You've probably seen the "trading card" on our site. It's playful, irreverent, and hopefully a little surprising. It's designed that way on purpose — to signal that we are not your average, stiff, clinical provider.

But here's the uncomfortable truth we need to talk about: A cool aesthetic isn't a license. A quirky brand is not a qualification. And the mental health industry is absolutely riddled with well-meaning, personable practitioners who are dangerously unqualified to handle the complexity of a neurodivergent brain.

You have likely been burned by a friendly face who was out of their depth. You have been gaslit by someone with great "vibes" who had no idea what they were doing. You have been taught to distrust your own judgment — to doubt your gut feeling that something was off — because the therapist seemed so nice.

Alliance Without Competence is a Dangerous Illusion

The research is explicit: the therapeutic alliance is one of the most robust predictors of positive treatment outcomes, regardless of the specific therapy type. That felt sense of safety, trust, and connection is the engine that drives healing.

But here's the critical nuance: a real therapeutic alliance must be built on a foundation of genuine competence, not just likability. Alliance without competence is not just ineffective — it's dangerous. It creates a warm, safe-feeling space where nothing actually changes, and the client eventually concludes that therapy itself doesn't work. That's not a therapeutic failure; it's a betrayal of trust disguised as care.

The trading card aesthetic is the invitation. The credentials are the foundation. One without the other is either cold or dangerous.

The Non-Negotiables

When you are vetting a therapist (including us), here are the non-negotiable questions to ask:

  • What is your licensure status, and is it in good standing? You can verify this on your state's licensing board website.

  • What specific training do you have in my presenting concern? "I've worked with a few ADHD clients" is not the same as specialized training.

  • What is your theoretical orientation, and how does it inform your approach? A good clinician should be able to explain this in plain English.

If the therapist gets defensive or evasive about their credentials, that is a massive red flag. A good therapist — a truly confident one — will welcome the scrutiny. We consider it part of our job to earn your trust.

Yes, the trading card is cool. But it's only cool because the person on the card can back it up. Read Liz's full story and the credentials behind the aesthetic. When you're ready to vet us for yourself: Start here →

Part of: Our Team → | Related: Our Founder's Philosophy · Why We Say LVL 99