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"I do send fewer faxes. Once [collaborators] had access to such an easy to use encrypted service, it certainly did cut down on the number of things I've been having to do."
Drew Brauer
Office Manager
For a mental health organization, safeguarding client privacy isn't just good practice—it's essential to the therapeutic relationship and required by law. FairSky Foundation, founded by social justice-oriented psychologists, has been providing humanistic, person-centered therapy for eight years, with a special focus on accessibility.
As a mission-driven nonprofit, FairSky focuses on making quality mental health care accessible to everyone, particularly serving those who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to afford therapy services.
With a mission like that, it’s vital to remove roadblocks to care. In some situations, those roadblocks can be as simple as clunky, complex digital communication.
When changing their staffing model required heightened security protocols, FairSky turned to Virtru to protect sensitive client communications while maintaining their commitment to accessible care.
With Virtru, FairSky Foundation can:
As part of their commitment to organizational excellence, FairSky strategically evolved their staffing model.
"A couple years ago, we made the decision to transition our clinicians from 1099 contractors to W2 employees in response to evolving employment regulations," explained Drew Brauer of FairSky Foundation. "This proactive step ensured our organization could continue providing uninterrupted services to clients while strengthening our operational foundation."
This transition presented an opportunity to enhance their data security protocols. While they already had HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace for internal communications, they recognized the need for a comprehensive solution that would better protect external communications with the same level of care.
"We do a lot of communication with people who are not part of the organization, whether it's therapists emailing clients to schedule or taking on new referrals. We have people sending us insurance information all the time and not everything can be done via fax," said Brauer.
Recommended Reading: Are Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365 HIPAA Compliant? How to Choose the Best HIPAA Compliant Email and File Sharing
FairSky began researching encrypted email solutions. Among several options, including Proton Mail, Virtru stood out for its seamless integration and user-friendly interface.
"Virtru was one of the many I'd read about and it just seemed like the most user friendly," Brauer noted. "The features are very much things that we make great usage of here in the org, and in this field. So once we knew we needed something like this and then found this, it was kind of like a no brainer."
For an organization focused on accessibility, Virtru's approach to recipient experience was particularly important.
"Client communications are the key thing we wanted to keep secure and private, and there's only so many ways to do that. To have something as flexible as Virtru, especially with people not having to download an app on the other side or be a registered user—the easier we can make things for our clients the better because accessibility is a really big part of our mission."
FairSky implemented Virtru gradually, beginning with their administrative team before rolling it out to clinicians. Despite the typical challenges of introducing new technology, the process was remarkably smooth.
"It is so ridiculously easy to use," Brauer emphasized. "Once we decided on it, got the contract signed, I just had to click an email link and I got access to the control center and then you just add users by putting their email in and they get a link to click. This couldn't be easier."
Getting staff on board was similarly straightforward. When questions arose about what clients would see, simple screenshots helped clarify the process.
Brauer notes, "Reminding people is the hardest part. Or, getting certain individuals to follow through with it, but that's not a Virtru issue, that's just how people work."
Beyond securing communications, Virtru has improved FairSky's workflow efficiencies.
"I do send fewer faxes," Brauer confirmed. "Once [collaborators] had access to such an easy to use encrypted service, it certainly did cut down on the number of things I've been having to do."
The visual indicators of security that come with Virtru-encrypted emails also help build client trust. Advanced features like customization with organizational colors and logos help reinforce FairSky's brand while assuring clients that communications are legitimate. "We could customize it with our color and our logo. So it's not like, 'is this a scam?' No, because it's not," Brauer added.
By implementing Virtru, FairSky Foundation demonstrates their commitment to both client security and accessibility—core values that drive their mission to provide quality mental health care to all who need it. It sends not only a secure message, but a lasting message.
"It's an observable: 'we care about protecting you as a client.’”
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