Is Talkspace HIPAA compliant? (+3 Talkspace security features)
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OptimistMinds
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Author bio
The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
This blogpost will discuss if Talkspace is indeed HIPAA compliant. We shall also look at the various security features that Talkspace provides for its users. In addition to this, we will also be describing some of the great benefits that online therapy platforms like Talkspace can bring to various individuals.
Is Talkspace HIPAA compliant?
Yes, Talkspace is completely HIPAA compliant and thus is easily one of the most trusted online therapy platforms out there. Internet security is necessary for health care platforms that conduct their business online as the private information of users and patrons needs to be stored carefully and safely.
Security features of Talkspace
Talkspace ensures that the information of users is highly safeguarded in order to prevent any theft of information that can cause great damage to multiple parties. The various ways through which Talkspace brings security to its users have been discussed in the section below:
- All the information in the platform is end-to-end encrypted, which means hackers will not be able to understand the information that is presented to them
- The platform is wired to detect any unusual or suspicious behavior which can be stopped easily
- All the personnel of Talkspace follow two-step authentications in order access sensitive data which can greatly protect the privacy and security of users
- The security features of the platform are also often checked for vulnerabilities and risks which are fixed immediately
Importance of online therapy platforms
There are many online therapy platforms that are similar to Talkspace, such as Betterhelp and Calmerry. There are even those that cater to a specific population such as ReGain which focuses on couples counseling and 7 Cups which offers therapy for teenagers. These platforms are only gaining in recognition and popularity since they bring a vast number of advantages:
They bring cost-effective therapy
Platforms like Talkspace offer its users very cost-effective but high quality therapy. In-person therapy can be quite expensive and thus many individuals refrain from these since they cannot afford it. However, online therapy can be a cheaper alternative and many of these platforms can be easily covered through insurance.
They can be accessed from anywhere
The best thing about online therapy platforms is that they can be accessed from just about anywhere. This can be quite beneficial for those who have busy schedules and thus cannot pencil in a time slot for regular therapy. This can also be great for those who are physically disabled and thus cannot go to a therapist’s office on a frequent basis.
They can be great for those with physical limitations
As mentioned earlier, online therapy platforms can be especially great for those who cannot leave the house often for their therapy needs, such as those who are physically disabled. Online therapy can also be superb for those who are taking care of infants or other individuals and thus cannot go out regularly.
They bring various formats of therapy
There are also many formats of therapy that are offered by online mental health platforms. In comparison to in-person therapy where communication is by talking, these platforms offer their users facilities such as texting, audio messaging, video messaging and even live sessions that users can choose from based on their needs and preferences.
They provide great security
Online therapy platforms are required to be completely HIPAA compliant in order to function and thus users can be assured of security and privacy. HIPAA compliance is required so that the users information and data is stored safely since a lot of sensitive and confidential information is disclosed during therapy sessions.
They follow COVID-19 protocols
These platforms have certainly found their footing in the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic restricted people from gathering physically together, in-person therapy became impossible. And thus online therapy platforms have provided a safe space for therapy to be conducted while also providing convenience and ease of use.
They can be amazing for therapists
Online therapy platforms can also be great for therapists in addition to users. Therapists can benefit from these platforms as they have access to more clients and also do not necessarily have to commute to an office space for work. Also, platforms like Talkspace and Betterhelp offer great pay and benefits for their therapists, which make them amazing workplaces.
They offer varieties of therapies
There are also a large variety of therapies available in a single platform in those that offer online therapy. For example, Talkspace offers not only individual counseling and therapy but also has facilities for couples counseling and even therapy for teenagers. Betterhelp offers group therapy sessions as well. This large variety of therapies might not be easy to access in traditional therapy.
They can also offer psychiatry services
Online therapy platforms not only offer talking therapy but also have many other features such as psychiatry services. Psychiatry services are necessary since many mental illnesses require the combination of therapy and medications or drugs to be treated, for example, severe depression and schizophrenia. For these individuals, online psychiatry services can be quite useful.
Conclusion
This blogpost has discussed if Talkspace is indeed HIPAA compliant. We have also looked at the various security features that Talkspace provides for its users. In addition to this, we have also described some of the great benefits that online therapy platforms like Talkspace can bring to various individuals.
If you like this blogpost, please leave your comments and questions below.
Citations
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/talkspace-review
https://www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2795225
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/online-therapy
https://www.theraplatform.com/blog/249/advantages-of-online-therapy
Online Mental Health Therapy in a COVID-19 World
https://positivepsychology.com/teletherapy/
https://strengthcounselling.ca/2018/09/22/the-benefits-of-online-counselling/
Find Hope and Healing Through Online Counseling on BetterHelp
