Introduction

At Heart Root Counseling, we understand the importance of privacy, especially when it comes to mental health services. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address

• Demographic Information: Age, gender, and other demographic details voluntarily provided

• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address, and other financial information needed for payment processing

Website Information

• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our website, including IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages, and other analytics data

• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and improve our therapy services

• Communicate with you about appointments, treatment, and billing

• Process payments and insurance claims

• Comply with legal and ethical obligations

• Maintain accurate medical records

• Improve our website and services

How We Protect Your Information

Heart Root Counseling implements appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information, including:

• Secure, encrypted electronic health record systems

• Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only

• Regular security assessments and updates

• Staff training on privacy and security procedures

• Secure disposal of information when no longer needed

Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent

• For treatment purposes with other healthcare providers involved in your care

• For payment processing and insurance claims

• To comply with legal obligations, such as court orders or subpoenas

• In emergency situations to prevent harm

• With business associates who perform services on our behalf (subject to confidentiality agreements)

We will never sell your personal information to third parties.

HIPAA Compliance

As a healthcare provider, Heart Root Counseling complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You will receive our Notice of Privacy Practices, which provides detailed information about how protected health information may be used and disclosed.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Request corrections to inaccurate information

• Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures

• Receive an accounting of disclosures of your information

• Request confidential communications

• Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices

• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

Children's Privacy

Heart Root Counseling provides services to adolescents. For clients under 18 years of age, we collect information with the consent of a parent or legal guardian in accordance with applicable laws regarding minor consent to treatment.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the effective date.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Heart Root Counseling

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of New York and applicable federal laws of the United States.