Licensed Telehealth Psychologist for Maryland & Washington, DC
Call Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst at (301) 578-8760 to schedule your MD & DC telehealth session.
Secure Online Care
If you’re considering online therapy in Maryland or Washington, DC, you may wonder how your personal information is protected. I prioritize therapy confidentiality and technology to ensure your sessions are secure and private.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical therapy, and in virtual care, it’s supported by secure technology and professional standards.
I’m Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience. I provide HIPAA-compliant online therapy to adults, couples, and families. This page explains how I protect your privacy and what you can expect from a secure virtual therapy experience.
What Is Confidentiality in Therapy?
Confidentiality means that what you share in therapy stays private. Therapy confidentiality and technology in Maryland and Washington, DC are guided by strict HIPAA standards to ensure your privacy during every virtual session. As your therapist, I am legally and ethically bound to protect your personal information. This includes:
- What you say during sessions
- Your identity and contact information
- Clinical notes and treatment plans
- Any records related to your care
There are a few rare exceptions to confidentiality (such as risk of harm to self or others), which I will review with you before we begin. This resource, which includes information on starting virtual therapy in Maryland and Washington, DC that is secure and confidential is ideal for clients seeking clarity before committing to care.
The Three Stages of Emotion Focused Therapy
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a U.S. law that sets strict standards for protecting personal health information. Any platform used for telehealth must comply with HIPAA to ensure:
- Data encryption during transmission
- Access controls to prevent unauthorized viewing
- Audit trails to track access and changes
- Secure storage of clinical records
I only use platforms and tools that meet these requirements
I take therapy confidentiality and technology in Maryland and Washington, DC seriously, using encrypted platforms like Zoom for Healthcare to protect your personal information. While I take every measure to protect your confidentiality, your environment also plays a role. To support your privacy:
- Choose a quiet, private space for sessions
- Use headphones if others are nearby
- Avoid public Wi-Fi or shared devices
- Let me know if your location or privacy changes
Together, we’ll create a safe and secure space for therapy — even when we’re not in the same room.
Understanding therapy confidentiality and technology in Maryland and Washington, DC can help you feel more secure as you begin online counseling from home or work. In online therapy, confidentiality is supported by secure digital tools. I use:
- HIPAA-compliant video platforms to ensure encrypted, private sessions
- Secure electronic records with password-protected access
- Encrypted email and file-sharing for intake forms and communication
- Private scheduling systems that do not share your information with third parties
These tools are chosen specifically to meet or exceed federal privacy standards.
Questions about therapy confidentiality and technology in Maryland and Washington, DC are common, and I’m happy to explain how your data and sessions remain protected.
Is online therapy really private? Yes. With HIPAA-compliant tools and a private setting, online therapy can be just as confidential as in-person care.
Are sessions recorded? No. I do not record sessions, and I discourage clients from doing so unless we’ve discussed and agreed upon it in advance.
What if my internet connection is unstable? We can switch to a phone session if needed. I’ll always prioritize continuity of care and your comfort.
What happens to my records? Your records are stored securely in an encrypted, HIPAA-compliant system. You may request access to your records at any time.
If you’re considering online therapy in Maryland and DC, take a moment to explore how virtual therapy works in Washington for a step-by-step look at the process. My approach to therapy confidentiality and technology in Maryland and Washington, DC ensures that your emotional work remains private, respectful, and professionally safeguarded. I offer secure online therapy to clients physically located in:
- Maryland: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, Gaithersburg
- Washington, DC: Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Navy Yard, Northwest DC
You must be located in Maryland or Washington, DC at the time of your session to receive care.
Schedule a Virtual Therapy Session
Confidentiality is not just a legal requirement, it’s the foundation of a safe, effective therapeutic relationship. If you have questions about how your privacy is protected, I’m happy to talk through the details.
I’m here for you
Clients often ask about therapy confidentiality and technology, and I provide transparent answers to build trust. Before starting online therapy in Maryland and DC, visit the Therapy FAQ to learn what to expect from your first session.
Therapy confidentiality and technology are essential to creating a safe, ethical space for emotional work.