NFTs
Mental Health professionals can’t provide Therapy for NFT communities (yet)
I wrote this out of fear of consumers being misled, or worse, individuals who might need medical/professional services, spending hard-earned money and time on NFT projects with unrealistic expectations.
Check my phone’s screen time, read my Tweets, or ask my girlfriend. It’s clear. I love NFTs and Web3. Never mind, don’t check my phone’s screen time. That’s off-limits for self-esteem purposes. I love how welcoming and exciting it is to be a part of something new. Something innovative. Uber and Apple are constant reminders that anything can be disrupted when an idea is good enough.
I’m sure you’ve noticed Mental health at the top of many NFT project goals and to-do lists. They want to help ease the pain many of their community members are experiencing. Conversations about anxiety, depression, loneliness, loss, and addiction flood the mental health channels of every NFT’s Discord server. Degens need help! I applaud founders trying to build a future with less of this.
But unfortunately, I don’t think a good enough Mental Health idea has come around, at least not yet.
What can be done?
Let’s start with what can’t be done: Therapy from Licensed providers
Why?
Licensed providers are limited to clients within their state/national jurisdiction. International services are also a no-go. Crossing this red tape puts their licenses at risk. Although this might make licensure appear limiting, it exists for good reasons. It’s a way for professionals to commit to following ethical guidelines to protect clients. Licensed providers can’t be selective about when they’re licensed and unlicensed either. If their License is active, they must operate under those ethical guidelines 24/7.
Yup, Therapists can’t provide therapy globally. There are a lot of reasons why, and not enough time. But for the NFT community, it’s poop.
Also, although debates rage on about what “Therapy” is, what it isn’t is more agreed upon. Informed consent is required. NFT users and their anonymity present a problem here.
Licensed providers have a responsibility to refer clients to appropriate services based on their needs. How can they do this without knowing where their clients are located? Attempts to solve these concerns continue, but suitable solutions don’t exist just yet. Can the devs do something?!
So what’re NFT projects and web3-curious mental health professionals left to do?
Provide education
Education can help community members gain insight into issues and methods to combat them. Not guided self-awareness conversations aimed at deep introspection. Education. Through this method, individuals at least can process their thoughts and emotions on their terms.
I like to say the NFT community has a lot of class. Take that however you will ;)
It’s unfortunate, but it’s how it stands right now. Legally, licensed mental health professionals cannot provide Therapy to NFT communities. They can only provide education, coaching, and limited supportive talks.
If you’re looking for mental health services in the NFT space, please, PLEASE, be cautious of those that promise something otherwise!
Adjust your expectations and invest your money accordingly. Get appropriate help if and when it’s necessary!
To be clear, I’m optimistic and supportive of the future. This article’s purpose wasn’t to throw shade. It’s to shine a light on the current landscape.
It warms my heart to see the hundreds of NFT projects & founders trying to tackle these obstacles head-on while offering alternatives in the meantime: education, coaching, Q&As, spiritual guides, nutritional help, meditation, art therapy, social activities, and community support are all extremely helpful. Yes, even the Discord karaoke events.
The future looks bright, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
