As a therapist, protecting your client’s privacy is important as it is an ethical requirement and mandated by law. This includes maintaining client confidentiality through transmissions of emails.
One of the most common ways client information is exchanged is via email, which means using a secure, privacy compliant email service is an essential part of privacy compliance.
With the increasing demand for digital communication in therapy practices, choosing the right email provider that’s not only secure but also user-friendly can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are solutions built specifically for therapists, and Hushmail is at the top of that list.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes an email provider truly HIPAA compliant and why Hushmail is the best HIPAA compliant email for therapists.
What Is HIPAA Compliance?
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and is the privacy legislation in the United States that protects sensitive patient health information. For American therapists, HIPAA compliance means taking every precaution to safeguard your clients’ data, including email communications.
This means:
- Protecting personal health information from unauthorized access
- Using encryption when transmitting sensitive data
- Being prepared for audits and maintaining necessary documentation
HIPAA compliance extends beyond merely avoiding legal trouble; it is about building client trust and providing care that respects confidentiality at every level. This distinguishes you as a trusted therapist.
Components of a HIPAA-Compliant Email
Not all secure email providers are HIPAA-compliant. If you’re using a mainstream email provider, you may be surprised to learn that their free versions are not HIPAA compliant. Even paid versions often require add-ons, plugins, or third-party tools to become compliant, if even then. To be considered HIPAA-compliant, an email provider must:
- Offer end-to-end encryption
- Allow you to send secure messages to both clients and other professionals
- Provide a signed BAA upon request
- Include features that support data security, like secure web forms, protected storage, and multi-factor authentication.
This is where Hushmail stands out as one of the best HIPAA compliant email providers for therapists. You don’t need add-ons or additional plugins HIPPA compliance is built into the service.
Best HIPAA Compliant Email for Therapists: Hushmail
Hushmail is not just a regular email service provider. It is a highly trusted and reliable service provider that offers built-in encryption, secure web forms, and HIPAA compliance, all within a single, easy-to-use platform. It’s currently trusted by over 47,000 healthcare professionals, including therapists.
Here are the strengths of Hushmail:
1. HIPAA Compliance (With BAA Included)
Hushmail is HIPAA-compliant. When you sign up for their Healthcare Plan, you’ll receive a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA), which is a requirement under HIPAA law when using any third-party service to manage personal health information.
2. Encrypted Email Messaging
Whether you’re confirming appointments, sharing progress notes, or sending intake forms, your email communications are protected with automatic encryption. Clients will receive a link to view the secure message in a protected portal. This adds an extra layer of security that helps ensure the privacy of your clients is not compromised.
On the other hand, if you need to do something that doesn’t require encryption, you can switch off encryption to allow your client to access the message easily. This is a really handy feature if you’re sending emails to non-client email recipients.
3. Secure Web Forms for Intakes and Consent
Hushmail does more than keep your emails secure; it also lets you create customizable, professional web forms tailored to your practice. Whether you need to collect client consent, intake information, mental health questionnaires, or assessments with e-signatures, Hushmail makes it easy. Every form submission is encrypted for privacy and delivered straight to your inbox as a secure PDF. This makes it easy for you to upload to your electronic health record or client file.
4. Custom Email Domain Option
Do you want your email to match your website? It is totally possible and seamless with Hushmail. Hushmail allows you to create a custom domain email (e.g., [email protected]), which helps give your practice a uniform, professional appearance. If you don’t have a website yet, you can use Hushmail’s domain as an alternative.
5. Mobile App Access
Hushmail’s free mobile app makes it easy to stay connected, even when you’re on the move. Additionally, it supports Face ID and biometrics, which allows you to access your email with an added layer of security easily. This makes it perfect and highly secure when you are using a shared device.
6. Exceptional Customer Support
One thing that sets Hushmail apart from other email service providers is its exceptional customer service. Their team understands the unique needs of healthcare providers, including those related to HIPAA compliance. Whether you’re setting up your email, creating secure forms, or configuring your domain, help is just a message or call away and they’re genuinely helpful.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing Hushmail
While Hushmail offers many benefits, there are a few key points to consider. First, there’s no free email plan. Pricing starts at $11.99/month, which is pretty reasonable given the features included in the Starter plan, especially for solo practitioners. Its smooth interface and advanced tools often make the cost worthwhile. However, if you’re looking for the secure forms feature you’ll pay $14.99/month. However, when you use my link provided in this email, you’ll receive a free month on your new Hushmail account.
Additionally, for enhanced privacy, clients must log in to view encrypted emails. While this improves security, some clients might find the extra step of creating a Hushmail account inconvenient. The good news is that you have the option to turn encryption off when sending non-sensitive information, which makes things easier for clients while still prioritizing privacy.
Additionally, while Hushmail is HIPAA-compliant for U.S. providers, therapists in other countries, such as Canada, should verify compliance with their national privacy laws. Hushmail provides resources and information for Canadian practitioners, including Information Manager Agreements (IMAs) to support compliance with PIPEDA.
Hushmail Discount Code
As an affiliate of Hushmail, I have a link that offers therapists a free month off your new Hushmail subscription. To activate the free month, click here to sign up, and your free month will be applied automatically.
Whether you’re just starting your private practice or looking for a better HIPAA-compliant solution, now is the perfect time sign up for Hushmail.
Conclusion
Choosing a HIPAA-compliant email provider is not just a matter of preference or choice. It is a necessity for a therapist who is intentional about upholding the ethical and legal obligations of their practice. With its built-in encryption, customizable, secure forms, mobile access, and responsive support, Hushmail is the best HIPAA compliant email for therapists.
If you’re ready to take the stress out of email security, I highly recommend Hushmail. Sign up today and get 10% off your monthly plan for life by using my affiliate link. Your clients deserve peace of mind, and so do you.
Want to learn more about Hushmail? Check out our article Hushmail Review: Is Hushmail Worth it? Pros and Cons.
Disclaimer
Any links, referrals or promotional codes listed in this article may be affiliate links where Evaspare Inc. may receive monetary compensation, at no extra cost you, when you click or use links or promotional codes.