What is the USBS-licensed infrastructure required by the Ministry of Health, why does it matter, and how can you comply?
Online therapy is becoming increasingly common. Clients now prefer attending sessions from behind a screen instead of visiting physical offices. Geographic limitations are gone, flexible working hours are possible, and transportation barriers have disappeared. This shift creates a major opportunity for psychologists.
However, this opportunity also comes with a critical legal requirement: In Turkey, you must use a USBS-licensed infrastructure to provide online psychological counseling services legally.
If you are still conducting sessions via Zoom, WhatsApp, or any non-licensed platform, you should read this article carefully.
What Is USBS?
USBS stands for Remote Healthcare Information System.
This system, established by the Turkish Ministry of Health, requires all healthcare professionals and institutions providing online health services to operate through approved software infrastructures that meet specific technical and security standards.
The purpose is to protect patient and client data, make service quality auditable, and regulate the online healthcare ecosystem.
This regulation also includes psychological counseling and psychotherapy services.
Why Does It Matter? What Does the Legal Framework Say?
Healthcare services in Turkey are regulated under Law No. 3359 and related healthcare regulations. Providing remote healthcare services through platforms that do not comply with the Ministry of Health’s technical standards may result in administrative sanctions.
Additionally, under Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK - Law No. 6698), health data is classified as highly sensitive personal data that requires the highest level of protection. Information shared by your clients during therapy sessions must be processed within KVKK-compliant systems. Non-licensed platforms cannot guarantee this level of protection.
In short: Even if your Zoom or WhatsApp sessions technically work, they lack legal protection. In the event of an audit, saying “I didn’t know” will not protect you.
“I Only Have a Few Online Clients” — Does This Still Apply to You?
Yes, absolutely.
The legal requirement is based on the nature of the service, not the scale of it. Whether you see two clients per week or conduct one session per month, if you provide online psychological counseling, a USBS-licensed infrastructure is required.
Remember: Your clients trust you with their most sensitive information. Protecting that trust is both an ethical obligation and a professional responsibility.
4 Risks of Using Non-Licensed Platforms
1. Administrative Sanctions
If Ministry of Health inspections determine that you are providing services through non-licensed platforms, you may face administrative penalties ranging from warnings and fines to suspension of activities.
2. KVKK Violations
Processing client data through systems that are not KVKK-compliant may be considered a data breach. KVKK violations can lead to significant administrative fines.
3. Damage to Professional Reputation
If it becomes clear that your clients’ data is not secure or that you operate through unauthorized systems, trust can be severely damaged. Rebuilding that trust may be extremely difficult.
4. Insurance and Professional Liability Gaps
Some professional liability insurance policies may not cover services provided under non-compliant conditions. In the event of complaints or legal disputes, this could leave you vulnerable.
How Does Gurulize Ensure USBS Compliance?
Gurulize is a USBS-licensed e-consulting platform in Turkey. Once you register, USBS compliance is automatically activated. No additional application or technical setup is required.
With Gurulize, you can:
Legal Protection
- Use a USBS-licensed infrastructure
- Process client data in a KVKK-compliant system
- Operate within Ministry of Health technical standards
Practical Features
- Create your own appointment and calendar system
- Define session types and pricing
- Accept online payments
- Use integrated video consultation infrastructure
- Create a customizable profile under your own brand
Growth Opportunities
- Reach clients across all regions of Turkey
- Work with Turkish-speaking clients abroad
- Increase capacity through flexible working hours
Conclusion: Digital Transformation Is Inevitable, Legal Compliance Is Mandatory
Online therapy is no longer an exception — it has become an essential part of modern psychological practice. Clients expect it, and the industry is evolving in this direction. Ignoring digital transformation is no longer a choice; it is a disadvantage.
However, making this transition legally compliant is equally important. Every day spent using a non-USBS-licensed platform increases both your legal risk and professional liability.
Gurulize was designed to make this transition both practical and legally compliant.
If you want to provide online therapy through a secure and legally compliant infrastructure, you can review Gurulize plans here and choose the solution that fits your practice.