Can therapists use regular Zoom for sessions?

No. Standard Zoom does not sign a Business Associate Agreement (HIPAA) or Data Processing Agreement (GDPR) and is not appropriate for clinical telehealth. Zoom for Healthcare, which includes a BAA, is a different product.

What is the best free video platform for telehealth?

Doxy.me offers a free tier with HIPAA BAA and GDPR DPA, no client download required, and reliable connection quality. It's the most recommended starting point for therapists moving to telehealth.

Best Video Platforms for Telehealth in 2026: A Therapist's Guide

Not all video platforms are appropriate for therapy. Here's how HIPAA and GDPR compliance works for video, which platforms are actually usable, and what to look for.

The video platform you use for telehealth is a clinical decision, not just a technology preference. It must be secure, compliant with the law in your clients' jurisdiction, reliable enough for live sessions, and easy enough for clients to use without a download barrier. In 2026, the good news is that several solid options exist for both HIPAA and GDPR-compliant practice.

What compliance means for video platforms

HIPAA (US clients): requires a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) signed with the platform. Consumer Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet (personal), and Skype do not provide BAAs and are not appropriate for clinical use.

GDPR (EU clients): requires a Data Processing Agreement (DPA), data processing in GDPR-compliant infrastructure, and lawful basis for processing. Platforms must be willing to enter a DPA and must handle EU data appropriately.

Comparison of major platforms in 2026

Platform	HIPAA (BAA)	GDPR (DPA)	No download needed	Free tier

|---|---|---|---|---|

Doxy.me	✓	✓	✓	✓
Whereby	✓	✓	✓	✓ (limited)
Google Meet (Workspace)	✓ with BAA	✓ with DPA	✓	✗
Telehealth by SimplePractice	✓	Limited	✓	Included in SP
VSee	✓	✓	✓	✓

Standard consumer Zoom, FaceTime, standard Google Meet, and Skype are not appropriate for clinical telehealth — they don't sign BAAs or DPAs.

What matters most in practice

No download for clients: platforms that require a client to install an app create friction, missed sessions, and tech support calls. Doxy.me, Whereby, and VSee all work in-browser — a significant practical advantage.

Connection stability: the most compliant platform is useless if it drops connections. Test your chosen platform on your typical internet connection and have a backup plan (phone call) documented in your consent form.

International access: some platforms are blocked in certain countries (Zoom is restricted in some regions). If you serve clients in diverse locations, confirm the platform is accessible in their country.

The backup protocol

Every telehealth consent form should include what happens if the video connection fails. A simple protocol: if the session drops, you will call the client's provided phone number within 5 minutes. Documenting this isn't bureaucracy — it's what clients need to feel secure in an online relationship.

The bottom line

For most solo therapists, Doxy.me (free, no download, BAA + DPA available) is the easiest starting point. For established practices wanting deeper practice management integration, Zoom for Healthcare or your EHR's built-in telehealth function are strong options.