Best HIPAA Compliant Therapy Platforms in 2024
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- John S. - Editor in Chief
- Last Updated:
Teletherapy is the new trend among those seeking counseling at their fingertips – it is easily accessible and always within reach.
However, as is everything else online, teletherapy also poses some risks – specifically to your info.
Depending on the platform you use, the info you share with your therapist may remain on the internet forever.
That means private healthcare data can be shared by that same therapist with a third party–often at your objection.
Thankfully, most online therapy platforms have become HIPAA compliant, ensuring their clients that any sensitive info stays intact.
Keep reading to learn more about HIPAA compliance, how it works, and some of the best HIPAA compliant teletherapy platforms!
Best HIPAA Compliant Therapy Platforms
How We Calculate Score
Our rating system assigns brand scores on a scale of up to 5. To arrive at these scores, we use a weighted formula that considers TrustPilot ratings, User Engagement scores, and our staff’s experience with the platforms.
BetterHelp
Ratings-
Easy to Use
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Personalized Service
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Confidential
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Text, Video or voice session
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Licensed therapists
Grow Therapy
Ratings-
Easy to Use
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A lot of Insurance Coverage
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Affordable
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Online or in-person therapy
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Licensed therapists
Online-therapy.com
Ratings-
Unlimited messaging
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8 section CBT program, incl. 25 worksheets
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Daily worksheet replies Mon-Fri
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Change therapists with one click
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Secure & confidential platform
TalkSpace
Ratings-
Convenience
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Personal
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24/7
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Confidential
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Text, Video or voice session
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA compliant therapy platforms have been changing the way people think about and view teletherapy–it is no longer dangerous to talk to strangers on the internet!
Of course, these strangers have proof to back up their trustworthiness, often in the form of HIPAA compliance documentation.
So, What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It is a federal law that sets national standards that prevent any institution or organization from disclosing PHI (protected health information) without the patient’s consent.
Any teletherapy platform offering its services that isn’t HIPAA compliant is in danger of violating the law and facing a lawsuit.
Of course, that’s not to say that they aren’t reliable just because a platform isn’t HIPAA compliant.
However, the risk can be too big for you as a client, so it is recommended that you seek out HIPAA compliant platforms only.
What Falls Under Protected Health Information?
Before we move onto the list of the best HIPAA compliant therapy platforms, we need to understand what counts as PHI.
Protected Health Information is any data you share with your teletherapist regarding your health. That includes medical test results, diagnoses, prescriptions, etc.
However, PHI may also be any info the therapist has regarding your identity–your age, sex, race, and ethnicity.
Because they can use this data to discriminate against you or harm you, it is illegal for any of it to be shared with a third party.
Messages
Phone calls
Video Chats
What are the Benefits of HIPAA Compliant Platforms?
Besides protection, HIPAA compliant therapy platforms offer many other benefits to clients.
We’ll now dive into the most significant advantages these programs have over their non-HIPAA law-abiding competitors:
1. Trust
HIPAA compliant businesses are more trustworthy. That is because patients have faith in their commitment to safeguarding their personal information.
Working with a HIPAA compliant platform will prompt you to be vulnerable and honest, which will help your end goal.
2. Variety
Because HIPAA compliance has almost become a requirement, there are many such therapy platforms online.
And while they all offer similar services, they are all different at their core. Some focus more on individual therapy, while others encourage couples counseling.
There are even platforms that help you solve recurring relationship issues via premarital counseling–a must for those about to become newlyweds.
3. Strong therapist-to-client Connection
HIPAA compliant therapy platforms employ only the best counselors with years of experience.
The program’s efficiency should be the least of your worries, so these teletherapists will ensure your main focus is on your personal growth.
List of Best HIPAA Compliant Therapy Platforms
We discussed a bit how HIPAA compliant teletherapy could benefit you.
Now it’s time to talk about the best HIPAA compliant therapy platforms at your reach:
1. Doxy.me
Doxy.me is currently one of the most popular HIPAA compliant therapy platforms.
For example, unlike Skype therapy, there’s no need to download an app! You have to sign up, and you’ll receive a link to the therapy session. The sessions are held via video chat.
Doxy.me is HIPAA, GDPR, PHIPA/PIPEDA, & HITECH compliant, which means they offer services globally. In addition, the platform is 100% free, as they believe that telemedicine is a right, not a privilege.
2. Thera-LINK
Thera-LINK is another reliable online therapy platform with one of the cheapest pricing plans.
Clients receive five sessions for just $30 a month that can help them with whatever personal journey they’re on.
However, there are also the Plus and Ultimate plans that cost more but also offer a broader range of benefits.
At thera-LINK, you’ll come across all types of professionals–addiction specialists, life coaches, counselors, dietitians, etc.
Couples can also get counseling with a focus on their marital issues. The platform is HIPAA compliant, offers self-scheduling, and holds group sessions.
3. VSee
VSee’s primary goal is to target clients from hardly accessible areas. It is possible to assemble a group of clients at once or hold one-on-one meetings.
Your therapist can contact you via e-mail or a website button, and you can reach them via live chat.
If you have a poor internet connection, this platform is the one for you.
The best part about VSee is getting a psychiatric evaluation before proceeding with a therapy session. That’s right – the platform offers more than just teletherapy.
Here, patients can get in touch with a doctor for virtually anything–from a broken bone to a broken heart. There is no set pricing plan at VSee, as each meeting with a doctor is unique.
4. SimplePractice
SimplePractice is one of the best HIPAA compliant therapy platforms online.
Besides teletherapy, clients can contact a chiropractor, dietitian, massage therapist, and social workers. There is a 30-day free trial–no credit card is required!
Primarily, though, this platform focuses on helping therapists find work. The entire employment process is streamlined, and the app focuses on connecting practitioners with clients.
You can easily schedule appointments by alerting your client via a text message. For even easier access, you can download the SimplePractice mobile app.
5. Zoom
Besides using it for classes, did you know that Zoom is also a fantastic teletherapy tool?
The best thing about using Zoom for online counseling is that you can have options. You don’t have to limit yourself to one-on-one video chatting–you can always request couples or group sessions.
Of course, Zoom is an entirely free platform. However, if you’re serious about teletherapy, you can always purchase the HIPAA and HITECH-compliant plan.
Other exciting Zoom features include texting the whole group or one individual, screen sharing, and polling.