S4E7: Online Therapy Across Borders: Risk, Cover, Compliance | Dr Tess Browne

EPISODE SUMMARY

What happens when your therapy room has no borders—literally? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Stott and Dr Tess Browne tackle the practical realities of working with clients overseas, from risk management to insurance headaches. If you’ve debated taking your private practice global, wondered about how to safeguard clients abroad, or been baffled by tax as a travelling clinician, this one’s for you. The discussion steers clear of legal jargon, focusing instead on the right questions to ask your insurer, accountant, and yourself. There's also a free downloadable with all questions you need to be asking so scroll down to get it

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:48 The real-world challenges of working with clients abroad
• 02:00 How Dr Tess Browne built her global practice online
• 04:12 What makes risk manageable (and when it gets tricky)
• 08:04 Screening and safeguarding clients across borders
• 15:08 Insurance, licensing, and crucial questions for your provider
• 27:07 Navigating tax if you work overseas or with international clients
• 33:21 Networks, support, and the reality of ongoing global therapy work

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Always clarify both your insurance’s worldwide coverage and its legal jurisdiction—“worldwide” isn’t always what it seems.
• Add a clause to terms and conditions about being UK-based, subject to UK law, and the limits of confidentiality (especially when escalating risk in another country).
• When onboarding clients abroad, collect in-country emergency contacts and ensure the client’s consent to use them.
• Make sure both you and the client know the emergency services number in their country—expats often don’t.
• State your title clearly and honestly (e.g., UK-registered clinical psychologist), especially in countries with protected titles or different regulations.
• Contact local psychological societies before working with clients in unfamiliar countries—responses are often more helpful than expected.
• Before changing countries or tax residency, speak to an accountant who understands cross-border income and double taxation.

RESOURCES

• Mastering Therapy website and mailing list: masteringtherapy.com
• UK Digital Nomad Psychologists Facebook group: [LINK]
• Supervisor Platform: [LINK]
• Statutory Residence Test info (HMRC): [LINK]

Guest Information:

GUEST

Dr Tess Browne is a UK-trained clinical psychologist with NHS experience who spent 7 years practising in Hong Kong and now runs a thriving global online practice. Her main clients are often high-achieving expats and perinatal women, making her a pragmatic guide on the ins and outs of overseas therapy.

Social media: @drtessbrowne (on IG & LinkedIn)

Website: www.drtessbrowne.com

Resources mentioned:

FREE RESOURCE- Downloadable Overseas toolkit- All the questions you need to ask the relevant people in one neat document

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For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com

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SUPERVISOR PLATFORM

Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services.

• Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3')
• To search for a new supervisor visit HERE
• For free resources on supervision visit HERE

Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Supervisor platform

SUPERVISOR PLATFORM:

Website