Privacy Policy
Last updated July 12, 2021
Privacy Policy for Covenant Restoration Counseling
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
At Covenant Restoration Counseling, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal health information (PHI) is handled with the utmost care and respect. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your personal information, including PHI, in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws in Colorado.
By using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or services.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information from you in order to provide counseling services. This may include:
Personal Identification Information: Name, address, phone number, email, and emergency contact information.
Personal Health Information (PHI): Information related to your physical and mental health, including but not limited to medical history, psychological evaluations, counseling records, therapy notes, and session summaries.
Billing Information: Payment details, insurance information, or other financial data related to your counseling sessions.
Website Usage Information: Information collected via cookies, analytics, and other technologies to monitor your use of the website. Covenant Restoration Counseling’s website is hosted by Squarespace. You can review their Privacy Policy and Terms of Service by clicking these links.
Additionally, you may provide information through our Contact Form on the website. While we strive to respond promptly to inquiries, please be aware that the Contact Form is not HIPAA-compliant, and we recommend not sharing any sensitive health information (PHI) through this form. For your privacy and security, please contact us via phone or email for any discussions involving PHI. By filling out our contact form, you agree that we are not liable for any personal information such as your name and contact information, that you share.
2. How We Use Your Information
The information we collect is used for the following purposes:
Providing Counseling Services: To deliver personalized counseling and therapeutic services based on your needs and preferences.
Appointment Scheduling and Reminders: To schedule and confirm appointments and provide reminders related to your sessions.
Billing and Payment: To process payments for services rendered and manage billing information.
Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide customer support, and communicate with you about your therapy progress and other related matters.
Website Functionality: To improve the functionality of our website, including customizing your user experience and responding to your preferences.
We may also use your information for administrative purposes, including ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
3. How We Protect Your Information
We take the protection of your personal information seriously. Our security measures include:
Encryption: All sensitive data, including PHI, is encrypted during transmission and storage to prevent unauthorized access.
Access Control: Only authorized staff and clinicians have access to your personal and health information.
Secure Websites: Our website uses secure socket layer (SSL) technology to protect your data when interacting with our site.
Physical Security: Files and records containing personal and health information are stored in locked, secure locations.
4. Sharing and Disclosure of Your Information
We will not share or disclose your personal health information except in the following situations:
With Your Consent: We may disclose your information if you have provided us with written consent, such as for the purpose of collaborating with other healthcare providers, family members, or insurance companies.
As Required by Law: We may disclose your PHI as required by law, including in situations involving a court order, legal investigation, or reporting requirements under Colorado state law and HIPAA regulations.
For Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations: We may share your PHI with healthcare providers for the purpose of coordinating care, billing, or conducting healthcare operations such as audits and quality assessments.
For Emergencies or Risk of Harm: If there is an imminent risk of harm to you or others, we may disclose your PHI to prevent harm or protect your safety or the safety of others.
Business Associates: We may work with third-party service providers, such as billing companies or IT vendors, who assist in the provision of services. These providers are required to protect your PHI under contract.
5. Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Information
You have the following rights regarding your personal and health information:
Right to Access: You have the right to request a copy of the PHI we hold about you, including your counseling records, in a readable format.
Right to Correct: If you believe any information is incorrect or incomplete, you can request that it be amended.
Right to Delete: In certain circumstances, you may request the deletion of your personal health information, though we may need to retain some records for legal or medical reasons.
Right to Restrict Use: You can request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI, although we may not be able to honor all requests.
Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us (use our contact information below), our supervisor, or with Department of Regulatory Agency (DORA).
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided below.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us track your preferences and optimize our site for you. You can manage your cookie preferences through your web browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit some functionality on our website.
7. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal health information from children. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information as soon as possible.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. We will post any revisions on this page, along with the updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
10. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal health information, please contact us:
Covenant Restoration Counseling
Phone: (719) 413-8293
Email: tabithaswitzertherapy@gmail.com