We all have moments when we could benefit from extra support, yet many of us are wary of sharing our vulnerable thoughts and feelings with others. It takes a special kind of trust to open up fully. 

So if you’re considering seeking help through an online therapy platform, there’s no doubt that privacy and security are likely a top priority – after all, it’s essential for building the necessary relationship between client and therapist.

In this article, we will walk you through five of the best online therapy platforms that prioritize confidentiality above everything else so that you can find one to suit your needs.

1. Calmerry

If you’re considering private and secure online mental health therapy, Calmerry is an excellent option. They offer quick client-counselor matching and flexible subscription options to suit your budget. You can also change your counselor any time for free if you need to.

All of Calmerry’s therapists are licensed professionals with a Master’s or Doctorate degree. And they only use evidence-based treatments. In addition, Calmerry has over 100 positive reviews from happy customers independently verified on sites like Trustpilot.

So if you’re looking for help with anxiety, stress, depression, chronic illness, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, or anything else, Calmerry is definitely worth checking out.

Privacy and Security at Calmerry

Calmerry takes its responsibility to guard the privacy of your personal information and sensitive data extremely seriously. All contact and therapy session data are encrypted on secure servers complying with stringent HIPAA protocols to guarantee confidential and safe therapy.

Pricing

Calmerry offers three subscription plans:

• Messaging Only: Unlimited text therapy for $198 per month, about $49 per week.
• Messaging + 1 Video: One live video therapy session and unlimited text therapy for $247 monthly, about $62 per week.
• Messaging + 4 Videos: Four live video therapy sessions with unlimited text therapy for $293 monthly, about $73.25 weekly.

2. Ayana Therapy

At Ayana Therapy, they understand the unique challenges that people from marginalized and intersectional communities face when accessing mental healthcare.

That’s why they have developed a user-friendly, secure app focused on helping members of these communities find mental healthcare providers compatible with their experiences and identities.

They allow for anonymous communication, enabling individuals to seek care remotely and safely regardless of any transportation or mobility issues they may be facing.

Privacy and Security at Ayana

Ayana Therapy prioritizes client privacy and safety, ensuring that all session data is encrypted and the company is fully HIPAA compliant. In addition, Ayana Therapy never records video sessions or sells your information for marketing purposes.

Pricing

Ayana offers two pricing packages:

• 4-Session Package: Costs $290 for four 45-minute video sessions.
• 1-Session: Costs $140 for one 45-minute online video therapy session.

3. Monument

Thanks to Monument’s online substance abuse therapy, those with alcohol use disorder don’t need to worry about being judged in a clinical setting. Instead, Monument allows participants to join in off-camera and remain anonymous if they wish.

This service provides excellent care using evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing methods to help you turn your sobriety goals into reality.

Monument is an excellent option for those looking to reduce their drinking or achieve sobriety. They understand that building healthier habits takes time and requires understanding, which is why their trained specialists provide the necessary support to help you achieve your goals.

Privacy and Security at Monument

Monument values your privacy and respects anonymity as a core community principle. Only your chosen nickname is shared during sign-up, and they remove any posts that ask for or share personal information. Monument fully complies with relevant privacy laws and has built a platform with encrypted data using industry-leading security practices.

Pricing

Monument offers four pricing packages:

• Community Membership: This free package allows you to access therapist-moderated support groups and their anonymous community forum.
• Total Care (Biweekly): This package costs $149 monthly and offers two therapy sessions and unlimited physician appointments.
• Total Care (Weekly): This package costs $249 monthly and offers four therapy appointments and unlimited physician appointments.
• Physician Care: This package costs $ 9.99 monthly plus an initial $45.00 fee. It offers one introductory physician appointment where you can be prescribed either naltrexone or disulfiram if appropriate.

4. Brightside Health

Brightside’s online mental health services provide quick and reliable care. Their success rate of 86% within 12 weeks of treatment is particularly impressive, proving that their integrated approach of medication, therapy, and one-to-one support really makes a difference.

At Brightside, appointments can be made within 24 hours, and they offer support for mild to severe cases of anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mental health issues. They even provide crisis support for those with high suicide risk.

Regardless of the severity of their patient’s conditions, Brightside’s licensed professionals deliver quick guidance and effective long-term care with consistency and reliability.

Privacy and Security at Brightside

Brightside is HIPAA compliant and uses industry-standard 256-bit SSL security to protect all of your data. The only person who can access your health details is your prescribing provider. However, in those rare cases where there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, Brightside reserves the right to act on protocols designed to keep everyone involved safe.

Pricing

Brightside offers two packages that include online therapy:

• Therapy: This package costs $299 monthly but can be paid with insurance. It provides a 45-minute weekly video session, as well as messaging and check-ins available anytime.
• Therapy + Medication: This package costs $349 monthly but can be covered with insurance. It offers a 45-minute video session each week, messaging and check-ins anytime, plus medication prescriptions.

5. Doctor on Demand

With over 150K reviews, Doctor on Demand has earned a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on its popular app, so you can trust that you are in capable hands. Plus, their psychologists possess an average of 15 years of experience.

Their network of mental health professionals is diverse, encompassing various backgrounds and specialties, giving you a vast selection to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for online therapy, medication management, or something more specialized like help with anxiety, stress, PTSD, depression, postpartum, or grief – Doctor on Demand has your back.

Privacy and Security at Doctor on Demand

Doctor on Demand is committed to privacy and security regarding online therapy. It values the privacy of its patients’ personal health information highly and abides by the legal obligations put in place under federal law such as HIPAA. Doctor on Demand deploys extensive physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect such vital data.

Pricing

Online therapy sessions with a psychologist at Doctor on Demand cost:

• $129 for a 25-minute session
• $179 for a 50-minute session

You can also see a psychiatrist for:

• $299 for an initial 45-minute consultation
• $129 for a 15-minute follow-up session

Ways Online Therapy Platforms Can Ensure Privacy

Here are some things to look for regarding privacy on online therapy platforms:

1. HIPAA compliance: Platforms should adhere to HIPAA regulations, which set strict standards for patient privacy and security in healthcare.
2. Encryption: The platform should use end-to-end encryption to protect your data and conversations from being intercepted by third parties.
3. Anonymous communication: Some platforms offer the option to communicate anonymously, which can provide an additional layer of privacy and security.
4. Video session recordings: Check whether the platform records therapy sessions. Ensure they obtain your consent before recording therapy sessions and allow deletion requests.

The Bottom Line on Confidential Online Therapy

Making sure that a therapy platform has top-of-the-line privacy and security features is essential if you’re considering online counseling.

The five platforms we discussed today are the cream of the crop regarding privacy and security—each offering high levels of cyber protection, access control, data encryption, regulatory compliance, and other measures to ensure client confidentiality.

Although many other online therapy platforms are on the market, our review here can help you narrow the search to a few select options that understand the importance of data privacy and respecting confidentiality laws.