Providing Online Therapy Without a USBS License? You May Be at Legal Risk

The Regulations Have Changed: Ignoring the Rules Is No Longer an Option

The Regulation on the Independent Practice of Healthcare Professionals, published in March 2025, applies not only to physical clinics but also to psychologists and healthcare professionals providing services online.

In summary, the regulation requires:

• All clinics to operate with Ministry approval.
• All healthcare services to be properly documented.
• Each professional to operate under their own license and authorization.

These requirements apply equally to online therapy services.

In addition, the Regulation on the Provision of Remote Healthcare Services, published in the Official Gazette on February 10, 2022, states that remote healthcare services must be delivered through systems that meet technical, security, and privacy standards defined by the Ministry of Health. Platforms that fail to meet these standards are not considered compliant.

In practical terms, if your online therapy platform is not registered within the USBS framework, you may be operating outside the requirements of current regulations.

What Happens During Inspections?

Many psychologists assume that inspections will never affect them. However, healthcare providers may be subject to periodic inspections by provincial health authorities.

During an inspection, authorities may review:

• Which services were provided to which clients
• Appointment and session records
• Data security and storage procedures
• Licensing and platform compliance information

If non-compliance is identified, corrective actions may be requested, and further administrative processes may follow depending on the circumstances.

Using consumer communication tools such as messaging or video applications does not automatically satisfy healthcare compliance requirements. Remote healthcare services are expected to be delivered through systems that meet Ministry standards.

What Is USBS and Why Is It Mandatory?

USBS stands for the Remote Health Information System (Uzaktan Sağlık Bilgi Sistemi). It is the framework established by the Turkish Ministry of Health to regulate, monitor, and standardize remote healthcare services.

A USBS-registered platform provides:

• Regulatory compliance with Ministry requirements
• Proper documentation and audit readiness
• Secure processing of sensitive healthcare data
• Support for patient privacy and confidentiality requirements

According to Ministry guidance, systems used for remote healthcare services must be registered and comply with defined technical standards. Unregistered systems cannot be used for regulated remote healthcare services.

The Risks of Using a Non-Compliant Platform

1. Regulatory Risk

Using a platform that does not comply with applicable healthcare regulations may create compliance issues during audits or inspections.

2. Data Protection Risk

Health-related information is considered highly sensitive personal data. Improper handling or storage of this information may create legal and privacy concerns.

3. Professional Reputation Risk

Clients expect their personal information and therapy records to be protected. A compliance failure can negatively impact trust and professional credibility.

4. Operational Risk

Platforms that are not designed specifically for healthcare services may lack documentation, reporting, security, and compliance features required for sustainable professional practice.

The Solution: Move to a USBS-Registered Platform

Gurulize is a digital consulting platform that completed its USBS registration and certification process on November 19, 2025. The platform is designed to help psychologists and healthcare professionals build compliant and scalable online practices.

With Gurulize, professionals can:

• Use a USBS-compliant infrastructure
• Manage appointments and schedules online
• Accept secure online payments
• Conduct video and audio consultations
• Maintain client records in a centralized system
• Operate under their own professional brand

Conclusion: Prepare Before an Inspection Happens

Online therapy is no longer an exception—it has become an integral part of modern psychological practice. Clients increasingly expect digital access to professional support, and the market continues to move in that direction.

However, adopting digital services without ensuring regulatory compliance may create unnecessary legal and professional risks. Choosing a USBS-registered infrastructure helps protect both your clients and your practice.

If you want to build a compliant online therapy platform and review available solutions, you can click here to explore Gurulize pricing and packages.