CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK ASSOCIATION

The National Voice for Clinical Social Work

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Have you found yourself listed on an Online therapy directory but you have not given the company permission to post your information?


The Clinical Social Work Association has received numerous complaints from its members stating that they are finding their information on various online therapy directories without their permission. This is happening more and more often and while CSWA is following this closely, we know that clinical social workers and other therapists are finding it very frustrating and disconcerting when they realize this is happening.

If you find yourself in this situation, CSWA suggests the following steps. Please consult an actual attorney for formal recommendations.

1. Email the company's customer service department or go to the company's website to fill out an online request form, and ask to have your information removed from their system and site. Make sure to note the date and time you send this request for your own records.

2. Wait 7-10 business days. If you do not receive a response, send a certified letter to their mailing address asking them to cease and desist. 

3. If that is not effective, contact your state’s Insurance Commissioner (you can find your state commissioner at https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments). Some states will accept your request while others may not. It will depend on the state.

4. Contact your state Attorney General with this information and ask them to investigate. These situations seem to violate the Lanham Act, which is designed to keep companies from profiting from the name and professional qualifications of others without consent.

5. Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report this issue. The FTC will ask for a mailing address for the company.

6. Email CSWA at administrator@clinicalsocialworkassociation.org to inform us of your progress and efforts. We are tracking these companies and the best ways to remove information, and welcome you to share your experiences with us. Active CSWA members may also ask to consult with our Director of Policy and Practice regarding these matters. 


Have an additional question? Active CSWA members are welcome to consult with our Director of Policy and Practice as a benefit of membership. If you are not a current CSWA member but are interested in accessing additional resources, or have a question or concern that you need consultation for, please consider joining CSWA today. Please email administrator@clinicalsocialworkassociation.org for details. 

PO Box 105
Granville, Ohio  43023

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