As mental health professionals, we’re always walking the line between ethical practice and effective outreach. One question that continues to come up is: Can we use client testimonials to market our practice?
Nationally, the conversation around testimonials is shifting. Many professional codes now allow clinicians to ask former clients—and in some cases, even current clients—for testimonials, provided there’s no undue influence or exploitation. Testimonials are increasingly seen as “social proof,” a modern equivalent to word-of-mouth referrals. When used ethically, they can help potential clients find a good fit and reduce the overwhelm of choosing a provider.
But what about here in Nebraska?
What Nebraska Law Says
In Nebraska, the rules differ depending on your license:
Psychologists: The regulations are clear. Under Title 172 NAC 156, psychologists are prohibited from using client testimonials in advertising. Specifically, Section 005.01(B) identifies it as unprofessional conduct to use a testimonial from a client that praises the superior performance of psychological services. For psychologists in Nebraska, this is a firm “no.”
Mental Health Practitioners (LMHP, LIMHP, PLMHP): Things get a little more nuanced. While there is no specific prohibition against testimonials in Title 172 NAC 16, the overarching ethical rules still apply. These include:
- Avoiding exploitation of clients.
- Maintaining professional boundaries.
- Safeguarding the welfare of clients above personal or business gain.
So even though there isn’t a blanket ban like there is for psychologists, the spirit of Nebraska’s ethical regulations strongly discourages asking for testimonials, especially from current clients or those who may be vulnerable.
Why This Matters
Even if a client is willing and enthusiastic about sharing their experience, the inherent power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship can complicate consent. The risk isn’t just about legal trouble; it’s about eroding the trust that therapy is built on.
The Board of Mental Health Practice also aligns itself with broader ethics codes (like those from ACA or NASW), which caution against soliciting testimonials from clients due to these risks.
Best Practices for Ethical Marketing in Nebraska
If you’re looking to ethically promote your practice, here are some safer alternatives:
- Ask colleagues or supervisors (not current or former clients) for testimonials about your professionalism or expertise.
- Claim and monitor your profiles on sites like Healthgrades, Psychology Today, or Yelp. While you can’t control what clients post, you can be aware of it.
- Share stories in your content (with full consent and appropriate de-identification) about common challenges clients face and how therapy can help—without attributing them to specific individuals.
The Bottom Line
In Nebraska, ethical use of testimonials is still a gray area for some mental health professionals—but crystal clear for psychologists. As a rule of thumb: when in doubt, don’t ask clients for testimonials. It’s better to protect the integrity of the therapeutic relationship than to risk crossing ethical lines for the sake of marketing.
Stay informed. Stay ethical. And keep the focus on what matters most: your clients’ well-being.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or licensing advice. Always consult your licensing board or legal counsel for guidance specific to your situation.
