Participation Expectations
A shared understanding for thoughtful, participant-led introductions.
Two Chairs facilitates introductions between participants. A match is not a clinical determination of suitability, and neither participant is obligated to proceed.
An introduction, not a clinical recommendation
Two Chairs facilitates introductions between participating therapists and clients. A match is based on the information and preferences you provide. It does not mean Two Chairs has determined that two people are clinically appropriate for one another. Preference scores are not measures of clinical suitability.
You both have a choice
Neither the therapist nor the client is required to accept or continue with a match. You can have an initial conversation, ask questions, and decide whether to explore working together. A therapeutic relationship should proceed only when both participants consider it appropriate.
If you are seeking therapy
Consider whether the therapist feels appropriate for your needs, just as you would when choosing any therapist. You are welcome to discuss their approach, experience, availability, and how you might work together before deciding to proceed. You do not need to continue with a match that does not feel right.
If you are providing therapy
Use your usual consultation, intake, screening, informed-consent, and clinical decision-making processes. You remain responsible for assessing therapeutic fit, clinical appropriateness, risk, and whether the person’s needs fall within your scope of competence. Also consider whether those needs can appropriately be supported within the Two Chairs exchange model and at the level of care you can offer.
When a different service is needed
Either participant may decide that an introduction is not appropriate. This is a normal part of finding care. If you are the therapist and a person needs a different service, specialization, level of care, or additional support, follow your usual professional and ethical practices for referral or transition of care. Suitability depends on individual needs, therapist competence, risk, and required support, not a blanket exclusion based on a diagnosis.
If a match does not proceed
You can decline a suggested match. After contact has been shared, use Give Feedback / Rematch in My Providers or My Clients, or contact Two Chairs for help with the platform. Where a therapeutic relationship has already begun, therapists should follow their usual professional obligations for ending or transitioning care. You do not need to provide diagnostic information to Two Chairs.
Urgent and emergency support
Two Chairs is not an emergency, crisis, or intensive mental-health service. If you need urgent or emergency mental-health support, use appropriate local emergency or crisis services rather than waiting for a match or a platform response. In immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Two Chairs is not a clinical assessor, supervisor, or guarantor of compatibility. Professional responsibility remains with the treating therapist.
Back to Two Chairs