# Does a mental health system need an offline mode, and how do we keep it secure?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/does-a-mental-health-system-need-an-offline-mode-and-how-do-we-keep-it-secure
For: Digital health teams | Digital health and technology | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** In areas with unreliable connectivity or power, offline capability keeps appointments and notes going. If you store data on devices, encrypt it, require a PIN or biometric unlock, limit what is cached to what staff need, and enable remote wipe for lost devices. Plan how conflicting edits are resolved when devices sync, and show staff clearly when data has not yet uploaded. The OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard gives testable requirements for secure local storage and authentication.

Sources: OWASP: https://mas.owasp.org/MASVS - Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/ln/2025/76/eng@2025-04-11

## Related questions

- [Can an AI chatbot be used to detect suicide risk or triage mental health crises?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-an-ai-chatbot-be-used-to-detect-suicide-risk-or-triage-mental-health-crises)
- [Can generative AI be offered to clients for emotional support between sessions?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-generative-ai-be-offered-to-clients-for-emotional-support-between-sessions)
- [Can PHQ-9 and similar screening tools be delivered digitally and scored automatically?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-phq-9-and-similar-screening-tools-be-delivered-digitally-and-scored-automatically)

---

**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

- Book a demo: https://tymirahealth.com/demo
- Contact: https://tymirahealth.com/contact (info@tymirahealth.com)
- All resources: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/all