1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We take your privacy seriously. We:

• Comply with all applicable federal privacy and security laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the HITECH Act.
• Comply with all applicable state privacy and mental health confidentiality laws, including those specific to the state(s) in which we are licensed and provide care, including Florida, if applicable.
• Will never sell, rent, trade, or otherwise monetize your personal information or health information, even if that information is not protected by HIPAA.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

a. Protected Health Information (PHI)

Information related to your mental health care, including but not limited to:

• Diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes, and medication history
• Appointment records
• Insurance and billing information
• Communications related to your care

b. Personal Information (Non-PHI)

Information that may not be considered PHI but is still treated with strict confidentiality, such as:

• Name, address, email address, and phone number
• Date of birth
• Emergency contact information
• Information submitted through our website or patient portal

c. Website and Technology Information

If you visit our website, we may collect limited technical data such as:

• IP address
• Browser type and device information
• Pages visited and time spent on the site

This information is used solely for website functionality, security, and performance monitoring.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information only as permitted by law, including to:

• Provide psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment
• Coordinate care and manage prescriptions
• Process billing and insurance claims
• Communicate with you regarding appointments, care, and practice operations
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and licensing requirements

We do not use your information for marketing purposes without your explicit written authorization.

4. Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your information only as allowed or required by law, including:

a. Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

As permitted by HIPAA, we may disclose information to:

• Other health care providers involved in your care
• Insurance companies or payers
• Practice operations such as billing, auditing, or quality assurance

b. Business Associates

We may share information with HIPAA-compliant third parties, such as electronic health record systems, billing services, and telehealth platforms, who are contractually required to protect your information.

c. Legal and Safety Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, including:

• Mandatory reporting, such as abuse or neglect
• Court orders or subpoenas
• Situations involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others

5. State-Specific Privacy Protections

In addition to HIPAA, we comply with all applicable state laws governing mental health records, confidentiality, and patient rights. Where state law provides greater privacy protection than federal law, we follow the more protective standard.

6. Your Rights Under HIPAA and State Law

You have the right to:

• Access and obtain a copy of your medical records
• Request corrections or amendments to your records
• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
• Request confidential communications
• Receive an accounting of disclosures
• Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy
• File a complaint without fear of retaliation

Requests must be submitted in writing. Some requests may be subject to legal limitations.

7. Data Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Secure electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Encrypted communication platforms when available
• Access controls and authentication procedures

Despite these safeguards, no system can guarantee absolute security.

8. Telehealth and Electronic Communications

Telehealth services and electronic communications carry inherent privacy risks. We use HIPAA-compliant platforms whenever possible and recommend that you take reasonable precautions on your end, such as using private devices and secure internet connections.

9. Children and Minors

We protect the privacy of minors in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state laws governing parental access, consent, and confidentiality in mental health treatment.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.