Effective Date: January 18, 2025
At Hearts and Minds, we are committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the personal and sensitive information you share with us. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect, how we use it, and the steps we take to protect it. By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this policy..
Information We Collect
We collect personal information when you use our services, including but not limited to:
- Personal Identifiable Information (PII): This may include your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and date of birth.
- Health Information: As part of providing mental health care, we collect information about your mental health history, medical conditions, treatment plans, and progress notes. This information is essential for providing appropriate care.
How We Use Your Information
The information we collect is used for the following purposes:
- To provide mental health therapy and counseling services.
- To communicate with you regarding your appointments, treatment, and related matters.
- To process payments and insurance claims (if applicable).
- To comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements, including maintaining accurate health records as required by law.
- To manage and improve our practice, including using anonymized data for analysis and improvement purposes.
Confidentiality and Security
We understand the sensitive nature of the information you share with us, and we take appropriate measures to safeguard your privacy:
- All personal health information is kept confidential in compliance with HIPAA (or applicable privacy laws in your jurisdiction).
- We store your personal and health information securely using encryption and other security measures.
- Your information will only be shared with other healthcare professionals, insurance companies, or third parties when required by law or with your explicit consent.
Sharing and Disclosure of Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may disclose your information under the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: We may share information with others if you provide written consent for us to do so.
- For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information as required by law, including in response to subpoenas, legal processes, or investigations.
- To Protect Your Health and Safety: If we believe there is a risk of harm to you or others, we may disclose information to appropriate authorities to protect your well-being or the well-being of others.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: You can request a copy of the personal and health information we have on file.
- Corrections: If you believe any information we have is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that it be updated.
- Confidentiality Preferences: You can request certain limitations on how we communicate with you (e.g., preferred contact methods).
- Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent for sharing information with certain parties at any time, except where disclosure is required by law.
Data Retention
We will retain your personal and health information for as long as it is necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. If you wish to have your information removed from our records, please contact us.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update or change this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at:
Huri Kushner, LMSW
Hearts and Minds, PLLC
[email protected]