Copyright and Images for Therapists: What You Need to Know

Using images on your website, social media or marketing materials is a normal part of running a therapy practice. But questions about copyright (what you can use, where you can get images from, and what permissions you need) can be confusing.

Copyright and Images in Your Therapy Practice

There’s a partner article to this one, about copyright and making audios. But today we’re going to focus on copyright and images, to help you use visuals in your therapy practice safely and confidently.

First, I should say that I have no objection to someone who knowingly steals an image or other material being sued. That’s a clear breach of copyright and should have consequences. The problem is that if you use copyrighted material, even if you don’t know it’s copyright and have used it in good faith, you have still committed a crime in the eyes of the law.

The Risks of Using Images Online

Some scam websites acquire copyright images legitimately, then publish them on a site as royalty-free and available to download. Those who use them later receive letters, either from the scam site or from the genuine copyright owner. These demand money for breach of copyright.

This happens more often than you think, and there are sites offering advice and support if it happens to you. But technically you are guilty, even if you published the image genuinely believing it was OK. So, while it’s worth trying politely to negotiate their figure down, it may be cheaper to pay up than to be taken to court.

In court, the amount awarded for the copyright infringement may be less than you were originally asked for. But as you will have to pay costs for both sides, it can be really expensive.

Those who hold genuine rights to a lot of images often have excellent security software. Changing the file name, flipping it, or just using part of it won’t stop it showing up on their searches.

Guarding Against Copyright Infringement

No-one wants to be paranoid about this, but a few simple precautions can help guard you against accidentally infringing someone’s copyright. You may also be able to add “accidental copyright infringement” to your insurance policy. Ask your insurer if they offer this option if you’re worried.

Can You Use Images from Google?

• Probably not, if they are the results of an image search. Even if you used words like ‘copyright free’ or ‘royalty-free’ in your search, the results will include images which are neither of these things. Always check the provenance of an image you find on Google. Go the site of origin and if in doubt, ask them if you can use it.

Web Template Images

• Ask your web designer, if you have one, to indemnify you against them having used copyright images, accidentally or otherwise.
• Change all the images on web templates (especially the free ones) so you know the provenance of everything you publish.

Where to Find Images You Can Use Legally

Free and Paid Image Sites

• There are reputable sites offering both free and paid images with clear licensing terms. These are generally a safer option than relying on search engines. Try Unsplash for free images, and iStock Photo for paid ones. iStocks’ “essentials” range images are one token each, which works out at a few pounds on a pay-as-you-go account.
• Read the terms and conditions on the contract carefully, and make sure you stick to them. For example, most specifically forbid you to buy a small image and then enlarge it. Or to imply that a person on an image has used your services if they have not. They may also have some images for commercial uses and others for non-commercial use. iStock Photo calls these called “creative” and “editorial” respectively. In this case, stick to those authorised for commercial use.
• Still on T&C, sometimes they require a disclaimer making it clear that the pictures including people are stock images if your content might be ‘controversial’ (or some similar word). And some sites – like it or not – consider mental health to come in that category. If in doubt, display a disclaimer anyway, or use images that don’t show a recognisable person.
• Always download via an account on these sites. This gives you proof of where you got the image, and the terms and conditions that applied. I also name my images in a way that reminds me where they came from. For example, hypnosis-session.u,jpg for an image from Unsplash and hypnosis-session.c.jpg for one from Canva.
• If in doubt, ask the site offering the image for advice on your proposed use.

Canva and other design platforms

• Many therapists use design platforms such as Canva to create images for websites, social media and handouts etc. They provide a library of images and graphics, though this is more comprehensive if you have a paid account. They can still be a good option, as they are designed for business use. However, the same principles apply. Check the licensing terms carefully.

Wikimedia Commons

• Wikimedia Commons is a useful source of images, and other resources. Many are free to use, but some come with specific conditions. These might include rules about attribution or restrictions on how the image can be used. Always check the licence attached to an image carefully before using it.

Using AI generated Images

• AI-generated images are becoming increasingly common, and can be a useful option for therapists who want something specific. However, copyright and licensing in this area are still evolving. As with any other source, it’s important to check the terms of use carefully and choose reputable platforms. My course on Using AI in Your Practice goes into this in more detail.

The Safest Option: Use Your Own Images

• Take your own photos for websites, social media posts, and leaflets … and
• If they include recognisable people, even family, get written permission for them to be used to promote your services.

Copyright and images can feel like a minefield at first. But a few sensible precautions will help you avoid most problems. Once you know what to look for, it becomes a straightforward part of running an ethical and professional therapy practice.

Disclaimer
The information and ideas shared on this blog are based on the author’s professional experience, research, and training. They are intended for educational purposes and to support reflection and professional development. Therapists should always apply their own professional judgment and consider the needs of individual clients when using any techniques or suggestions discussed here.
While every effort is made to ensure the information is accurate and helpful, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss, damage, or difficulties arising from the use or misuse of material contained in these articles.