Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 26, 2025

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us via phone, email, or contact forms
• Schedule an appointment or consultation
• Complete intake forms or assessments
• Engage in therapy services

This information may include:

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Emergency contact information
• Insurance information (if applicable)
• Health history and clinical information
• Payment and billing information

Protected Health Information (PHI)

As a licensed clinical social worker providing mental health services, we collect and maintain Protected Health Information as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This includes:

• Mental health diagnoses and treatment records
• Session notes and clinical observations
• Treatment plans and progress notes
• Correspondence related to your care

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website or source

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our therapeutic services
• Communicate with you about appointments, treatment, and administrative matters
• Process payments and maintain billing records
• Comply with legal and professional obligations
• Coordinate care with other providers (with your consent)
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Improve our website and services

3. HIPAA Compliance & Health Information

Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the right to:

• Access your records: Request copies of your health information
• Amend your records: Request corrections to your health information
• Accounting of disclosures: Receive a list of certain disclosures of your information
• Request restrictions: Ask for limits on how we use or share your information
• Confidential communications: Request that we contact you in a specific way
• File a complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated

Confidentiality of Mental Health Records

Mental health records receive special protection under Maryland law. We will not release your mental health information without your written authorization except as permitted or required by law, including:

• When there is imminent danger to you or others
• When there is suspected abuse of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult
• When ordered by a court of law
• For certain healthcare operations and treatment purposes

4. Telehealth Services

If you engage in telehealth (video or phone) sessions, please be aware:

• We use HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms with encryption
• You are responsible for ensuring privacy on your end of the session
• We recommend using a private space with a secure internet connection
• Telehealth sessions are subject to the same confidentiality protections as in-person sessions
• Technical failures may occur; we will work to reconnect or reschedule as needed

5. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

With Your Consent

We will share your information with other healthcare providers, schools, or family members only with your written authorization.

For Treatment Coordination

With your consent, we may share relevant information with:

• Psychiatrists or physicians managing your medications
• Other therapists or counselors involved in your care
• Schools or educational consultants (for minors)
• Therapeutic programs or placement facilities

As Required by Law

We may disclose information when required by federal, state, or local law, including:

• Court orders or legal proceedings
• Mandatory reporting requirements (abuse, danger to self/others)
• Health oversight activities
• Law enforcement requests as permitted by law

Business Operations

We may share limited information with:

• Billing and payment processors (encrypted and limited data)
• Professional consultants and supervisors (de-identified)
• Technology providers who maintain our systems (under confidentiality agreements)

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encrypted electronic health records
• Secure, password-protected systems
• Physical safeguards for paper records
• Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security assessments and updates
• HIPAA-compliant communication and storage systems

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Retention of Records

We retain your health records in accordance with Maryland law and professional standards:

• Adult records: Minimum of 5 years after the last date of service
• Minor records: Until the minor reaches age 21, or 5 years after the last service, whichever is longer
• Billing records: 7 years for tax and audit purposes

After the retention period, records are securely destroyed using HIPAA-compliant methods.

8. Minors & Parental Rights

For clients under 18 years of age:

• Parents or legal guardians typically have access to their minor's health information
• Maryland law provides certain confidentiality protections for minors in specific circumstances
• We encourage open communication between parents and teens while respecting therapeutic boundaries
• The specific boundaries around confidentiality will be discussed and agreed upon at the start of treatment

9. Website & Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Understand how visitors use our site
• Improve website functionality

You can set your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. Note that some parts of the website may not function properly without cookies.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as educational resources or referral services). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us