The digital era rebooted our perceptions about health, and psychotherapy online has become a mainstream alternative, benefiting patients and therapists. It is a viable solution for many facing economic, geographical, and even social reasons that keep them from attending traditional therapy appointments. However, like any fundamental change in tradition or practice, it carries its own obstacles that must be addressed with caution to safeguard protected health information (PHI).
The most evident benefits related to online psychotherapy concern access to it. Specifically, patients who live in rural areas who couldn’t previously access mental health services can now engage with therapists over virtual platforms.
As mentioned in a narrative review on ethical issues in online psychotherapy, online psychotherapy "offers many advantages, such as benefits for the therapeutic process and the therapeutic communication itself, because it is more convenient than the traditional setting of psychotherapy."
Online psychotherapy also extends mental health services to those affected by the stigma associated with coming to a traditional therapy setting to treat anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders.
Furthermore, the flexibility and adaptability of online therapy give therapists new ways for patient care. It "gives the possibility to adapt services to specific patients," offering personalized care towards "more adherence to and compliance with the treatment itself."
What are the risks of transitioning to online platforms?
Patient privacy and data security are probably the most debated disadvantages to psychotherapy. The narrative review elaborates, "Among concerns about privacy, confidentiality, security, and safety in online psychotherapy, one significant issue relates to the use of unsecured websites or unencrypted communication tools, like commercially available software, which are easily hacked. Data security may also be compromised when technology fails, leading to potential breaches of confidentiality that extend beyond the therapist's control."
How can we minimize these risks?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects sensitive mental health information, even in online psychotherapy. The Act holds the therapists liable for their negligence to improve transparency in health data security. Therefore, mental health professionals must use a HIPAA compliant communication platform to address online privacy concerns and help patients overcome barriers to mental health care. These solutions use advanced encryption, access controls, and auditing measures so patient PHI cannot be revealed without consent.
Additionally, mental health professionals should educate their patients on protecting their PHI during online therapy, like advising them to use secure internet connections in private locations to reduce the risk of breaches.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email for Mental Health Professionals
FAQs
What makes an email HIPAA compliant?
An email is HIPAA compliant when it meets the HIPAA requirements for protecting sensitive patient information. Therapists must use a HIPAA compliant emailing platform, like Paubox, which offers encryption, access controls, and audit trails to safeguard patients' mental health information and mitigate data breaches.
Additionally, Paubox signs a business associate agreement (BAA) with the healthcare entity to ensure HIPAA compliance.
Can HIPAA compliant emails include personalized mental health support?
Yes, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to send personalized mental health resources, self-care tips, and educational materials directly to patients.
Does HIPAA protect minor patients' mental health information?
Yes, HIPAA also allows healthcare providers to disclose a minor's health information to the appropriate authorities, like child protective services or law enforcement when they have a reasonable belief that the minor is a victim of child abuse or neglect.
