Why Google Meet Is Failing Therapists—and What They Should Use Instead

We all love Google Meet. It’s simple, syncs effortlessly with our calendars, and has a clean interface that makes virtual meetings painless. But the truth is, Google Meet was never built for therapy. Unless you’re on a Google Workspace plan with a proper Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place, you’re risking more than just convenience. For therapists, privacy, compliance, and clinical functionality aren’t nice to have; they’re non-negotiable.

Why Signing a BAA Matters More Than You Think

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legal contract that ensures any platform handling client information follows HIPAA privacy and security rules. When you use Google Meet without a signed BAA, Google isn’t bound to protect your clients’ sensitive data under those regulations. That means recordings, chat logs, or calendar invites could fall outside HIPAA’s protection. By signing a BAA, you make Google legally accountable for safeguarding client information, limiting access, and reporting breaches. In short, it’s what separates a compliant teletherapy setup from a potential liability.

If you haven’t signed a BAA or don’t use Google Workspace, this should be the very first step you take to protect your clients’ privacy. Every session, message, and shared document can contain sensitive health information that you’re legally and ethically responsible for securing. Without a BAA, even a routine therapy call could expose you to compliance risks. Setting up Workspace and signing a BAA isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of building trust and ensuring your clients’ data stays safe.

Few Alternatives to Google Meet

1. Zoom for Healthcare – A HIPAA-compliant version of Zoom available under a BAA, offering reliable video quality and additional security controls.

2. Doxy.me – A simple, browser-based telehealth platform that’s HIPAA compliant and doesn’t require clients to download anything.

3. TheraNest – Offers video sessions integrated directly with scheduling, billing, and documentation for mental-health practices.

4. Serene – Built specifically for therapists, it combines secure video sessions with notes, assessments, and client records in one HIPAA-ready platform.

Unlike general video platforms, these telehealth tools are purpose-built to handle the sensitive nature of therapy sessions. They don’t just offer video calls—they provide end-to-end encryption, secure data storage, and workflows designed around clinical needs. Features like integrated notes, client records, consent forms, and audit trails ensure that every interaction stays compliant with privacy laws and professional ethics. You’re not just getting a meeting app; you’re using a system that understands the responsibility of handling mental health information. That’s why therapists can trust these platforms to protect both their clients and their practice.

What You Must Consider Before Using Any Platform

• Ease of Use – The platform should be simple for both you and your clients to join sessions without technical hassle or long setup steps.

• Minimal Distractions – A clean, focused interface helps maintain therapeutic presence without pop-ups, notifications, or unrelated tools.

• Privacy Policy and Terms of Use – Read how the platform handles and stores your clients’ data. If the policy feels vague or overly permissive, that’s a red flag.

• Security Controls – Check for end-to-end encryption, invite-only access, and the ability to lock or admit participants manually.

• HIPAA Compliance and BAA – Make sure the platform offers a signed Business Associate Agreement and adheres to healthcare data protection standards.

• Data Ownership – Ensure you retain full control over session data, notes, and client information, with the option to export or delete it anytime.

• Integrated Clinical Tools – Look for built-in features like documentation, scheduling, and progress tracking that support your workflow.

• Support and Reliability – A good teletherapy platform should have strong uptime, responsive support, and a clear plan for handling technical issues.

How Serene Aims to Be the Top Teletherapy Platform

Serene was created with one goal in mind—to make therapy seamless, secure, and truly centered around the clinician. Instead of forcing therapists to juggle multiple disconnected tools, Serene brings everything together in one intuitive space. Every feature, from secure video sessions to AI-powered note-taking and progress tracking, was built in collaboration with real mental health professionals.

Our teletherapy experience goes beyond just security. Serene analyzes every emotion, pause, and word spoken during a session to uncover meaningful patterns in tone and expression. These insights translate into powerful analytics that help therapists recognize emotional shifts, measure progress, and personalize care with greater accuracy. By turning conversations into clinically useful data, Serene empowers therapists to understand their clients on a deeper level—beyond what’s said, into how it’s felt.

Check out how Serene stands apart from a regular telehealth platform.