Telehealth sessions require a level of privacy that casual video calls do not. When a client shares personal information during a therapy session, coaching call, or medical consultation, they need to trust that the conversation stays private.
InstantVideoCall offers encrypted, no-recording, no-data-storage video calls. But we need to be upfront about an important distinction: we are NOT HIPAA-certified. If your practice legally requires HIPAA compliance, you need a dedicated telehealth platform.
What We Offer for Privacy
- TLS encryption. All video and audio data is encrypted in transit between your browser and the server
- No recording. Calls are not recorded. There is no recording button, no transcript, no audio capture. The conversation exists only while it happens
- No data storage. We do not store call data, participant information, or session history. When the call ends, nothing remains on our servers
- No accounts. Neither the provider nor the client creates an account. No personal information is collected. No email, no phone number, no name
- Random room links. Each call gets a randomly generated room name that is not guessable. Only people with the link can join
For a deeper look at how the privacy model works, see our private video calls security guide and our private video call page.
Who This Works For
This tool is appropriate for practitioners and scenarios where HIPAA compliance is not legally required:
- Life coaches and wellness coaches. Coaching sessions are not regulated by HIPAA. A private, encrypted video call is sufficient
- Private practice therapists in non-regulated contexts. Some therapists operate outside the US healthcare system or in contexts where HIPAA does not apply. Verify with your licensing board
- Consultants. Business consultants, career coaches, and advisors who discuss sensitive but non-medical information. See video calls for consulting
- Peer support groups. Small group calls for support groups where participants want privacy but regulatory compliance is not a factor
- Initial consultations. A brief introductory call before a client commits to a platform. No commitment needed from either side
Who Should Use a Different Tool
If you are a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or medical professional in the United States providing clinical care, you likely need HIPAA-compliant video. Tools built for this include:
- Doxy.me (free tier available, HIPAA-compliant, browser-based)
- VSee (HIPAA-compliant, used by the VA)
- SimplePractice (practice management + telehealth)
These platforms offer Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and meet the technical safeguards HIPAA requires. We do not. Being honest about this protects both you and your clients.
Client Experience
For the clients who can use this tool, the experience is straightforward. You send them a link before the session. They click it in their browser. No app to install, no account to create, no sign-up form asking for personal information. The session starts with zero friction.
This low-friction approach is especially valuable for clients who are hesitant about therapy or coaching. Reducing every barrier between "I want to try this" and "I am in the session" matters.
Session Tips for Practitioners
A few practical considerations for running sessions over browser-based video:
- Generate a new link for each session. Do not reuse links across clients. Each session should have its own room for privacy
- Test your setup before the first session. Verify your camera, microphone, and internet connection. A technical issue during a sensitive conversation breaks trust
- Use headphones. This prevents the client's voice from echoing back through your speakers, which is both distracting and a privacy concern if others are nearby
- Have a backup plan. If the connection drops, have a phone number ready so you can call the client while you generate a new link