Last update Jan. 30, 2025
How to protect myself?
Implement these best practices to enhance your privacy and security while using BetterHelp.
- Use unique, strong passwords for your account
- Enable two-factor authentication if available
- Be cautious when sharing sensitive information during therapy
- Periodically review your account's privacy settings
How can I delete my data?
Users can request to delete their data through their account settings or by contacting support.
- Access account settings to find data deletion options
- Requests can be made via email to support for complete data removal
- Data may take time to delete permanently after request
Historical privacy concerns
BetterHelp has faced scrutiny regarding the handling of therapist-client communications.
- Concerns about data shared with third-party vendors for marketing
- Issues raised regarding data retention policies in prior incidents
- No major breaches reported but calls for transparency persist
What data are collected?
BetterHelp collects personal information to provide counseling services, including sensitive health information.
- Email address, phone number, and username during registration
- Information about mental health issues and therapy goals
- Interaction data, such as messages exchanged with therapists
How are my data used?
Data collected helps tailor the therapy experience and communicate securely with counselors.
- Used to match clients with suitable therapists based on preferences
- Facilitates the delivery of therapy and communication features
- May be used for quality assurance and service improvement
What happens when I sign up?
Upon signing up, users provide information to create a personalized therapy experience.
- Users complete a questionnaire about their mental health needs
- Accounts are verified through email or phone number
- Therapist matches are suggested based on user input
How does AI personalize my experience?
AI is used to improve user experiences, tailoring therapist matches to individual needs.
- AI analyzes questionnaire responses for better matching
- Adjustments made to improve resource recommendations
- Feedback loops used to refine matching algorithms over time
Is my data used to train AI models?
There is currently no indication that user data is used to train AI systems.
- User interactions are not used for AI training purposes
- Data privacy policies emphasize user confidentiality
- Service emphasizes adherence to ethical standards in AI usage
Does this service use AI?
BetterHelp leverages AI to enhance user experience but does not provide therapy through AI.
- AI algorithms assist in matching users with therapists
- Utilizes AI for data analysis to improve service efficiency
- No AI usage in actual therapy sessions or consultations
How does this service handle government data requests?
BetterHelp complies with legal requests while prioritizing user confidentiality.
- Acts in accordance with applicable laws regarding data disclosure
- Aims to notify users unless legally prohibited from doing so
- Has procedures in place to challenge overly broad requests
How is my data protected from breaches?
The service implements various security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
- Uses secure socket layer (SSL) technology for data transmission
- Regular security assessments to identify and mitigate risks
- Data access is restricted to authorized personnel only
- Users are recommended to use unique passwords for their accounts
What security standards does this service use?
BetterHelp utilizes robust security measures to protect sensitive therapy data.
- End-to-end encryption for all communications between clients and therapists
- Data stored securely on servers with regular audits
- Compliance with HIPAA regulations to ensure patient confidentiality