The NASW-NYS team would like to thank member, Patricia Wilkins-Vacca, who alerted staff and other members about the practice of CareDash of posting social worker’s information without consent on their website. Several NYS members who were impacted by the CareDash practice also filed complaints with the New York Attorney General’s office. NASW believes this practice is deceptive and likely violates consumer protection laws because it —
- Misleads or deceives potential clients, who are seeking to engage a particular therapist;
- Diverts potential clients away from therapists whom the potential client wishes to engage, interfering with the business of the therapist;
- Amounts to a misappropriation of therapists’ names, likenesses, professional attributes, and reputation for commercial gain; and
- Relies on incomplete and often erroneous information, misrepresenting the practice areas of social workers
Due to the advocacy of NYS members, NASW’s National Office has sent complaint letters to CareDash and BetterHelp demanding that the practice be halted immediately. If necessary, NASW will provide guidance for affected members to file formal complaints with appropriate state and federal consumer protection agencies and review options for other legal remedies.
Has CareDash or BetterHelp posted your information without permission? Click here to submit a complaint.
Author: Amelia Lochner Malavé
NASW-NYS