Staying safe when contacting providers
4 min read · Last reviewed
Reaching out to someone new is a normal part of finding care. A few sensible habits help you stay in control of your information and your decisions along the way.
Share gradually
You are never obligated to share everything up front. Start with what a provider needs to respond helpfully, and share more only as trust builds.
- Keep early messages to what is needed to see whether it is a fit.
- Avoid putting sensitive personal or health details into messages.
- Move to a phone call or in-person meeting when you are ready.
How messaging works here
- You send a short inquiry first; messaging opens only if it is accepted.
- Messages are private, but they are not monitored for emergencies and are not end-to-end encrypted.
- You can block someone, which stops further requests and messages in both directions.
Trust your own judgment
Publication of a profile is not a guarantee about a person or organization. Verify what matters to you, ask for references, and take your time. It is always reasonable to step back and consider other options.
Reporting a problem
Every profile and conversation has a Report control. Reports go to our moderators, who can review the specific content and act on it.
Care Mason is not an emergency service. In an emergency, contact local emergency services right away.