HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

​Your Privacy Rights

This notice describes how mental health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. All information describing your mental health treatment and related health care services ("mental health information") is personal, and we are committed to protecting the privacy of the personal and mental health information you disclose to us. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of information that identifies you and the care you receive. When we disclose information to other persons and companies to perform services for us, we require them to protect your privacy, too. This notice applies to your counselor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, and other health care professionals who provide care to you.

​

Uses and Disclosures of Your Mental Health Information

• For Treatment: We may give information about your psychological condition to other health care providers to facilitate your treatment, referrals, or consultations.

• For Payment: We may contact your insurer to verify what benefits you are eligible for, to obtain prior authorization, and to receive payment from your insurance carrier.

• For Appointments and Services: We may remind you of an appointment or tell you about treatment alternatives or health-related benefits or services.

• With Your Written Authorization: We may use or disclose mental health information for purposes not described in this notice only with your written authorization.

​

Other Uses and Disclosures Without Your Written Authorization

• As Required by Law: When required or authorized by other laws, such as the reporting of child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse.

• For Health Oversight Activities: To governmental, licensing, auditing, and accrediting agencies as authorized or required by law, including audits; civil, administrative, or criminal investigations; licensure or disciplinary actions; and monitoring of compliance with law.

• In Judicial Proceedings: In response to court/administrative orders, subpoenas, discovery requests, or other legal processes.
  To Public Health Authorities: To prevent or control communicable disease, injury, or disability, or ensure the safety of drugs and medical devices.

• To Law Enforcement: For example, to assist in an involuntary hospitalization process.

• For Research Purposes: Subject to a special review process and the confidentiality requirements of state and federal law.

• To Prevent a Serious Threat to Health or Safety: Of an individual.​

​

Your Rights

You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your mental health information. You also have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your mental health information, request an amendment to your mental health information, and receive an accounting of disclosures of your mental health information.

​

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this notice or if you need more information, please contact our office.