While online couples therapy offers flexibility and accessibility to clients, it also presents challenges. HIPAA compliant emails can help address these boundaries, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining patient privacy.
What is couples therapy?
According to Psychology Today, couples therapy “usually aims at bringing partners closer together or ending a partnership intelligently. In the process of resolving dilemmas, partners learn to have compassion for their partner and themselves, learn ways of constructively managing their negative feelings, and rekindle the feelings that originally attracted them to each other.”
More specifically, online therapy, like videoconferencing, “is an emerging medium through which psychological therapy, including relationship interventions for couples, can be delivered,” explains a qualitative study on the expectations and experiences of couples receiving therapy.
Boundaries in online couples therapy
In online couples therapy, where physical cues and settings differ from in-person sessions, providers and patients can experience boundaries that can hinder therapy progress. For example, the study mentions:
- Collaboration in therapeutic discussions: Ensuring active participation and engagement from both partners.
- Client concerns: Addressing worries related to the online modality and privacy.
- Mutual expectations: Establishing clear expectations for therapy outcomes and processes.
- Understanding of therapeutic process: Ensuring both partners have a shared comprehension of how therapy will proceed.
- Client empowerment and ownership: Enhancing a sense of control and involvement in their therapeutic journey.
- Liminality: Navigating the transitional space that online therapy creates, altering traditional roles and dynamics.
How HIPAA compliant emails can help
Collaboration in therapeutic discussions
Providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to send couples session agendas and follow-up questions, encouraging them to prepare for and reflect on their discussions. These emails can help the couple enhance their collaboration and engagement, leading to more productive therapy sessions.
The study explains, "By involving clients in these conversations, therapists can address any concerns, establish mutual expectations, and ensure a shared understanding of the therapeutic process. This collaborative approach empowers clients and fosters a sense of ownership in the therapy journey."
Client concerns
HIPAA compliant emailing platforms, like Paubox, offer advanced security measures, including encryption and access controls, protecting patients’ protected health information (PHI). These security features can help address couples’ confidentiality concerns when emailing sensitive information to their therapist.
Additionally, therapists can send a detailed email explaining the security measures for secure video conferencing tools, reassuring patients that their information is protected during virtual sessions. Ultimately, this transparency can help build trust and alleviate any worries about potential confidentiality breaches.
Mutual expectations
Therapists can use HIPAA compliant email to outline the goals and expectations discussed in couples’ initial session, ensuring both partners are on the same page. These emails also help document expectations, reducing potential misunderstandings and aligning therapy goals.
Understanding the therapeutic process
HIPAA compliant emails can include summaries of the therapeutic process so couples know what to expect in each phase of therapy. Couples can also reply with any questions or concerns they may have about the process, allowing for open communication and a more effective therapeutic experience.
Client empowerment and ownership
Providers can include homework assignments, self-help guides, and motivational messages in HIPAA compliant emails. These additional resources can encourage couples to take ownership of their therapeutic process.
Liminality
Therapists can use HIPAA compliant emails to discuss the concept of liminality, explaining how online therapy creates a transitional space compared to traditional in-person sessions.
Ultimately, “This involvement in conversation and seeking advice helps therapists deepen their understanding of liminality’s role in online couples therapy, which can enhance their therapeutic effectiveness."
Ensuring HIPAA compliance
Using a secure platform: Providers, including couples therapists, must use a HIPAA compliant platform that offers encryption to secure patients’ protected health information (PHI) during transit and at rest.
Implementing access controls: HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, use two-factor authentication to limit access to authorized personnel, mitigating the risk of potential breaches.
Informing couples: Providers must inform couples how their PHI will be used and shared and obtain explicit consent before emailing them.
FAQs
What is a HIPAA compliant email?
A HIPAA compliant emailing platform, like Paubox, uses encryption and other security measures to safeguard protected health information (PHI) during transit and at rest.
Can HIPAA compliant emails empower patients?
HIPAA compliant emails empower patients by ensuring the confidentiality and security of their sensitive health information. This protection instills trust and confidence in patients, allowing them to freely engage with their healthcare providers without fear of privacy breaches.
Can HIPAA compliant emails enhance patient engagement?
Yes, providers can use HIPAA compliant emails to send personalized information, reminders, and additional resources, making it easier for patients to stay informed and involved in their care.
Go deeper: How patient engagement can help grow your mental health practice
