How Is My Privacy And Security Protected When I Use BetterHelp For Therapy?
Protecting your privacy and security is a high priority at BetterHelp. Our privacy policy goes into detail about all our privacy practices, which include encrypting user data, distributing servers across multiple locations, and obtaining security certifications for our platform. BetterHelp therapists follow all confidentiality requirements of their governing boards and state laws. This means that they do not share information discussed in sessions unless there is a risk of danger.
Looking for a convenient way to connect with a therapist?
How is my privacy and security protected when I use BetterHelp?
Several protocols are in place to safeguard your data:
- State-of-the-art technology and infrastructure protect online data.
- Messages to and from your therapist are encrypted.
- Servers are spread across multiple data centers.
- Databases are encrypted and scrambled, so they essentially become useless if they were to be compromised.
What does the BetterHelp privacy and security policy say?
The comprehensive BetterHelp privacy policy covers how user data is collected, shared, and retained. It also discusses how the website uses cookies and web beacons for record-keeping processes.
What data does BetterHelp collect, based on its privacy practices?
The data that BetterHelp processes depends on factors like your location and how you’re accessing the platform. Some of the data that is collected includes the following:
- Visitor data
- Onboarding data
- Location data
- Transaction data about payments
- Therapy sessions data
The above data is not a complete list. If you opt in to advertising cookies and web beacons, some of your collected data may be used to help minimize advertising costs and provide relevant ads that reach people looking for mental health support. However, none of your therapy or mental health data is shared for advertising purposes.
Are my online therapy video sessions or chat messages saved?
Your live therapy sessions are not recorded unless you expressly consent. Messages to and from your therapist are saved according to the data retention schedule or unless you request for them to be erased. Like in traditional therapy, your provider may also maintain notes about your sessions for their reference. Research suggests that traditional therapy and online therapy tend to produce the same outcomes.
BetterHelp allows users to choose between video, audio, and online chat sessions to suit each person’s preferences. Sessions can take place from any preferred location with a strong internet connection, and the platform offers flexible scheduling options. Users can also message their therapists between sessions.
What information do I have to share with BetterHelp or my therapist?
When you register for BetterHelp, you are asked to share a nickname that will be used to identify you in the system, so you don’t have to share your full name or contact information right away. When you begin therapy, you’ll be asked to share emergency contact information in case of an emergency situation.
Will my therapist tell other people what I shared during my online therapy sessions?
More than 30,000 therapists are available through BetterHelp, and all are bound by the confidentiality requirements of their board and licensure, just like someone practicing in-person therapy. If you are concerned about what your therapist may share with others, you can discuss your concerns about confidentiality before beginning online therapy sessions together.
What might lead my therapist to tell someone else about my mental health challenges?
Mental health professionals are obligated to contact the relevant authorities in case of reported or suspected abuse, threatened harm, and serious suicidal potential. They are also required to disclose information for court-ordered treatment.
Does BetterHelp keep my mental health data forever?
Your data is only retained as long as it’s necessary to provide therapy services. According to our data retention schedule:
- Data is retained for 10 years if you begin therapy and don’t request data erasure.
- Data is retained for three years if you don’t begin therapy and don’t request data erasure.
- Data is erased within 24 hours when you request that it be removed.
How do I control what data is collected and stored?
You can choose to opt in or out of cookies when using BetterHelp. You also have the right to request that the platform erase your personal data. You can request complete erasure of your account at any time or contact Customer Success for help.
What happens if there’s a data breach?
BetterHelp has an experienced team of data security professionals who actively monitor our systems 24/7. In the unlikely event that someone gains access to our databases, they would be unable to read any data because our databases are encrypted and scrambled.
What privacy practices can I implement to protect my data?
To protect your personal information and medical data:
- Do not share medical data, login information, or credit card information through any non-secure or unsolicited communication.
- Be aware of how external links ask to use your data.
- Use secure HTTPS websites and mental health apps.
Being aware of who can access your data may prevent it from getting into the wrong hands.
Takeaway
BetterHelp cares about users’ privacy and security. Therapists follow all requirements outlined by their state laws and governing boards. The BetterHelp privacy policy is available for anyone who would like to learn more about how their data is collected and used.
Is BetterHelp completely confidential?
The BetterHelp privacy policy explains confidentiality as follows: “To the extent any data is considered protected health information (‘PHI’) under The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (‘HIPAA’), the Notice of Privacy Practices (‘NPP’) of our associated provider groups will apply and supersede any conflicting practices set forth in this document.” In addition, Betterhelp is subject to the enforcement of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), federal law, and a specific California law called the Privacy Notice for California Residents.
Some visitor data is used to minimize advertising costs related to the process of reaching individuals who may be looking for mental health support. BetterHelp ads may appear on social media sites when you log into social media accounts. Therapist information may be shared with insurers and health plans in some cases.
Can I be anonymous on BetterHelp?
When you first sign up for mental health care through BetterHelp, you can use a nickname rather than entering your full name. However, the platform will ask for your contact information, including your name and e-mail address, when you start the therapy process, which tends to be standard for the health industry.
Do you have to give your real name on BetterHelp?
You can initially use a nickname when you sign up for BetterHelp. When you start the therapy process, however, the platform will ask for your contact information. In general, this information is used in case of emergencies, such as sudden, significant changes in your mental state that could be dangerous to you or others.
Is BetterHelp covered by HIPAA?
According to the BetterHelp privacy policy, “To the extent any data is considered protected health information (‘PHI’) under The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (‘HIPAA’), the Notice of Privacy Practices (‘NPP’) of our associated provider groups will apply and supersede any conflicting practices set forth in this document.” You can read the full privacy policy here.
Can you get an official diagnosis from BetterHelp?
BetterHelp therapists do not provide official diagnoses. Individuals seeking a clinical diagnosis may need to do so in person. BetterHelp therapists also do not prescribe medication. However, BetterHelp has a variety of helpful features, including therapist matching based on an intake questionnaire’s answers, journal entries, and goal-tracking tools.
Does BetterHelp record your session?
BetterHelp does not record audio or video sessions unless you specifically consent to them being recorded in your account settings. Whether or not you’d like your sessions to be recorded as part of the therapy process is up to you. All the messages Apple and Android users send to their therapists through therapy apps are typically saved, although this private communication is not shared with third-party websites, third-party tools, or third-party advertisers.
- Next Article