Have you ever Googled a strange symptom at 2 am, spiraling into a vortex of worst-case scenarios? You’re not the only one, because 81% of Americans alone own a smartphone, and our health information is just a few clicks away.
However, this accessibility is a double-edged sword. Privacy becomes a major concern as online resources allow us to take charge of our well-being. This matters, especially when it comes to sensitive topics. Finding information and details on mental health is equally a bit of a challenge.
Online therapy and counseling services have become a game-changer for individuals. These services provide flexibility and convenience for mental health support. However, there’s another side to this convenience that you need to keep in check.
Understanding Privacy in Online Therapy and Counseling
The concept of privacy in online therapy and counseling is more complicated than one might think. There are inherent principles that make online counseling complete. For instance, these therapy options are about protecting your personal information.
This personal information may include:
- Medical history
- Diagnoses
- Treatment plans
- Details of therapist sessions
What most people may not realize is that this information is highly sensitive and requires safeguards. Ensuring the safety of this information ensures you are secure.
Ethical therapy includes several key principles that support privacy in counseling, applying to both online and traditional therapies.
Confidentiality
Therapy, whether traditional or online, is incomplete without confidentiality. It is the base of the therapist-client relationship and has a long-term impact. It ensures that the information shared with your therapist is confidential. However, there might be some legal exceptions. For instance, if you’re a danger to yourself or others around you.
Security
A secure connection with your therapist is another important part of therapy. Therefore, online therapy platforms should implement security measures for data protection.
If your data is secure, you’re likely to opt for online sessions, making your life easier. This security also plays a vital role in the reputation of the service providers. Some common changes that the services should ensure include:
- Encryption
- Secure login protocols
- Firewalls
These are all great options to prevent unauthorized access to your information and ensure your personal information remains safe.
Data Ownership
Understanding who owns your data in online therapy is crucial. Imagine sharing your information only to lose ownership of it. Ideally, you should have control over how your information is being used and stored.
After all, the platform should make sure it obtains explicit consent before sharing it with any third party.
Why Online Privacy is Important in Mental Health Services
Open communication and trust are fundamental for successful therapy. However, these elements are often ignored because of less people being educated about them. The sensitive nature of mental health struggles might not allow one to be completely open, which is normal.
This kind of situation occurs, especially if concerns about online privacy exist. This is where privacy in online therapy becomes a must for individuals. Let’s discuss some factors that make it a reason:
Less Stigma
Mental health conditions, unfortunately, still carry a massive stigma in some parts of society. A 2020 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study found that 1 in 4 adults with a mental illness reported experiencing discrimination.
This happens because of their condition and may have a negative impact on wellness and recovery. Seeing your online therapy sessions and information protected ensures you can be open and honest with your therapist. This is necessary and effective for treatment.
More Exploration
People usually connect therapy with outward approval and guidance. However, it is more about self-discovery. It allows the option to explore difficult emotions and experiences and provides a more balanced approach.
A secure online environment helps create a safe space for this exploration while removing the worry of information leaks. It also reduces the concern of the info being misused-both which are great for individuals.
A 2017 Journal of Clinical Psychology study explains that a strong sense of confidentiality in counseling results in better therapeutic outcomes.
Improved Results
Imagine yourself feeling comfortable sharing openly and honestly with your therapist. That feels great, right? Well, that’s because you’re more likely to have positive therapeutic outcomes when you have a better connection with your therapist.
It’s primarily why services like Helply focus directly on your privacy and experience. Remember, privacy in online therapy ensures you participate fully throughout the process of your mental wellness.
The full potential of online privacy practices in mental health services is more than just personal benefits. These online therapies also protect society as a whole, ensuring individuals have professionals to rely on.
However, data breaches or misuse of mental health information will have massive consequences, including:
Insurance Discrimination
When we talk about the results of data breaches, it extends beyond the mental trauma it brings. If your mental health information gets leaked, it could lead to more issues. For instance, you might have to deal with higher insurance premiums, because the companies know the risks you’re taking.
In worse cases, you might even face denial of coverage, which is just as bad. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly one-third of adults facing mental illness have issues with health insurance. Therefore, you need to choose a service you can truly trust.
Employment Discrimination
The issues with data leaks and information breaches can also put one’s career at risk. For instance, there are concerns about potential discrimination due to mental health history in workspaces. This discrimination could discourage individuals from seeking help altogether, leaving them isolated and alone.
However, choosing a service that ensures your online privacy can be a great way to stay safe. It ensures you have a safer and more supportive environment while seeking mental health services.
Online privacy is a big concern for long-term mental wellness for professionals. If you’re interested in getting reliable and safe services, Helply is the perfect option for you. They have years of experience and take their reputation seriously. They also have a team of experts that will assist you while ensuring your information is safe. If you’re looking for more details, reach out to their experts today!