Therapists and counselors handle protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA. Browser-based tools that process client information must meet strict standards — or avoid cloud processing entirely.
Here are Firefox extensions that support clinical workflows while keeping client information local.
Session notes without cloud grammar processing
AI Writing Assistant — grammar checking that runs locally in Firefox.
Therapy notes are PHI. Running them through a cloud grammar tool (Grammarly, LanguageTool) means client information is transmitted to and processed by a third-party server. This creates potential HIPAA compliance issues.
Local grammar checking eliminates this exposure. The text never leaves the browser.
Post-session voice capture
Voice Notes — voice memos that save locally as MP3.
After a session, before writing formal progress notes, some clinicians speak a brief summary to capture clinical observations while fresh. The audio saves locally — not to any cloud transcription service.
Research tabs for treatment planning
Tab Manager — save named research tabs per treatment area or population.
Treatment planning for a specific presenting concern might require: DSM-5 criteria, evidence-based treatment guidelines, relevant scales/assessments, and psychoeducation resources. Tab Manager saves this per clinical topic.
Daily session schedule and admin tasks
Daily Planner — today's clinical and administrative priorities on the new tab.
HIPAA compliance note: These are general-purpose tools, not certified EHR or clinical documentation software. They handle no client records. For official clinical documentation and PHI management, use a certified EHR system (SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, etc.). These extensions are for personal workflow support — research, task management, writing assistance — not for official clinical records.
These are part of a series of 11 Firefox extensions I built — see the full series.
