Terapi.ka
Compliance
8 min read

GDPR for therapists: a practical compliance guide

A clear overview of GDPR requirements for therapists. What data you collect, consent requirements, data protection measures, and patient rights.

What data you collect as a therapist

As a therapist, you process sensitive personal data — from contact information and session history to therapy notes and health data. Under GDPR, this data falls into special categories that require extra care during processing. The good news is that GDPR compliance is not as complex as it may seem. The essence is knowing what data you collect, why you collect it, and how you protect it. Start by reviewing all the data you keep about your clients.

Consent and patient rights

To process personal data, you need an appropriate legal basis. For therapists, this is most often client consent or necessity to fulfill a contract. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. Your clients have the right to access their data, request corrections, erasure (the right to be forgotten), and portability. Terapi.ka allows you to record consent digitally and export or delete client data on request — all in accordance with the law.

Practical data protection measures

Data protection starts with the basics: strong passwords, data encryption, and limited access. Avoid sending sensitive data via regular email and don't store client records on unprotected devices. Terapi.ka encrypts all client data with AES-256 encryption, maintains an audit trail of every access, and supports two-factor authentication. This gives you peace of mind that your clients' data is protected to the highest standards — so you can focus on therapy.

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Frequently asked questions

What GDPR obligations do therapists have?

Therapists must ensure client data is encrypted, obtain consent for data processing, maintain data processing records, and provide clients with access and deletion rights.

Do I need a data protection officer as a solo therapist?

Solo therapists typically don't need a formal DPO, but you must still comply with all GDPR requirements regarding data security and client privacy.

How long can I retain client therapy records under GDPR?

Retention periods vary by country and profession. Generally, you should only keep data as long as there's a legitimate purpose, and inform clients of your retention policy.

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