Tech speak, therapist edition: decoding tech terms with a therapeutic twist

As a mental health professional, you spend your days interpreting emotions, behaviors, and non-verbal cues. So, the last thing you need is tech jargon adding more mystery to your day. Fortunately, we’re here to bridge the gap between “tech-speak” and “therapy-speak,” making technology just as relatable as your favorite therapeutic metaphors. Here are some terms that you might stumble across on our website that we thought could use some demystifying: 

1. Third-party integrations

Definition: Third-party integrations are tools that allow different software systems to communicate with and support each other.

Therapy parallel: Third-party integrations are like clinical referrals. When a client needs specialized support—like medication management—you might refer them to a psychiatrist. Third-party integrations work similarly: they allow your primary software to bring in specialized tools for additional support, like video chat or billing features. Instead of your platform doing all the heavy lifting alone, integrations bring in a “specialist.”

2. HIPAA & GDPR compliance

Definition: These are regulations designed to protect data privacy. Being “compliant” means that a company follows all necessary laws to keep sensitive information secure. Compliance matters for anyone working in healthcare, especially when dealing with electronic health records (EHRs) and client data.

In health tech, HIPAA compliance, a term clinicians are familiar with, ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Protected Health Information (PHI) within the platform. GDPR compliance means following the data regulations established by the GDPR, UK GDPR, and UK DPA to provide important security measures for the protection of personal data of individuals within the EU and UK. Combining US and EU standards, Upheal meets and exceeds US state and federal laws for security and privacy of data.

Therapy parallel: Maintaining compliance is like following an agreed-upon set of rules to keep your client’s information safe. It’s not just about saying, “We keep your secrets” — it’s a commitment to privacy that covers all interactions and records, ensuring that everything stays within the bounds of confidentiality. Imagine it as ensuring your therapy room is soundproof, keeping conversations private, and upholding strict protocols about when and how information is shared. HIPAA and GDPR compliance in tech set these same boundaries, regulating how data is stored, accessed, and shared to keep client information safe. Privacy isn’t just a promise; it’s a structured framework of protection. Maintaining client trust is essential to therapeutic success, so working with compliant software is critical.

3. Encrypted 

Definition: Encryption is a process that transforms information into a secure code, making it unreadable to anyone without the proper authorization. Encryption in mental health tech looks like scrambling the recorded session data or notes so that even if someone were to hack into it, they would not be able to read it. 

Therapy parallel: Encryption is the digital equivalent of a locked filing cabinet where client records are stored. Just as you might lock up sensitive documents and only share details when absolutely necessary or with explicit consent, encryption 'locks' digital information so that only authorized people (with the right 'key') can access it. Even if someone intercepts this information, without the key, it remains unreadable, like scrambled notes. Encryption is a way of securing digital data with confidentiality in mind, ensuring that it’s only accessible to those meant to see it.

4. SOC 2 Type II 

Definition: This is a security standard that certifies a company’s commitment to safeguarding data, verifying it meets stringent data protection measures over time.

Therapy parallel: Think of SOC 2 Type II as the equivalent of measurement-based care in therapy. Just as measurement-based care uses regular assessments to demonstrate that therapy is effective, SOC 2 Type II provides ongoing proof that a company’s security practices are strong and reliable. It’s not just about having protocols in place; it’s about continuously showing that these protections work. This certification gives clients and users added confidence that the system is robust and capable of keeping their data safe.

5. Cloud infrastructure

Definition: Sounds a little dreamy, but the “cloud” is simply a virtual storage system that holds data securely on the internet, rather than on local servers. 

Therapy parallel: Picture the cloud as a digital safe space for your client notes and data—a digital couch, if you will. The cloud allows information to rest in a secure place, accessible wherever you need it but always under strict protection. Just as you provide a welcoming, safe environment for your clients, cloud storage for therapy notes provides the same for data, offering secure storage without cluttering your physical (or digital) workspace.

6. Workflows 

Definition: Workflows are step-by-step processes designed to automate tasks and guide users through specific activities in a structured way.

Therapy parallel: An example of a therapist workflow automation is the clinical process itself. From intake to assessment, treatment planning, progress measurement, discharge, and follow-up, this structured path ensures that each stage flows seamlessly into the next. Just as therapists follow this clinical pathway to provide comprehensive care, workflow automation organizes each task, making sure nothing is missed along the way. By automating parts of this process, therapists can spend more time focused on client care, with each step building toward meaningful outcomes.

7. Secure infrastructure provider

Definition: This is the company responsible for securely hosting and protecting all of your data.

Therapy parallel: A secure infrastructure for therapists is like the office landlord. A good landlord ensures that the building is reinforced, the doors are solid, and the locks are strong. In tech, a reliable infrastructure provider means you’re in a safe “office” where no one can just access data. With a secure provider, you’re assured that both your virtual “walls” and “locks” are reinforced.

8. Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

Definition: A BAA is a contract that ensures any third-party service handling health information follows privacy laws, protecting client data.

Therapy parallel: This is like a confidentiality pact between co-therapists in a group practice. A BAA is a formal promise that says, “We’re all on the same page when it comes to privacy.” It ensures that PHI is used very carefully and only for the purposes of providing a particular service. Therefore, data cannot be sold, disclosed, or used in any way not set out by the agreement or allowed by law. In short, it’s an alliance between the software you use and any third-party service, ensuring they both uphold confidentiality and protect sensitive information. Check out Upheal’s BAA here.

9. Light integration or a full API

Definition: Light integration is a basic, limited connection between systems, while a full API offers deep, complex interactivity and customization.

Therapy parallel: Light integration is like working with a single provider who addresses a specific need, while a full API is like coordinating care with an entire interdisciplinary team. Light integration provides a limited connection, similar to a one-on-one interaction where the provider focuses on a single aspect of care. In contrast, a full API enables deeper and more dynamic collaboration, akin to a care team sharing information, developing comprehensive plans, and working together seamlessly to meet all aspects of a client’s needs. It’s the difference between a focused individual effort and a fully integrated team approach.

10. Insights and more insights 

Definition: Insights refer to data-driven observations, or in this case, mental health data analytics that give a clearer understanding of trends, performance, and risk.

Therapy parallel: Think of insights as those “aha!” moments in therapy. It’s the breakthrough that makes all the pieces fall into place, clarifying patterns and shedding light on complex issues. Insights in tech offer the same gift of understanding, turning raw data into something actionable and meaningful—like that moment when a client’s story suddenly clicks.

And there you have it!

Therapists are natural translators, taking complex thoughts and emotions and turning them into insights that lead to healing. Now, with these tech translations, you’re ready to decode the digital world too! Whether it’s supporting privacy, organization, or gaining valuable insights, the right tech can empower your practice, helping you focus on what you do best — caring for your clients. Explore more about Upheal here and see how our AI notes can take your practice to the next level.