First steps as a counsellor

1. Create an account

You register with your name, email address and password. Or your centre invites you. You then get an email with a link and choose your password yourself. The link is valid for 7 days. If it has expired, it says “The invitation has expired” and who can send you a new one.

2. Set up two-factor sign-in

Two-factor sign-in is mandatory for all counsellors, because very personal data is involved. You need an app that generates codes, for example your phone's authenticator app or your password manager. When signing in, you then enter your password and a code.

Under “Account” at the top right you can also create a passkey. Keep your recovery codes safe. They let you in if your phone is lost.

3. Upload a photo

Under “Upload photo” you upload a photo of yourself. Without a photo nobody can approve you. A calm, friendly picture is all you need.

4. Times and video link

Under “Your page” and then “Times and video link” you enter when first sessions are possible. There you also choose whether the video runs directly in the room or via your own link, for example to Zoom.

If you connect your Microsoft or Google calendar there, onlineberatung.digital only offers times when you are free. Booked appointments then also appear in your calendar, without names and without content.

5. Join your centre

If a centre invites you, you see the invitation at the top of your workspace. You accept it, and the centre lead assigns you a licence.

6. Approval

Your counsellor profile shows your photo, training, areas of focus and languages. The platform operator sets up the texts together with you. The lead of your centre or the platform operator checks your qualifications and approves you. As soon as the platform operator has published your profile, you appear in the directory, and people seeking support can book you.

Until then you can already prepare everything.

Your workspace at a glance

After signing in you land in “My workspace”. There you see your upcoming appointments, your rooms and the waiting list.

Each counselling case has its own room with messages, appointments, video and whiteboard. That is also where you write your case notes. Only you can read them and, if one has been added, your co-counsellor. The lead of your centre never reads them.