Privacy considerations should be considered when using online therapy. The website has information about how each platform protects your information.
Companies should be transparent about how they use your data. If you have questions about privacy or confidentiality, you can reach out to the platform. If you cancel your plan, you will find out how to remove your account data.
Online therapy platforms on this list follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) federal guidelines to encrypt information and keep health data private. For example, companies encrypt all messaging systems and do not record video calls.
If you submit your data to an app, questionnaire, or chat box before you start an account, the law may not prevent companies from sharing it.
According to Consumer Reports, online therapy platforms may provide information to third parties, including Facebook. It’s possible that companies can use this data for targeted ads and marketing research, which is something to consider when dealing with sensitive information. Your profile information may also be visible to users if you use an app to connect to a community support group.