Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice

Effective Date: October 2022

Living Hope Mental Health Counseling, PLLC ("Living Hope," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through our website and mental health services.

HIPAA Compliance

Living Hope Mental Health Counseling, PLLC is a healthcare provider subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"). We maintain the privacy and security of protected health information ("PHI") in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Any protected health information collected in connection with the provision of counseling or behavioral health services is handled in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA requirements.

Information We Collect

We may collect:

Contact information submitted through forms, including name, email address, phone number, and insurance information.
Information provided when requesting an appointment or consultation.
Website usage information, including IP address, browser type, device information, and website analytics data.
Information voluntarily submitted through secure communications or intake forms.

How We Use Information

We may use information to:

Respond to inquiries and appointment requests.
Verify insurance eligibility and benefits.
Provide behavioral health services.
Communicate regarding scheduling, billing, or administrative matters.
Improve website functionality and user experience.
Comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations.

Protected Health Information

Protected health information is used and disclosed only as permitted or required by HIPAA and other applicable laws. We may use or disclose PHI for:

Treatment
Payment
Healthcare operations
Situations otherwise permitted or required by law

Additional information regarding these uses and disclosures is available upon request through our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Website Communications

Please be aware that communications submitted through website contact forms, standard email, or text messaging may not be fully secure. Individuals should avoid transmitting sensitive clinical information through unsecured channels.

If you become a client, secure communication options may be provided through our electronic health record or patient portal.

Third-Party Services

We may utilize third-party vendors to support our operations, including scheduling, telehealth, billing, analytics, email communications, and electronic health record services. Where required by HIPAA, Business Associate Agreements are maintained with applicable service providers.

Examples may include telehealth platforms, practice management software, secure cloud storage providers, and insurance billing services.

Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to understand website traffic and improve user experience. These technologies collect general website usage information and do not collect psychotherapy records or treatment information.

Visitors may adjust browser settings to limit cookie usage.

Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information and protected health information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

While we strive to protect all information, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Your Privacy Rights

Clients have rights regarding their protected health information under HIPAA, including the right to:

Access certain records.
Request corrections to information.
Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures.
Receive an accounting of certain disclosures.
Request confidential communications.

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.

Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website without appropriate consent.

Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Contact Information

Living Hope Mental Health Counseling, PLLC

Email: info@livinghopemhc.com

Phone: 929-445-2107

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact us using the information above.