The FTC Bans BetterHelp From Revealing Consumers' Sensitive Personal Data

Welcome back to TherapyChat! This week, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C speaks out about a major issue affecting those who use online mental health platforms like BetterHelp and others, and how this breach of public trust is likely to impact trauma survivors and anyone who has been abused or marginalized particularly deeply. Laura reminds listeners that we all have a voice, even when learning about abuse, as horrifying as it is, we are not powerless. In this episode Laura goes through the press release, pointing out important parts and offers some suggestions of what those affected can do. 

 

Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, a trauma therapist located in Maryland, United States, who hosts Therapy Chat Podcast, shares important information that consumers who have used BetterHelp and other online mental health platforms need to know. Laura shares information from a press release sent out by the United States Federal Trade Commission regarding reported violations of privacy protections they claimed they would provide. According to the press release, BetterHelp lied to consumers of its services by telling them that their private mental health information would be kept confidential, while they were allegedly selling data gleaned from the consumers to social media companies and others for profit. Laura reviews the press release and explains what consumers can do, including commenting on the Federal Register post when it is made; claiming a portion of the projected $7.8 Million fine which the Federal Trade Commission proposes to impose on the corporation to punish them for their dishonest practices, according to the press release. Laura advocates for consumers to speak with their BetterHelp therapists, consider contacting attorneys regarding what legal rights they may have to hold BetterHelp accountable for these unethical actions alleged in the press release.

 

Laura's offering a FREE community call for therapists who working with BetterHelp to hold space for grief, anger, and action. Get more information about this on Laura's Instagram here.

 

Link to FTC press release: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/03/ftc-ban-betterhelp-revealing-consumers-data-including-sensitive-mental-health-information-facebook

 

Link to full proposed consent order: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/202_3169-betterhelp-consent.pdf

Link to full proposed consent order

Link to FTC blog with more details: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/03/ftc-says-online-counseling-service-betterhelp-pushed-people-handing-over-health-information-broke? 

Link to Federal Register https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current