Hope for Men

Frequently Asked Questions

For Survivors

1. Can I have an anonymous profile?

Yes, you can keep your profile anonymous to feel safe and comfortable using Hope for Men.


We still encourage using your chosen name in sessions so you can be yourself.


For appointment requests, you'll need to enter your payment details, including your legal name, but these remain private and are used only for payment.

Your email is only for updates and reminders and will never be shared.


  1. To maintain privacy, avoid sharing identifying details, such as last names, addresses, or phone numbers. These details aren’t needed to access support and resources.

2. How much does it cost to use the Hope for Men platform?

There are no regular fees (monthly, membership, etc) for using our platform.

Hope for Men charges a 10€ booking fee for each one-time (non-recurring) appointment. For recurring appointments (multiple sessions booked at the same time), the 10€ fee is only charged once.

Therapists set their own rates and receive the full session fee directly.

3. Can you explain the booking fee?

Hope for Men charges a 10€ booking fee for each one-time (non-recurring) appointment.

For recurring appointments (multiple sessions booked at the same time), the 10€ fee is only charged once.

4. When do I pay for my therapy sessions?

Payment will go through when your therapist confirms your appointment request.

5. Can I book an appointment directly through your website?

You don't book appointments directly on our website (yet), but you can schedule an appointment with a practitioner by reaching out to them through the contact section provided in their profile. Communicating directly with a practitioner means you can talk about your needs and concerns before committing to an appointment, and find a time that works for both of you. This way, you can find the right fit for your support needs.

6. Why do therapists have different session rates?

Session rates are set by the therapists and reflect their experience and expertise.

7. Does insurance cover therapy sessions?

Hope for Men doesn’t work directly with health insurance companies. If this is something a therapist can offer, their profile may mention it—if not, feel free to ask.

8. Is video the only option for therapy sessions?

Yes, to protect our clients, we only support video therapy sessions.

Please inform us if a therapist offers you in-person therapy as it is against our community guidelines at info@hopeformen.org.

9. How long is each therapy session?

Sessions are 50 minutes.

10. What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Free Cancellation or Rescheduling: You can cancel or reschedule for free up to 24 hours before the session starts. For cancellations, you’ll receive a full refund (session fee + booking fee). For rescheduling, your session and booking fees will carry over to the new date.


Less than 24-Hour Notice: If you cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of the session start time, no refund will be issued, and rescheduling will require a new booking and payment.


Therapist Cancellations: If a therapist cancels or reschedules within 24 hours of the session start time, you’re eligible for a full refund (session fee + booking fee) upon request.

11. What happens if there’s a no-show?

If you don’t join the session (no-show) and haven’t canceled, you’ll be charged the full payment (session fee + booking fee), which is non-refundable to respect your therapist’s time.

However, if the therapist doesn’t join and hasn’t canceled, you can request a full refund.

12. Are the therapists on Hope for Men licensed and qualified?

The therapists on Hope for Men are qualified, licensed professionals who meet our standards. We verify their licenses where possible and require them to include their license number and licensing board or training organization on their profiles. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all claims—please refer to our Terms of Use.

We encourage you to verify your therapist’s credentials, such as licenses and certifications, using online directories or verification services from licensing boards. Licensed practitioners are required to share their qualifications with you directly during sessions. If they don’t, feel free to ask.

13. How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?

Choosing the right therapist is key to getting the best support. Here’s what to consider:

Specialties: Consider if their expertise aligns with your needs and therapy goals.

Approach: Look into their methods (e.g., CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing) to see if they match your goals.

Communication style: Notice how they communicate—whether they’re solution-focused or reflective—and how you feel about it.

Personal connection: Trust your instincts. You should feel comfortable and understood.

It’s okay if it takes a few tries to find the right fit. Start with a few sessions, communicate openly, and ask questions.

14. Can I change therapists?

Yes, you can change therapists for any reason at any time.

It’s okay if it takes a few tries to find the right fit. Start with a few sessions, communicate openly, and ask questions.

15. How can I request assistance or support if I have issues with a therapist?

If you have issues with a therapist, we recommend discussing your concerns directly with them first. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can contact us via email at info@hopeformen.org, and we’ll investigate the situation.

When a complaint is received, an admin will reach out to identify themselves and take appropriate action, which may include issuing a warning, temporary deactivation, or long-term deactivation of the therapist’s profile.

Please note that therapists are independent professionals and not employees of HFM. While they are thoroughly vetted, we have limited control over their actions.

We also encourage you to contact the relevant licensing boards or professional organizations for further support.

16. Is Hope for Men exclusively for male-identified people?

No, we offer support to anyone in need. While our primary focus is therapy for men, Hope for Men is an inclusive platform.

17. Can I delete my account at any point?

Yes, you can delete your Hope for Men account anytime without restrictions. Simply go to your account settings, select "delete account," and follow the prompts. If you need help, our support team is available at info@hopeformen.org. Once deleted, all your data is permanently removed.

18. How can I provide feedback or suggestions to improve the website?

To continually improve our website, we welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, and ideas. Please share your insights and feedback by writing to info@hopeformen.org.

For Therapists

1. What is Hope for Men, and how does it support male survivors?

Hope for Men is a mental health platform designed specifically to support men and male-identifying persons, particularly those who’ve experienced sexual trauma. Our mission is to provide a safe, stigma-free environment for men to access specialized mental health support, connect with others who share similar experiences, and find tailored resources. 


Through our platform, men can connect with trauma-informed therapists, social workers, and mental health coaches who understand their unique needs and challenges. We offer video sessions, community support, and resources to foster healing and bridge the gap in mental health care for male survivors.


2. How do I apply to be a therapist on the Hope for Men platform?

Hope for Men offers a directory of therapists specializing in supporting male survivors of sexual trauma. Being part of our directory allows you to expand your reach and connect with potential clients. You can join for free by following these steps:


1. Complete the Application Form:


Fill out the application with your professional details (qualifications, experience, and expertise) and upload the required documentation (proof of credentials, licenses, and relevant certifications).


2. Create your Profile:


Once your application is approved, you can create your profile. This includes setting your price per session, connecting to Stripe to receive payments, and integrating your calendar so clients can easily see your availability.


3. Start Working with Clients:


As soon as your profile goes live, clients can view your profile and send an appointment request. When you confirm the request, you’ll see it on your calendar, and you can connect with the client via video at the scheduled time.   


3. Can I join Hope for Men if I’m not a therapist, but another kind of practitioner?

Yes! For simplicity, we use the term “therapist” when speaking about mental healthcare practitioners of all kinds. 

Hope for Men’s therapist directory includes counselors, psychologists, psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, coaches, social workers, etc. 


4. What qualifications do I need to join as a therapist?

To join Hope for Men as a therapist, you need to meet the following qualifications:


1. Professional Credentials:


You must hold a valid license, certification, or accreditation in your field, such as a licensed psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, social worker, sex therapist, sexologist, or certified mental health coach.


2. Experience with Male Survivors:


You should have experience working with male survivors of sexual trauma or a strong background in trauma-informed care.


3. Relevant Education:


A relevant degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in trauma, men’s mental health, or related specialties are highly valued.


4. Compliance with Local Regulations:


You must be in good standing with your licensing board and comply with any local regulations or requirements for providing mental health services.


5. Commitment to Our Mission:


We seek therapists who are passionate about supporting men and committed to providing compassionate, stigma-free care.

Meeting these qualifications ensures that our platform provides high-quality support to the men we serve. We welcome dedicated professionals who share our mission and are ready to make a difference.


5. What qualifications do I need to join as a mental health coach?

To be a health coach at Hope for Men, you need to be qualified as a health coach, have received training from a recognized health coaching training institute (eg NBHWC, ICF), have demonstrable evidence that you are trauma-informed, and agree to practice within a health coach’s scope of practice and Code of Ethics.


We recognize that the opportunity for a client to meet with a mental health coach first can ease any stigma a client may feel about seeking therapy. Coaches might also use motivational interviewing, which prepares clients for therapy, making future sessions more effective.


6. How long does the application review process take?

The application review takes 3 to 5 working days, during which time our team evaluates your qualifications and documents to ensure you meet the criteria to join our directory as a therapist. You'll get email notifications as each step is approved.


7. How much does it cost to join HFM as a therapist?

Joining Hope for Men as a therapist is free! We don’t charge any commission fees, and you set your session rates. 

As Hope for Men grows and the platform expands, we may offer extra features for a monthly fee.

Our goal is to provide a platform that empowers therapists to offer support without financial barriers, ensuring accessible care for male survivors seeking help.

Hope for Men does charge a booking fee from the clients. 


8. How long is each therapy session?

Sessions are 50 minutes.


9. How are sessions conducted on the platform?

Sessions on Hope for Men are conducted via secure video calls directly through our platform. 

Here’s how it works:


1. Appointment Request:


Clients can view your availability and request an appointment through an integrated calendar system. When you confirm the request, it is added to your calendar.  


2. Video Sessions:


Therapists and clients connect through end-to-end encrypted video calls, ensuring privacy and confidentiality during each session.


10. Can I offer in-person therapy sessions?

No, as an online platform, we currently only support video therapy sessions. We ask that you do not offer in-person therapy to protect our clients. Any therapist who offers in-person therapy will have their profile reviewed as it is against our community guidelines.


11. Can I set my rates for sessions?

Yes, you set the rates for your sessions. Your session rates should reflect your expertise and experience while supporting your professional and financial goals.


12. How do I set up my payment information?

During your profile setup, you will:


1. Set rates:


Set your session rates to reflect your expertise and experience.


2. Set up payment:


Connect to Stripe to set up your payment details and receive payments directly from clients.


Here’s how:


1. Click “Create Stripe Account” – This will open Stripe’s onboarding page.

2. Enter your phone number and email – You’ll receive a verification code via SMS.

3. Provide personal information – Enter your birth date, address, and bank account details.

4. Confirm and submit – Review the information, agree to the terms, and submit to complete your Stripe setup.


Once set up, you’ll be ready to start receiving payments securely!

13. When will I receive payment?

Once you confirm an appointment request, you will receive payment and an automated invoice.


14. What are the payment conditions?

Payments are made when you confirm an appointment request.


If you do not join the session but the client does, the client can request a refund. If we see multiple no-shows, your profile will be submitted for review and possible removal from Hope for Men. 


If the client reschedules or cancels within 24 hours of the appointment time, you will still receive full payment.


15. Will I get an invoice?

Yes, you’ll get an automated invoice from Strip after each session, with no need for manual billing.


16. What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Sessions can be rescheduled or canceled up to 24 hours before the start time. 


As a therapist, if you cancel or reschedule after this window, the client can request a refund.


If the client cancels or reschedules after this window, you will still receive full payment.


17. Does insurance cover therapy sessions?

Hope for Men does not directly work with health insurance companies. If this is something that you can offer clients as a freelance practitioner, you can mention this in your profile.


18. Is there a minimum commitment or contract period?

No, there is no minimum commitment or contract period required to join Hope for Men as a therapist. You have the flexibility to set and adjust your availability as needed, so Hope for Men easily fits your schedule.


19. Will I have clients who aren’t men?

It’s possible, yes. While our primary focus is therapy for men, we’re committed to supporting anyone in need of mental health services. You have full control over who you work with, as you’ll approve appointment requests individually. Additionally, you’re welcome to offer our platform to your current clients, providing them with a secure and supportive environment for their sessions.

20. How does the platform handle confidentiality and data security?

Hope for Men prioritizes confidentiality and data security to protect client and therapist privacy. Our platform includes the following safeguards:


1. End-to-End Encryption:


All communication on our platform, including video sessions, messaging, and file transfers, is protected with end-to-end encryption to ensure that sensitive information remains private and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.


2. Secure Data Storage:


Client and therapist data are stored on secure servers with robust encryption protocols, complying with industry standards for data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA where applicable.


3. Access Control:


Access to sensitive data is strictly limited to authorized personnel, and user accounts are protected with strong authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access.


4. Confidentiality Agreements:


All therapists on the platform are required to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and are bound by professional ethical standards to maintain client privacy.


5. Secure Transactions:


All payments are processed securely through our platform, protecting your financial information and ensuring safe transactions.


6. Regular Security Audits:


We conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address any vulnerabilities, ensuring that our platform remains a safe and secure space for all users.


We are committed to safeguarding your information and providing a secure environment where male survivors can seek support with confidence.


21. What support or resources are available for therapists on the platform?

Hope for Men is a new company that is still growing. We currently offer:


1. Practice Management Tools:


Utilize tools for managing your practice, including invoicing, scheduling, and calendar integration, making it easier to connect with clients and streamline your workflow.


2. Marketing and Exposure:


Be featured on our therapist directory, increasing your visibility to potential clients who are specifically seeking support from practitioners like you.


3. Resource Library:


Access a curated library of articles, guides, and therapeutic resources tailored to supporting male survivors of sexual trauma.


As we continue to grow and the platform expands, we will offer additional support and resources to help therapists provide high-quality care to male survivors, such as:


4. Professional Development:


Access workshops, webinars, and training sessions focused on trauma-informed care, working with male survivors, and other relevant topics to enhance your skills and stay current with best practices.


5. Community Support:


Connect with a network of like-minded professionals through our community features, where you can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate with other therapists dedicated to men’s mental health.


6. Group Sessions:


Participate in group sessions led by experienced professionals to receive guidance, feedback, and support on complex cases, helping you navigate challenging client situations.

22. Can I delete my profile at any point?

Yes, you can delete your Hope for Men profile anytime without restrictions. Simply go to your account settings, select "delete profile," and follow the prompts. If you need help, our support team is available at info@hopeformen.org. Once deleted, all your data is permanently removed.