139. Cross-Border Therapy: The Top Legal and Privacy Tips Every Traveling Therapist Needs to Know!

In this episode, we’re tackling the biggest questions about teletherapy across borders—this is also a sneak peek into the Portable Practice Method that’s coming soon, this is a condensed version of the module, “Work From Anywhere Legally”. Hop on the waitlist here. When practicing in different states or countries, protecting client confidentiality and staying compliant with privacy regulations like HIPAA in the U.S. or GDPR in the EU are top priorities. Choosing an EHR that supports compliance, even when you’re abroad, is essential. Platforms like SimplePractice, Sessions Health, and Owl Practice offer time zone toggling features, which makes scheduling easier across locations and helps you stay on track no matter where you’re practicing. Navigating licensure requirements across regions is crucial. For example, if you’re licensed in one state but want to work with clients in another, you’ll need to confirm that your license covers the client’s location and meets that state’s regulations. This is even more complex internationally; offering services to clients in Europe, for example, requires compliance with GDPR, which may involve revising paperwork to meet those standards. Each session involves a quick checklist—confirming your license validity, tech compliance, and privacy protection—to keep your practice safe, legal, and smoothly adaptable as a Traveling Therapist.   Key Points   Ensure client confidentiality and legal compliance by using HIPAA- or GDPR-compliant platforms, especially when practicing across borders. Use EHR tools with time zone flexibility (like SimplePractice, OWL, or Sessions Health) to simplify scheduling across different locations. Confirm licensure validity in each client's location, and stay informed on both domestic and international privacy regulations for a compliant practice.   Portable Practice Method Waitlist -  https://www.subscribepage.com/portablepracticemethodwaitlist Sponsored by Berries:  Say goodbye to the burden of mental health notes with automated note and treatment plan creation! www.berries.icu/therapists   Sponsored by Alma:  Managing a private practice can be challenging. There are obstacles at every turn — from navigating the credentialing process, to managing finances, to finding new clients. That’s where Alma can help. Alma is on a mission to simplify access to mental health care by focusing first and foremost on supporting clinicians. https://helloalma.com/kym   Connect with me: Instagram: @thetravelingtherapist_kym   The Traveling Therapist Membership: https://kymtolson.kartra.com/page/travelingtherapistmembership   Revolutionize Your Private Practice with AI Course: https://kymtolson.kartra.com/page/ai   Signup to learn more about life as Traveling Therapist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l2v7c3   The Traveling Therapist Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlineandtraveling/   Bill Like A Boss Insurance Billing Community: https://kymtolson.kartra.com/page/blab   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcast | Stitcher | Amazon |  Castbox