HIPAA Glossary · Data & information types
Psychotherapy notes
A therapist's process notes kept separate from the medical record. They receive extra protection: most disclosures require specific authorisation.
Context
Defined at §164.501. Psychotherapy notes are the therapist's private analysis and conversation notes, kept separate from the medical record. Most disclosures require specific written authorisation, and they sit outside the patient's ordinary access right. The exemption is narrow — session summaries, diagnoses, and treatment plans in the regular record are not psychotherapy notes.
Related terms
- Designated record set — The group of records a covered entity uses to make decisions about individuals — medical and billing records, claims and case management files.
- Authorisation — The signed, specific permission required for uses and disclosures beyond what the Privacy Rule permits.
Where this fits
This is one of 50+ terms in the HIPAA Glossary. For how HIPAA is structured end-to-end, see the Security Rule guide and the Privacy Rule guide.