Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Who is eligible to join the platform?

We maintain strict clinical standards to protect the public and elevate the profession. To join, you must be a regulated mental health professional, licensed and in good standing with your respective provincial or national regulatory college (e.g., CRPO, OCSWSSW, CCPA, or a provincial psychological association). See a complete list of designations accepted.

How long does the verification and background check process take?

Most therapists finish the process within 5 business days of submitting their profile.

License verification: Within 48 hours, we'll confirm your credentials with your regulatory college or association.
Background check: After license verification, we'll conduct an Enhanced Canadian Criminal Record check with our partners at Centn. This typically takes 24 to 72 hours.

Your profile will only go live after you successfully pass both checks.

What is my professional relationship with hellp?

hellp therapists operate as independent contractors, not as employees. This arrangement gives you the flexibility and independence to manage your own practice, methods, and schedule while benefiting from our platform's infrastructure and matching technology.

Do I need to keep clients I connect with through hellp on the platform?

Yes. To ensure the integrity, security, and continuity of care for both you and your clients, we require that all sessions initiated through our matching platform be conducted and managed within the hellp ecosystem. This allows us to provide the secure, privacy-compliant infrastructure and billing tools that support your practice's growth and efficiency.

How does the matching algorithm actually work?

While traditional directories rely on basic, surface-level filters, our platform uses guided assessments and smart technology to evaluate the nuances of your clinical expertise, therapeutic modality, and lived experience. This ensures you are matched with clients who are actively seeking your specific approach, resulting in fewer drop-outs and stronger therapeutic alliances. Learn more at our Science page.

Privacy & security

Where is my data stored?

All data is stored in Canadian databases with strict encryption and security safeguards. We built this platform from the ground up to meet Canadian federal and provincial privacy and data protection regulations.

Is hellp compliant with PIPEDA and provincial regulations such as PHIPA?

Yes. hellp is a proudly Canadian platform built to fully comply with federal and provincial health privacy laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA. We utilize strict encryption protocols, and we will never sell your practice data or client information.

Pricing

How much does it cost to list my practice?

A basic listing on our platform is completely free. We operate on a success-based model, meaning we only apply a percentage fee to your session revenue once we have successfully connected you with a client. This ensures our goals are perfectly aligned with yours: helping you build long-term, sustainable client relationships.

How much can I earn from an hour-long session?

We recognize the unique expertise, lived experience, and value you bring to your practice. Rather than enforcing a standard rate card, we empower you to set your own session rates based on your professional judgment and experience.

Can I offer free consultations?

Yes. Because you set your own rates, you can offer a free introductory consultation so that you and a prospective client can check the fit before either of you commits to a full session.

What features are included in my plan?

Every plan, starting from Tier 1, includes our core practice management toolkit. This includes secure in-app messaging, a built-in video conferencing platform, unlimited clients, bi-weekly payouts, and 2-way calendar synchronization to prevent double-bookings.

How does the 2-way calendar sync work?

Our 2-way sync keeps your schedules in harmony without compromising privacy. When you are booked on your primary calendar, our platform automatically blocks that time to prevent double-bookings. No sensitive client or personal data is passed through this sync - only the necessary time blocks.

Am I locked into a long-term contract?

Our pricing is designed to be simple and flexible. We offer month-to-month plans, allowing you to choose the tier that currently fits your practice needs without long-term commitments.

Still have questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is happy to help and answer any queries.