Privacy Policy

How we protect and handle your information

Last Updated: November 2024

Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use my therapy services.

1. Information I Collect

Personal Information

When you contact me or book a session, I may collect:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Preferred session dates and times
  • Brief description of concerns (if provided voluntarily)
  • How you heard about my services

Session Information

During therapy sessions, I collect:

  • Clinical notes and observations
  • Treatment goals and progress
  • Session dates and attendance
  • Any information you choose to share during therapy

Website Usage

I may collect basic analytics data including:

  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on site
  • General location (city/country level)
  • Device type and browser

2. How I Use Your Information

I use your information solely for the following purposes:

  • Session Scheduling: To book and confirm therapy appointments
  • Communication: To respond to inquiries and send session reminders
  • Therapy Services: To provide professional psychological services
  • Record Keeping: To maintain clinical records as required by professional standards
  • Website Improvement: To understand how visitors use the website

3. Confidentiality & Professional Standards

As a psychologist, I am bound by strict confidentiality rules:

  • Therapeutic Confidentiality: Everything you share in therapy sessions is confidential
  • Professional Ethics: I follow the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Legal Protections: Your information is protected under professional confidentiality laws

Exceptions to Confidentiality

I may be required to break confidentiality only in these specific situations:

  • If you pose an imminent threat to yourself or others
  • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult
  • If required by a court order or legal proceeding
  • If you provide written consent to share information

4. How I Protect Your Information

I take your privacy seriously and implement security measures:

  • Secure Storage: Clinical records stored in password-protected, encrypted systems
  • Limited Access: Only I have access to your therapeutic information
  • Secure Communication: Video sessions conducted via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms
  • Physical Security: Paper records (if any) kept in locked, secure locations

5. Data Sharing

I do NOT sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties.

Limited Exceptions:

  • With Your Consent: If you request I share information with another healthcare provider
  • Service Providers: Secure platforms for video sessions (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) - these are HIPAA-compliant
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law or court order

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request access to your personal information
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your contact information (clinical records must be retained per legal requirements)
  • Withdrawal: Stop receiving communications at any time
  • Questions: Ask questions about how your information is used

7. Cookies & Tracking

This website may use:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
  • Analytics Cookies: To understand website usage (Google Analytics)

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some website features may not work properly.

8. Third-Party Links

This website may contain links to external sites (e.g., LinkedIn, resources). I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party websites. Please review their privacy policies separately.

9. Children's Privacy

While I provide therapy services to children, this website is not intended for children under 13. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website. Parent/guardian consent is required for therapy services for minors.

10. Record Retention

I retain records as required by professional and legal standards:

  • Clinical Records: Retained for a minimum of 7 years after last session (or longer if required by law)
  • Contact Information: Retained while you are an active client or until you request deletion
  • Website Data: Analytics data retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)

11. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of my services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Me

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled:

13. Consent

By using this website and contacting me for therapy services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Professional Commitment: As an International Affiliate Member of the American Psychological Association (APA), I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.

Back to Home