Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake or Unethical Therapist

You wouldn’t let a surgeon operate on your heart just because they have a nice Instagram bio, right? You would check their degree. You would check their hospital affiliation.

Yet, when it comes to our minds—the most fragile part of us—we often lower our guard.

In India, the mental health space is currently a bit of a “Wild West.” While there are thousands of brilliant, ethical professionals, there are also “Life Coaches,” “Healers,” and “Mentors” posing as clinical experts without the training to handle deep trauma.

Bad therapy isn’t just a waste of money; it can actively damage you (we call this iatrogenic harm).

As a Clinical Psychologist, I want to give you the “Insider’s Checklist.” If you spot these signs, run.

🚩 Red Flag 1: The “100% Guarantee” (The Salesman)

What they say: “I can cure your depression in 5 sessions, guaranteed!” or “Buy my Platinum Package for total healing.” Why it’s wrong: The human mind is not a washing machine. We cannot “fix” it on a timeline. The Truth: An ethical psychologist will promise to use Evidence-Based Practices (like CBT or EMT), but they will never guarantee a specific outcome. If they sound like they are selling a used car, they aren’t a doctor.

🚩 Red Flag 2: The “Best Friend” Boundary (The Line Crosser)

What they do: They text you late at night “just to chat.” They ask to meet for coffee outside the clinic. They follow you on your personal social media. Why it’s wrong: Therapy relies on a “Therapeutic Frame.” We need to be neutral. If we become your friend, we lose the objectivity needed to help you. The Truth: A professional is warm in the session but rigid with boundaries outside of it. We care about you, but we are not your buddies.

🚩 Red Flag 3: The “Guru” Complex (The Judge)

What they say: “Why are you wearing that?” “You should listen to your husband,” or “That is a sin/bad karma.” Why it’s wrong: Therapy is a Judgment-Free Zone. Our job is to help you understand your values, not force ours on you. The Truth: If you feel shamed, small, or judged for your lifestyle, choices, or sexuality, that is not therapy. That is bullying.

🚩 Red Flag 4: The “Oversharer” (The Narcissist)

What they do: You spend 20 minutes of your paid hour listening to their divorce story or their problems. Why it’s wrong: The session is about YOU. Period. The Truth: A therapist might share a tiny snippet (Self-Disclosure) only if it specifically helps you (e.g., “I struggled with anxiety too, and this technique helped”). If they are just venting, you are paying to be their therapist.

🚩 Red Flag 5: The “No-Credentials” Hider

What they do: Their website says “Mental Health Expert” or “Empath,” but you cannot find “M.Phil Clinical Psychology” or “MA Psychology” anywhere. They dodge the question when you ask for their RCI number. Why it’s wrong: In India, treating clinical disorders (like Bipolar, OCD, Schizophrenia) requires an RCI license by law. The Truth: Real pros are proud of their degrees. They will frame them on the wall.

🚩 Red Flag 6: Touching Without Consent

What they do: Hugging you without asking, touching your knee, or any physical contact that makes you uncomfortable. Why it’s wrong: This is a massive ethical violation. The Truth: While a handshake or a supportive pat on the shoulder might be okay in some contexts, it must always be explicitly consensual. “Reiki” or “Energy Healing” that involves touch is NOT Clinical Psychology.

🏁 The “Green Flags” (What Good Therapy Looks Like)

So, what should you look for? ✅ Transparency: They explain their fees, cancellation policy, and qualifications upfront. ✅ Collaboration: They set goals with you, not for you. ✅ Safety: You feel heard, respected, and safe to say “I disagree.” ✅ Referrals: If they can’t help you, they admit it and refer you to someone who can.

Protect Yourself with the Ecosystem

We built our platforms specifically to solve this “Trust Deficit.”

• The “Verified” Shield (IndianPsychologists.in): We don’t just list names. We manually verify the RCI credentials of Clinical Psychologists on our directory. When you see the badge, you know they have passed the “Gate.” Search for Verified Professionals Only
• The “Safe” Start (VentOut): If you are scared of landing with a bad therapist, start with VentOut. Our listeners and counsellors are trained, monitored, and bound by strict company protocols. It is a controlled, safe environment to dip your toes in. Talk Safely on VentOut
• The “Knowledge” Check (PsychKit): Educate yourself. Read about your condition so you know if your therapist is making sense. Read Evidence-Based Guides

Final Word

Trust your gut. If something feels “off” in the room, it probably is. You have the right to fire your therapist. You are the CEO of your own health.

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📚 References & Further Reading

1. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) – Professional Code of Conduct.
2. American Psychological Association (APA) – Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
3. Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – Rights regarding safe and ethical treatment.