to your GP or hospital record unless you ask your professional to write to your doctor.

Is it safe to talk about religion or immigration status?

Yes. These are confidential like everything else. Professionals do not report immigration status to anyone.

Can I delete my account and data?

Yes. You can ask us to close your account. Some booking and payment records must be kept for legal and accounting reasons, as explained in our privacy policy.

Can someone in my house see my messages?

Only if they can get into your account or device. Use a passcode and log out on shared phones or computers.