About Privacy | Shezlong

Question 1

Do you offer offline therapy sessions or Do you have a clinic?

Accepted Answer

Shezlong does not offer offline therapy sessions or a physical clinic. Shezlong is an online mental health platform that provides therapy through video calls. The platform is designed to provide accessible, confidential, and anonymous online therapy sessions with professional and certified therapists.

Question 2

Is online therapy effective?

Accepted Answer

Yes, despite initial concerns, research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of online therapy for mental health. A 2014 study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that online therapy was as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression. Additionally, a 2018 study in the Journal of Psychological Disorders concluded that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective, acceptable, and practical form of healthcare. The study showed that online CBT is equally effective as face-to-face treatment for major psychological symptoms. Advantages of online therapy sessions include: The convenience of accessing therapy from your preferred location. Varied pricing options compared to traditional clinic fees. Ease of scheduling session appointments.

Question 3

What is Shezlong?

Accepted Answer

Shezlong is the first online mental health platform in the Middle East and Africa, offering you the opportunity to connect with a specialized therapists -psychologists or psychiatrists- through audio and video sessions, ensuring complete confidentiality and privacy, anytime and from anywhere.

Question 4

Why Shezlong?

Accepted Answer

Accessibility: Shezlong provides online therapy sessions, making mental health support easily accessible from anywhere. Qualified Therapists: The platform features licensed therapists with various specialties, ensuring clients can find the right match for their needs. Confidentiality: Shezlong ensures complete privacy and security for all sessions and client information. Flexibility: Clients can book appointments at their convenience, accommodating different schedules. Affordable Pricing: Shezlong offers a range of pricing options to suit different budgets. Educational Resources: Shezlong offers a wealth of articles and resources on mental health to support clients outside of sessions.

Question 5

How can I change my profile information?

Accepted Answer

To change your profile information on Shezlong after signing up, follow these steps: 1- Log in: Go to Shezlong sign in and log in to your account. 2- Access Profile: Click on your profile or user icon to open the profile settings . 3- Edit Profile: Click the "Edit Profile" button next to the information you want to change. 4- Update Information: Modify your name, phone number, email, gender, or year of birth as needed. 5- Save Changes: Confirm and save your updates. If you need further assistance, contact Shezlong's support team.

Question 6

How can I create an account as a client?

Accepted Answer

1- Visit the Signup Page: Shezlong Signup. 2- Enter Personal Information: Name: Enter your username using letters (A-Z, a-z). Email Address: Provide a valid email address. Mobile Number: Enter a valid phone number. Password: Create a password using a combination of letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and special characters such as periods (.), underscores (_), and hyphens (-). Date of Birth: Select your date of birth from the provided fields. Gender: Choose your gender from the available options. 3- Agree to Terms: Read and accept the terms of service and privacy policy. 4- Submit: Click the signup button to create your account. 5- Verify Email: Check your email for a verification link and follow the instructions to verify your account. For any issues, contact Shezlong's support team for assistance.

Question 7

How do I apply as a therapist?

Accepted Answer

You can apply through this link: Shezlong Join Us. If your qualifications and experience closely align with our current requirements, our recruitment team will reach out to you within one month. During this follow-up, we will request any additional documents needed and schedule an interview with our Chief Medical Officer. However, if our team does not contact you within that timeframe, it means your application does not fully meet our criteria at this particular moment. Please know that we will keep your information on file and will reach out if a more suitable opportunity becomes available in the future. Rest assured, we will make every effort to keep you updated.

Question 8

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

We understand and appreciate your desire to remove your personal information. We can always deactivate your account so that it can no longer be logged into anymore. However, please be aware that chat dialogues cannot be deleted from your account. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy . If you would like to proceed with this request, please reach out to our support team.

Question 9

I’m a minor, can I have a session?

Accepted Answer

At Shezlong.com, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all our users, including minors. Our Minor Policy outlines the guidelines and regulations governing the use of our platform by individuals under 18. Please read this policy carefully. Age Restrictions: Users under 18 must obtain parental or guardian consent to access and use our services. Parental Consent: Minors must have explicit consent from a parent or guardian to utilize counseling services provided by Shezlong.com. This consent must be documented and verified. Privacy and Confidentiality: We implement special measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of minors' data. All information shared by minors is securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel. Appropriate Content: We ensure that all content and services available to minors are suitable for their age group. Any content deemed inappropriate will be restricted. Mandatory Reporting: In compliance with legal requirements, Shezlong.com is obligated to report specific issues, such as abuse or suicidal ideation to the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of our users. Guardian Involvement: We encourage the involvement of a parent or guardian in the treatment process of minors. This may include participation in counseling sessions and discussions with our mental health professionals. User Agreement: Minors (with parental or guardian consent) must agree to the terms and conditions of Shezlong.com before using the service. This agreement ensures that all parties understand and adhere to our policies and procedures. By using Shezlong.com, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with our Minor Policy. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact our support team.

Question 10

Can I stay anonymous?

Accepted Answer

At Shezlong, your privacy and safety are always the utmost priority. We go to great lengths to ensure that you and your data are always kept safe and confidential. Our technology is fully HIPAA compliant. You have the option to create a unique username or use your real name during the registration process. No personal information is at all required other than the email address. The support chat is inaccessible to all parties other than customer support.

Question 11

Can the therapist view my information?

Accepted Answer

No, The therapist can only see your username and whether you have booked a previous session with them. The e-mail address is confidential only to customer support. The therapist can only ask for it after granting written permission from you. (Unless you decided to share them during the session). The therapist will not know if you have had sessions with another therapist.

Question 12

Is my payment information secured?

Accepted Answer

Yes , your payment information is secured. ​VISA/MasterCard payments are processed by Stripe®, or paymob (depending on your location), a reputable international payment processing company. ​All transactions are conducted through secured servers, which are digitally certified by Baltimore CyberTrust from DigiCert®.

Question 13

How can I download the app?

Accepted Answer

To download the app for IOS devices Shezlong IOS App To download the app for Android devices Shezlong Android App

Question 14

Are chat or texting sessions available?

Accepted Answer

Texting Sessions are not recommended by the website or the therapist as it makes it a lot more difficult for the therapist to be able to identify the problem and be able to help solve it. Facial expressions and body gestures make an impact and help with picking the best approach. Hence, Text-sessions are not supported by the website, however; In case of a specific incident that will not allow the client to attend an Audio only/Audio & Video session, they can contact Customer Care to send a request to the desired therapist and after the approval, the client can book the session.

Question 15

Can I book a session for someone else?

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to book a session on behalf of someone else. However, you can cover the cost of their session by sending them a coupon to use for booking. Alternatively, you can transfer the session amount to their Shezlong wallet by contacting customer support.

Question 16

Can I book a session package?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are excited to introduce our bundle options, designed to offer you greater flexibility and savings. Bundle Options: Four sessions: (Valid for 45 days from the date of purchase). Six sessions: (Valid for 75 days from the date of purchase). Eight sessions: (Valid for 120 days from the date of purchase). How It Works: The percentage of each bundle is designed to fit within the therapist’s availability and what they deem necessary for your treatment, ensuring the best possible results. Booking: You can pay for 4, 6, or 8 time slots without choosing specific dates and times upfront. You will be able to select your desired time slots later from the " Upcoming " tab in your account.

Question 17

Can I change the duration of the session?

Accepted Answer

Session durations on Shezlong are generally set to a maximum of either 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the therapist's availability and your treatment needs. However, the therapist reserves the right to end the session when they feel it has been sufficient for the case, ensuring quality care and effective progress. The ability to adjust the duration of a session before booking is not directly available to the client and will require intervention from the therapist or the support team to accommodate such requests. If you're looking to extend an on-spot session from 30 to 60 minutes, you may book two consecutive sessions.

Question 18

How can I book an immediate session (on-spot)?

Accepted Answer

Our policy requires that all sessions be scheduled at least 3 hours in advance to allow the therapist ample time to prepare. However , we understand the importance of meeting your needs promptly, which is why we offer the flexibility to start your session within 15 minutes of booking. Booking a Session: Open the Therapists List's page, then choose “online” from the filter from the website, or click on “Online” at the bottom of the page from the app. The available online therapists will be displayed. Click on the desired therapist. Click "Start Your Session" at the top of the page on the website, or at the bottom of the page on the app. Choose your preferred payment method and click on " Continue". Enter your payment information and click on "Book". Payment Methods: You can book an on-spot session with the following payment methods: - Visa (Debit/Credit). - Mobile Cash (Electronic Wallet), for those within Egypt.

Question 19

How can I choose the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Find a Therapist: Public questions regarding your preferences can help you select the most suitable therapist. Filters: Easily filter therapists by specialty, language, and availability. View Profile: Explore therapists' qualifications, specialties, and experience. Read feedback from other clients to make an informed choice. Customer Support: You can always contact us to help you recommend suitable therapists if you need further assistance.

Question 20

How to book a Scheduled session?

Accepted Answer

Open the therapist's page. Choose a suitable time slot from the schedule and click on "Book Now". You will be directed to the payment page, where you can choose a payment method. Click on "Book Now" . You will find your session on "My Therapy Page" .

Question 21

I can’t find a suitable timeslot with my therapist

Accepted Answer

If you can't find a suitable time slot with your therapist, you can request a new time slot by following these steps: Click on the therapist’s profile page. The "Request A Time Slot" button should be visible below the therapist's schedule. Select the day, hour, and duration that you require. You can follow up on the status of your request from the website by clicking on Requests , which is available in My Therapy . The therapist's response will show up within 12 hours by approving or rejecting the request. If the request is approved, you will be able to find it on the Upcoming page. You will have to confirm your session by completing the payment no later than 3 hours prior to the scheduled time, following approval from the therapist.

Question 22

Can my partner attend the session with me?

Accepted Answer

To book a couple's therapy session on Shezlong, follow the standard booking process as you would for an individual session. However, please inform the support team prior to booking so we can notify the therapist. The therapist may ask to see both parties separately, so it is preferable for both parties to have their own account. Please note: If you and your partner are attending the session from the same location: You can join through the Shezlong website or application without needing a special link. If you and your partner are in different locations: Inform the support team at least 15 minutes before the session. You will receive a special link to join the session. If one partner is living outside Egypt and the other inside Egypt, Note that: The partner living outside Egypt should book the session. Inform the support team at least 15 minutes before the session , You will receive a special link to join the session.

Question 23

How can I contact my therapist after the session?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy is a top priority at Shezlong, and the system is designed to ensure confidentiality. After the session, the therapist can only contact you through the support team or ask for your email address after obtaining written permission from you. It is advised not to disclose personal information to the therapist during the session in order to safeguard your privacy.

Question 24

How can I join my session?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Choose " My Therapy " from the website or app to start your session. Step 2: 15 Minutes Before the Session, An option will appear to join the session. Step 3: Ensure you grant permission to use both the microphone and camera. Even if you plan to close the camera later, you must grant access initially to be able to use it. Step 4: Contact the support immediately if you experience any challenges or cannot reach your therapist. We are here to provide instant assistance.

Question 25

How do I prepare for my session on Shezlong?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a smooth experience for your session on Shezlong, please follow these guidelines: 1. Internet Connection: Ensure your internet speed is at least 2 MB/s 2. Device We recommend using a desktop computer or a laptop for the session room. If you are using a mobile device, please note: - IOS Devices : Only Safari is supported, and it is important to have the latest updates installed. - Android Devices : Google Chrome is recommended. - IPad : Currently, iPads are not compatible with our service. Browser: - For desktop devices: only Google Chrome is recommended. - For mobile devices: use Safari for Apple devices and Google Chrome for Android devices. 3. Permissions: Make sure to grant permission to use both the microphone and camera. Even if you plan to close the camera later, initial access is necessary. Some advice for maximizing your benefit from the session: Tip 1: Write down your thoughts, problems, queries, and symptoms that you wish to discuss with your therapist in a dedicated notebook. It’s preferable to allocate a notebook specifically for therapy sessions. Tip 2: Prepare a quiet and comfortable place that ensures privacy and clear communication between both parties. Tip 3: Gather any medications you have previously taken or are currently taking. Tip 4: Attend 10 minutes earlier than the session time to ensure everything is set and.

Question 26

I need to reschedule my session.

Accepted Answer

You can reschedule your session on Shezlong free of charge if you are more than 6 hours away from the session's starting time. To reschedule: Go to the ' My Therapy ' page on the Shezlong app or website. Click “Reschedule". Select a new time and date from the available slots on your therapist's schedule. Keep in mind: You have a limit of one reschedule per session. This policy applies to a limited number of sessions. For more details on the rescheduling policy, read through the cancellation and rescheduling policy.

Question 27

Is it possible for me to join the session from a location outside of Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Reservations made from Egypt are paid in Egyptian pounds, while reservations made from elsewhere are paid in U.S. dollars. If the session is paid in a non-matching currency, it will result in difficulties joining the session. Session fees vary based on the therapist’s experience and local rates, so additional fees may be required due to the difference in session fees between Egypt and other countries. If you book a bundle from Egypt and pay in Egyptian pounds, you will need to cover the currency difference for the total bundle amount through your Shezlong wallet to continue using the bundle sessions. Alternatively, you can cancel the bundle and rebook it in the correct currency if you plan to attend all remaining bundle sessions from outside of Egypt, following the bundle cancellation policy. In many instances, Shezlong does not operate across borders due to legal agreements with therapists. It is advisable to discuss your travel plans with your therapist during your final session or reach out to support for assistance. Please note that attempting to join a session via a VPN will result in the session being blocked and forfeited.

Question 28

Is it necessary to have a video session?

Accepted Answer

It is preferred to conduct video sessions in order to contact easily and directly with the therapist which will help a lot. As facial expressions and body gestures make an impact and help with picking the best approach. However, If you don't want that, we respect and support your need to have an Audio-only Session, after aligning with the therapist if the therapist agrees.

Question 29

Where can I find my homework or my prescription?

Accepted Answer

You can find your homework and prescription from your therapist in the "previous sessions" section on the Shezlong app or the website. If you are unable to locate them there, it is possible that the therapist has not yet uploaded the information, or it may have been shared with you via the session room's chat. In such cases, the support team can assist by contacting the therapist to resend the information to your email and Shezlong chat.

Question 30

I need to cancel my session.

Accepted Answer

To cancel your session, you should: Go to the " My Therapy " section on the Shezlong platform. Choose the "Cancel" option for the session you wish to cancel. Remember to review the cancellation policy to understand the refunded amount, depending on when you cancel the session. You have a limit of four cancellations per 30 days. The client can cancel up to four times every 30 days, After that, you will get 50% off whenever you cancel your session. 12 hours or more before the appointment, you'll get a full refund. Within 12 hours to 6 hours before the appointment, you'll receive a 75% refund. Within 6 hours to 3 hours before the appointment, you'll receive a 50% refund. Less than 3 hours before the appointment, no refund will be applied. You can manage your sessions either through the Shezlong app or the website. For more details, you can read the cancellation and rescheduling policy through here: https://www.shezlong.com/en/cancellation-policy As for bundle sessions: Sessions canceled 12 hours before the scheduled time will be returned to the bundle (max 4 cancellations per month). Sessions canceled within 12 hours of the scheduled time will be removed from the bundle without a refund.

Question 31

Are Shezlong therapists licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes , all Shezlong therapists undergo thorough verification of their credentials and licenses by our Shezlong Medical Department before acceptance. After acceptance, our Medical Department regularly verifies their licenses to ensure they remain valid. Each therapist's profile includes details of their experience, awards, and certifications.

Question 32

Is it possible for the doctor to provide a prescription for me and can I obtain it from any pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Can a Psychiatrist Provide a Prescription? Yes, a psychiatrist can provide a prescription, which you can fill at any pharmacy. As long as it follows your country's regulations, they will add the prescription and any homework to the system, which can be accessed via the app or website . How to Request a Written Prescription? If you need a written prescription, please inform the support team, and we will do our best to provide it. Note: Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

Question 33

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

What mainly makes the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is the medicinal approach. Psychiatrists hold a bachelor's degree in general medicine and a master's degree in psychology, which allows them to prescribe medication if needed and use other psychological methods like DBT, CBT, etc. They focus on organic and psychological symptoms in diagnosed cases. Psychologists hold a bachelor's degree in psychology but are not allowed to prescribe medications. They focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) in the diagnosis, using all methods like DBT, CBT, etc.

Question 34

Google Calendar Integration

Accepted Answer

Shezlong offers users the ability to connect their Google Calendar account in order to add, update, and manage booked appointments within their personal Google Calendar. When a user chooses to use the Google Calendar integration, Shezlong may request access to certain Google account information and Google Calendar permissions through Google's OAuth authorization process.

Question 35

How We Use Google User Data

Accepted Answer

Google user data is used solely for the following purposes: Creating Google Calendar events for booked appointments. Updating calendar events when appointments are rescheduled. Cancelling calendar events when appointments are cancelled. Maintaining the user's Google Calendar connection so future appointment updates can be synchronized. Google user data is not used for advertising, marketing profiling, or any unrelated purpose.

Question 36

Data Retention

Accepted Answer

Google user data is retained only for as long as necessary to provide Google Calendar integration services or to comply with legal obligations. Users may disconnect their Google account at any time. Upon disconnection, Shezlong will stop accessing the user's Google Calendar and may delete stored Google authentication credentials in accordance with its data retention policies.

Question 37

User Control

Accepted Answer

Users may revoke Shezlong's access to their Google account at any time through their Google Account security settings. Revoking access may prevent Google Calendar synchronization features from functioning.

Question 38

Limited Use Disclosure

Accepted Answer

Shezlong's use and transfer of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

Question 39

Data We Access

Accepted Answer

With the user's explicit consent, Shezlong may access: Basic account information provided by Google during authentication. Google Calendar permissions required to create, update, and cancel calendar events associated with appointments booked through Shezlong. Authentication tokens necessary to maintain the connection between the user's Google account and Shezlong.