Notice of Privacy Practices

Last updated: September 2025

Your Information. Your Rights. Therapists Responsibilities.

This notice describes how mental health treatment and related health care services (“mental health information”) about you may be used and disclosed. Please review it carefully. I aspire to a higher level of privacy, and as such, these are the methods I employ.

I do not use artificial intelligence (AI) in my business. AI is a hot topic right now in our world. I want you to know that I prioritize my clients’ privacy and confidentiality. For more information, read on at my AI and Therapy page.

Online Information Collection And Use

Upon visiting this site, you were asked to accept or decline the use of non-essential cookies. This is not required in the US, and cookies collect powerful information for the benefit of the business. Since I prioritize privacy in my business, I have incorporated this feature on my website. Websites frequently collect technical information from visitors through the use of cookies which are small files saved on your computer. Non-essential cookies collect technical information such as IP address, browser type, operating system, date and time of access, and usage details, such as pages visited. Essential cookies you cannot opt out of include those that remember if you opted in or out of non-essential cookies, track browser errors, remember devices for anti-fraud purposes, prevent cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and prevent redirect loops. I use any information collected only for providing and improving the site. By using the site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Session Security

Video sessions are held on a platform designed to prioritize the privacy and security of my client’s Protected Health Information (PHI). The video platform I use ensures that patient information is not only secure but also accessible to the client and myself. The platform features:

  • End-to-End Encryption: SecureVideo uses 256-bit AES encryption and DTLS protocols to protect patient-provider communications.

  • HITRUST r2 Certification: This recognition reflects SecureVideo’s dedication to data security, guaranteeing that users’ data is protected.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Consistently evolves to meet emerging security threats and maintain compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations.

Client sessions are equipped with their own access code embedded within the link for privacy.

In-person sessions are held in a shared suite exclusively for therapists with soundproofed walls and sound masking throughout. The therapy room is private, and only you and I will occupy it during your session. Please be assured that, despite AI being used by therapists for their in-session note-taking, I do not utilize AI for any aspect of my sessions, online or in-person. As such, I will not use recording or listening devices of any kind during our sessions.

Your Rights

When it comes to your mental health information, you have certain rights. This section explains your rights and some of the therapist’s responsibilities to help you.

Get an electronic or paper copy of your mental health record

  • I do not make use of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system for client records or notes. Client notes are not stored on a remote cloud or third-party site. Initial digitally signed documents are held in the cloud on a secure platform that’s equipped with end-to-end encryption using 256-bit AES encryption and DTLS protocols. This platform holds a HITRUST r2 Certification. I do not use artificial intelligence (AI) in any aspect of my business.

  • As such, getting an electronic or paper copy of your mental health record and other health information can be difficult. You can ask to see or get your mental health record, and I will provide a copy or a summary of your mental health information, usually within 30 days of your request. I will charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.

Process to request to correct your mental health record

  • You can ask your therapist to correct health information about you that you think is incorrect or incomplete. You may ask your therapist to amend the information or add an addendum (addition to the record) of no longer than 250 words for each inaccuracy. Your request for amendment and/or addendum must be in writing and give a reason for the request. Your therapist may deny your request for an amendment if the information was not created by them, is not a part of the information which you would be permitted to inspect and copy, or if the information is already accurate and complete. Even if your therapist accepts your request, they do not delete any information already in your records.

  • Your therapist may say “no” to your request, but they will tell you why in writing within 60 days.

Request confidential communications

  • You can ask your therapist to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address.

  • Your therapist will say “yes” to all reasonable requests.

Ask your therapist to limit what they use or share

  • I only share things when an ROI is in place or the law requires me to. Even with an ROI in place, you can ask your therapist not to use or share certain health information. Your therapist is not required to agree to your request, and they may say “no” if it would affect your care.

  • If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, I will not share that information with your health insurer.

Get a list of those with whom I’ve shared information

  • You can ask for a list (accounting) of the times I’ve shared your mental health information for six years prior to the date you ask, who I shared it with, and why.

  • I will charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.

Get a copy of this privacy notice

You can ask for a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive the notice electronically. I will provide you with a paper copy promptly. I will charge postage plus a reasonable, cost-based fee.

Choose someone to act for you

  • If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights and make choices about your mental health information.

  • I will make sure the person has this authority and can act for you before I take any action.

File a complaint if you feel your rights are violated

  • You can complain if you feel your therapist has violated your rights by contacting them using the information on their contact page.

  • You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/.

  • Please note that by filing a complaint, your health information will be shared with the Department investigating the complaint, as well as with related legal representatives.

  • Your therapist will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Therapist Uses and Disclosures

How do therapists typically use or share your health information?

Although therapists typically use or share your health information to treat you, run their organization, or bill for services, as a solo therapist, I don’t share your information without your express permission. With an ROI (Release of Information) from you, I can use your health information and share it with other professionals who are treating you. If you opt to use your health insurance, the superbill I provide you to submit for reimbursement must include your personal health information, including a diagnosis.

How else can your therapist use or share your health information?

Your therapist is allowed or required to share your information in other ways – usually in ways that contribute to the public good. Your therapist has to meet many conditions in the law before they can share your information for these purposes. For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html.

Comply with the law

Therapists are required to share information about you if state or federal laws require it, including with the Department of Health and Human Services if it wants to see that your therapist is complying with federal privacy law. Due to the way I operate my practice, I minimize the potentiality for HHS to exercise this right.

Respond to lawsuits and legal actions

Your therapist can share health information about you in response to a court or administrative order, or in response to a subpoena. This includes if you file a formal grievance.

Therapist Responsibilities

  • Therapists are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.

  • Therapists will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information. Due to my security practices, the risk of this in my practice is very small.

  • Therapists must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and give you a copy of it.

  • I will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you tell me I can by sumbitting a signed Release of Information (ROI) form. If you tell me I can, you may change your mind at any time. Let me know in writing if you change your mind.

For more information, see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.

Changes to the Terms of this Notice

I can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about my Privacy Practices, please contact me.