14 HIPAA Compliant Telehealth Platforms For Behavioral Health

Key Takeaway

• A HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for behavioral health can help protect patient data and ensure that healthcare organizations are in compliance with the law.
• HIPAA compliance is crucial when choosing a telehealth platform for behavioral health.
• End-to-end encryption, authentication and authorization controls, secure storage, compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule, user training, and business associate agreements are important features to look for in a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
• Examples of HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms for behavioral health include Doxy.me, Zoom for Healthcare, and TheraNest.
• By using a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, healthcare providers can offer patients secure and convenient mental healthcare services from their homes.

As more healthcare practices expand their service offerings to include virtual care, the demand for HIPAA compliant telemedicine solutions in behavioral health has surged in recent years. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of telehealth service providers in the United States increased by 154% in 2020 compared to the previous year, reflecting a massive shift toward digital healthcare delivery.

In behavioral health, where patient interactions often involve highly sensitive information, ensuring data security and privacy is paramount. This is where HIPAA compliance becomes crucial. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that sets national standards for the protection of personal health information (PHI). It governs how healthcare providers and their business associates collect, store, transmit, and manage PHI, which includes identifiable data such as a patient’s name, date of birth, and medical history.

HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms are designed with rigorous security frameworks that include technical, physical, and administrative safeguards. These platforms ensure that patients’ health data remains confidential and secure during virtual consultations, therapy sessions, and ongoing behavioral health services. Compliance also protects against data breaches, unauthorized access, and improper disclosure, building patient trust and legal protection for providers.

Behavioral health professionals have rapidly adopted these digital care delivery methods, enabling more convenient, accessible, and effective treatment for patients. For behavioral healthcare providers, investing in a HIPAA-compliant telehealth solution isn’t just a regulatory necessity, it’s a strategic decision to deliver high-quality care while upholding the highest standards of patient privacy and security.

HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms for behavioral health

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) across the United States, establishing strict guidelines to safeguard patient privacy. For behavioral health providers offering services via HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms, HIPAA compliance is not just recommended, it’s essential to ensure the confidentiality and security of sensitive patient data.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued temporary guidance that allowed healthcare providers to use non-HIPAA compliant video conferencing tools, such as FaceTime and Skype to facilitate remote care. These relaxed enforcement policies were intended to maintain care continuity during a crisis. However, these exceptions are tied to the emergency declaration and may be revoked once the public health emergency ends.

Once those temporary allowances are lifted, providers could face penalties for using platforms that do not meet HIPAA’s technical and security standards. This makes it critical for healthcare organizations to transition to fully HIPAA-compliant telehealth solutions that support end-to-end encryption, access control, audit logs, and secure data storage.

Healthcare providers must stay current with HHS policy updates, as regulatory frameworks surrounding telehealth continue to evolve post-pandemic. Monitoring guidance and changes to enforcement discretion is a key part of maintaining HIPAA compliance and mitigating legal risk.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with healthcare organizations and behavioral health professionals to ensure they’re using compliant technologies regardless of temporary flexibilities so patient privacy and trust remain uncompromised in any care setting.

The need for telehealth platforms for behavioral health that comply with HIPAA

Providers of mental health services and business partners should take certain actions right once to obviate any potential infractions. The guiding concept should be to use the same standards to evaluate platforms or apps for telehealth services as you would any other vendor you engage with.

Here are five must-haves for HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platforms:

1. HIPAA compliance is required for any telehealth service, platform, or application.

This indicates that the organization has likely followed a similar path to achieving HIPAA compliance, conducting thorough Security Risk Assessments, implementing robust policies and procedures, providing employee training, and aligning with all applicable regulatory standards.

Most companies that are HIPAA compliant proudly highlight this on their website or in marketing materials because it differentiates them from competitors and signals to potential partners that they are committed to safeguarding protected health information (PHI) with the highest level of security and accountability.

2. They’re ready to consent to a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

Here’s a quick refresher on HIPAA fundamentals. Under HIPAA, both insurance companies and behavioral healthcare providers are considered covered entities. They are responsible for creating, accessing, and managing patient Protected Health Information (PHI) for purposes such as diagnosis, treatment, and billing. When these covered entities engage third-party vendors for services like telehealth, appointment scheduling, or data storage, those vendors are classified as business associates if they handle electronic protected health information (ePHI).

For a business associate to be HIPAA compliant, it is mandatory to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with the covered entity before any exchange of ePHI occurs. Failure to establish a BAA constitutes a violation of HIPAA regulations. A properly executed BAA outlines each party’s responsibilities and the specific safeguards in place to protect sensitive health data, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing risk exposure.

3. Data encryption is used in their secure and compliant cloud service.

Behavioral health providers understand that protecting patient privacy and security is just as vital during telehealth sessions as it is in face-to-face care. Any telehealth partner must demonstrate full compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule, ensuring that all electronic protected health information (ePHI) is securely stored, transmitted, and managed across their platform and network infrastructure.

While encryption is a foundational requirement, it’s equally important to evaluate how the platform safeguards ePHI at every stage during transmission, storage (at rest), and eventual disposal. End-to-end encryption helps prevent unauthorized access or interception, commonly known as “man-in-the-middle” attacks, making it a critical component of secure video-based telemedicine in behavioral healthcare.

4. They can effectively install access control measures or have strong access controls.

Access controls play a vital role in meeting the requirements of both the HIPAA Privacy Rule and Security Rule by ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or interact with protected health information (PHI). One of the key safeguards under the HIPAA Security Rule is the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for provider logins, adding an essential layer of protection against unauthorized access.

A HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for behavioral health should also support additional security measures, such as automatic logouts after periods of inactivity and the ability to assign unique login credentials to each patient and authorized user. These secure access protocols help distinguish truly HIPAA-compliant platforms from those that fall short of regulatory standards.

Cloud-based telehealth platforms are particularly vulnerable without proper access controls. For example, only specific versions of Zoom designed with healthcare in mind meet HIPAA compliance standards. Using non-compliant versions opens the door to privacy breaches; in some cases, unauthorized individuals have gained access to private medical consultations simply by obtaining a meeting ID, a phenomenon known as “Zoom-bombing.” Such incidents highlight the importance of choosing a platform built with security, compliance, and patient trust at its core.

5. They undertake frequent risk evaluation and self-audits as necessary.

A HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for behavioral health must have the ability to monitor, track, and audit the handling of electronic protected health information (ePHI) throughout its entire lifecycle from data processing and transmission to storage and disposal. These audit capabilities are essential for maintaining transparency, detecting security vulnerabilities, and demonstrating ongoing compliance with HIPAA standards.

At a minimum, platforms should conduct annual risk assessments and internal self-audits. However, the frequency of these audits should increase proportionally with the volume of sensitive health data being stored or transmitted. Effective self-audits include network scans for suspicious activity, unusual access patterns, and unauthorized data flows, all of which are vital for proactively identifying threats and building a strong defense against cybersecurity breaches or data loss incidents.

14 HIPAA Compliant Telehealth Platforms (some for Behavioral Health)

As telehealth becomes an integral part of modern healthcare delivery, ensuring that virtual care solutions are HIPAA-compliant is more critical than ever. For behavioral health providers, hospitals, specialty practices, and digital health startups, choosing the right telehealth platform means prioritizing data security, patient privacy, and regulatory compliance. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets strict standards for the protection of Protected Health Information (PHI), and not all video conferencing or messaging tools meet these standards.

To help healthcare organizations make informed decisions, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms for behavioral health. Each of these solutions offers secure video conferencing, encrypted communications, and other safeguards designed to protect sensitive patient data while supporting seamless remote care delivery.

Whether you’re building a custom telehealth platform or integrating third-party tools, this guide highlights the top platforms that align with both compliance needs and patient expectations.

1. Blaze.tech

Blaze.tech is a no-code platform that enables healthcare providers to rapidly develop custom, HIPAA-compliant telehealth applications. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows for seamless integration into existing workflows, ensuring both security and efficiency in virtual care delivery.

2. Doxy.me

Doxy.me offers a user-friendly telemedicine solution that requires no downloads, facilitating easy access for both patients and providers. With robust encryption and compliance with HIPAA regulations, it ensures secure and confidential virtual consultations.

3. VSee

VSee is designed for low-bandwidth environments, making it ideal for rural or remote healthcare settings. It supports secure video conferencing and screen sharing, maintaining HIPAA compliance to protect patient information during telehealth sessions.

4. Amwell

Amwell’s Converge platform is tailored for hybrid care models, integrating in-person and virtual visits within a HIPAA-compliant framework. It offers seamless data connectivity, enhancing the continuity and quality of patient care.

5. athenaOne

athenaOne provides an all-in-one healthcare solution encompassing electronic health records, patient engagement, and telehealth services. Its HIPAA-compliant platform ensures secure management of patient data across various care delivery channels.

6. Doximity

Doximity enables healthcare professionals to conduct HIPAA-compliant video calls and secure messaging without requiring patients to download additional applications. This streamlines communication and enhances patient engagement in virtual care settings.

7. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting offers a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing solution equipped with features like encrypted meetings and secure chat. It provides a reliable platform for telehealth consultations, ensuring patient confidentiality and data security.

8. Healthie

Healthie is a comprehensive practice management and telehealth platform designed for wellness professionals. It maintains HIPAA compliance while offering features like scheduling, billing, and client communication to streamline virtual care services.

9. Kareo

Kareo integrates telehealth capabilities with electronic health records and practice management tools. Its HIPAA-compliant platform supports secure video visits, enhancing the flexibility and reach of healthcare providers.

10. Teladoc Health

Teladoc Health provides a scalable telehealth platform that connects patients with healthcare professionals across various specialties. Committed to HIPAA compliance, it ensures secure and confidential virtual healthcare experiences.

11. Zoom for Healthcare

Zoom for Healthcare offers a HIPAA-compliant version of its video conferencing service, tailored for medical professionals. It features end-to-end encryption and secure meeting controls, facilitating safe and effective telehealth sessions.

12. eVisit

eVisit is a telemedicine platform designed to enhance patient engagement and streamline virtual care workflows. With HIPAA-compliant security measures, it supports providers in delivering quality remote healthcare services.

13. Pexip Health

Pexip Health offers a customizable telehealth solution that integrates with existing healthcare systems. Its HIPAA-compliant platform ensures secure video consultations, enhancing accessibility and patient care continuity.

14. VidyoHealth

VidyoHealth provides a scalable telehealth platform with high-quality video conferencing capabilities. Ensuring HIPAA compliance, it supports various virtual care scenarios, including specialist consultations and remote patient monitoring.

These platforms offer diverse features tailored to meet the stringent requirements of HIPAA compliance, enabling healthcare providers to deliver secure and effective telehealth services.

If you’re looking to develop your own custom HIPAA compliant telehealth platform for behavioral health, get in touch with Arkenea for a free consultation and quote. We have over 13 years of experience as a two-time award-winning custom healthcare software development company.