Why do I need to provide my location at the start of each virtual therapy session?

If you’ve had online therapy before, you may have noticed that your therapist asks where you are located at the beginning of each session. At first, this might feel unnecessary or even a little intrusive — after all, they already have your address on file, right? So why ask every time?

The answer comes down to your safety and care.

Safety in Emergencies

Therapists are ethically and legally responsible for ensuring client safety (Sodergren, 2023). While emergencies are rare, they can happen — for example, if a client experiences a medical crisis, talks about imminent risk of harm to themselves, or if there’s an unexpected situation where immediate support is needed.

Knowing your exact location during the session allows your therapist to contact local emergency services quickly and accurately if needed. Since many clients attend telehealth sessions from different places — home, work, a friend’s house, or while traveling — your therapist can’t assume you’re always in the same spot. Asking ensures they have up-to-date information in case urgent help is required.

Supporting You Wherever You Are

Sometimes, therapy happens outside the home — maybe you step outside to sit in your car for privacy, or you’re traveling and join a session from a hotel. By confirming your location, your therapist can adapt and provide the right resources for wherever you are. For example, if you’re in another state or city, they may need to reference different crisis hotlines or local supports.

A Standard Part of Ethical Telehealth Practice

Checking your location isn’t about mistrust — it’s about following best practices for telehealth. Just like doctors confirm your identity and health information before providing care, therapists confirm your location to make sure they can act quickly and responsibly if an emergency ever arises.

Your Privacy Matters

It’s also important to note that your location is not shared with anyone unless it’s absolutely necessary to protect your safety. The information is treated with the same confidentiality as everything else in therapy.

More Than Safety: Building Awareness and Grounding

Sharing your location isn’t only about emergencies — it can also be a grounding practice. Taking a moment at the start of each session to notice where you are and say it out loud helps you pause, orient yourself, and settle into the present moment.

It’s also a way to practice awareness of your surroundings. This small habit can strengthen your ability to notice details about where you are — something that can be especially helpful during times of stress or anxiety.

Finally, it’s an opportunity to build self-advocacy. By getting used to identifying and sharing your location, you reinforce the skill of asking for and giving this information in everyday life — for example, when traveling with others, meeting new people, or making sure someone knows where you are for your own safety and peace of mind.

In Short

When your therapist asks where you are at the start of the session, it’s not just a routine question — it’s a way of making sure you’re protected, supported, and cared for no matter where you’re logging in from.

Source: Sodergren, S. (March 6, 2023). “Telehealth Best Practice Guidance Documents.” https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/agen_notice/2023/20230316_telehealth_item_vii.pdf