Headway Introduces Mandatory Biometric Verification for All Users

Headway, the online therapy platform, announced on April 3 that all clients and providers must undergo biometric verification before accessing the service. The new requirement mandates uploading a government‑issued photo ID and taking a live facial photo, which is only used for identity verification and never stored. The policy, communicated via email, states that there is no opt‑out; users who refuse will be unable to use the platform. Headway’s decision follows concerns about fraud and abuse, and it aligns with industry trends toward stronger authentication. The change will affect both new sign‑ups and existing users who have not yet verified their identity. Headway’s platform will need to integrate a capture workflow that validates ID documents and captures facial images in real time. The company has not indicated a specific rollout deadline, but the policy is already in effect. Therapists and clients should prepare to complete the verification process before their next session.