Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 2025

Align Counseling is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), applicable laws, and professional ethical standards.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information you provide through our website or in the course of receiving counseling services.

1. HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

As a covered entity under HIPAA, Align Counseling is required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI), provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and follow the terms of this notice.

PHI includes information that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition and any related health care services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect personal and health information through:

Online Contact Forms or Email: Name, phone number, email address, and general inquiries.
Client Intake and Sessions: Demographic details, clinical notes, and health-related information necessary for treatment.
Website Usage: Non-identifying technical data such as IP addresses, browser types, and site usage patterns (collected via cookies or analytics tools).

Please do not include sensitive health information in contact forms or unsecured email.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide counseling services and coordinate care
Respond to your inquiries and schedule appointments
Maintain required records and documentation
Comply with legal obligations and professional licensing requirements
Improve our website and communications

4. How We Protect Your Information

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your PHI. Measures we use include:

Secure email and communication platforms (when used appropriately)
Password-protected systems and devices
Limiting access to authorized personnel only
Encrypted telehealth platforms (if applicable)

5. When Information May Be Disclosed

Your personal or health information will only be shared as permitted or required by law. Examples include:

With your written authorization
For treatment, payment, or health care operations
To comply with legal or ethical duties (e.g., suspected abuse, threats of harm, court orders)
To business associates who help operate our practice and agree to safeguard your data

We do not sell or rent your information for any purpose.

6. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the right to:

Access your health records
Request corrections to your records
Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
Request restrictions on how your information is used or shared
Request confidential communications
File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise these rights, please contact us directly.

7. Website Use and Cookies

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to improve functionality and understand user behavior. These tools do not collect identifiable health information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

8. Third-Party Websites

This site may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

9. Policy Updates

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.

10. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your health information rights, please contact:

Align Counseling
emfkern@gmail.com
504-407-1310