Disclaimer:
Interacting with this website is not a substitute for therapy and does not constitute a therapeutic relationship.
Privacy Policy:
Last modified 12/29/2021
Welcome to the Heart Mind & Soul Counseling website. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information that applies to our Service and your choices about collecting and using your information.
1. Information we collect and its use
We collect the following types of information about you:
1.1 Information you provide us directly:
We ask for certain information such as your first and last name, phone number, and e-mail address when you correspond with us. We may also retain any messages you send through the Service. We use this information to connect with you and answer your questions or concerns.
1.2 Analytics information:
We may directly collect analytics data, or use third-party analytics tools, to help us measure traffic and usage trends for the Service. These tools collect information sent by your browser or mobile device, including the pages you visit and other information that assists us in improving the Service.
We collect and use this analytics information in aggregate form to not reasonably be manipulated to identify any particular individual user.
(To help us improve our service, we keep info about how you use our service and collect anonymous analytic data about using our Service.)
1.3 Cookies information:
When you visit the Service, we may send one or more cookies — a small text file containing a string of alphanumeric characters — to your computer that uniquely identifies your browser and enhances your navigation through the site.
A cookie may also convey information to us about how you use the Service (e.g., the pages you view, the links you click, and other actions you take on the Service) and allow us to track your usage of the Service over time.
You can reset your web browser to refuse all cookies or indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some Service features may not function properly if the ability to accept cookies is disabled.
(We may send cookies to your web browser to help you use Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. If you would like to adjust your cookie settings, please consult your browser instructions.)
1.4 Log file information:
Logfile information is automatically reported by your browser or mobile device each time you access the Service. When you use our Service, our servers automatically record certain log file information.
These server logs may include anonymous information such as your web request, Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, browser type, referring / exit pages and URLs, several clicks and how you interact with links on the Service, domain names, landing pages, pages viewed, and other such information.
1.5 Device identifiers:
When you access the Service by or through a mobile device (including but not limited to smartphones or tablets), we may access, collect, monitor, and/or remotely store one or more “device identifiers,” such as a universally unique identifier (“UUID”). Device identifiers are small data files or similar data structures stored on or associated with your mobile device, which uniquely identify your mobile device.
A device identifier may be data stored in connection with the device hardware, stored in connection with the device’s operating system or other software, or data sent to the device by Heart Mind & Soul Counseling. A device identifier may convey information to us about how you browse and use the Service.
A device identifier may remain persistently on your device to enhance your navigation through the Service. Some features of the Service may not function properly if the use or availability of device identifiers is impaired or disabled.
(To track how different people are using our Service, we might store a unique ID on your mobile that helps us do that.)
1.6 Use of certain service type information we collect about you:
We use or may use cookies, log files, device identifiers, location data, and clear gifs information to (a) remember information so that you will not have to re-enter it during your visit or the next time you visit the site; (b) provide custom, personalized content, and information; (c) to provide and monitor the effectiveness of our Service; (d) monitor aggregate metrics such as a total number of visitors, traffic, and demographic patterns; (e) diagnose or fix technology problems; (f) help you efficiently access your information after you sign in; (g) to provide advertising to your browser or device.
2. Sharing your information
We will not rent or sell your information to third parties outside Heart Mind & Soul Counseling without your consent, except as noted in this Section.
2.1 Who you may choose to share your User Content with:
Any information or content that you voluntarily disclose when completing the contact form.
2.2 Instances where we are required to share your information:
Heart Mind & Soul Counseling will disclose your information where required to do so by law or subpoena or if we reasonably believe that such action is necessary to (a) comply with the law and the reasonable requests of law enforcement; (b) If we believe you to be a danger to yourself or others (c) If we believe you have caused harm to children, elder adults, or disabled adults.
2.3 Sharing certain service type information we collect about you:
We may share certain service type information, including information obtained through tools such as cookies, log files, device identifiers, location data, and clear gifs (such as anonymous usage data, referring/exit pages and URLs, platform types, number of clicks, etc.) with our third-party business partners for the purposes described in the section above on “Information We Collect and Its Use.”We may also aggregate or otherwise strip data of all personally identifying characteristics and share aggregated, anonymized data with third parties.
3. How we store and protect your data
Storage and Processing: Your information collected through the Service may be stored and processed in the United States.
If you are located in the European Union or other regions with laws governing data collection and use that may differ from U.S. law, please note that we may transfer information, including personal information, to a country and jurisdiction that does not have the same data protection laws as your jurisdiction, and you consent to the transfer of information to the U.S. or any other country in which Heart Mind & Soul Counseling or service providers maintain facilities and the use and disclosure of information about you as described in this Privacy Policy.
(To run our service we’ll have to use computers all over the world. This means your information might be transferred to the US, Australia, Europe, and anywhere else the service is operated.)
4. Keeping your information safe:
Heart Mind & Soul Counseling cares about the security of your information and uses commercially reasonable safeguards to preserve the integrity and security of all information collected through the Service. However, Heart Mind & Soul Counseling cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to Heart Mind & Soul Counseling or guarantee that information on the Service may not be accessed, disclosed, altered, or destroyed.
(We care about the safety of your data and, we have implemented industry-recognized measures to protect it, but unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen to it.)
5. Compromise of information:
If any information under our control is compromised as a result of a breach of security, Heart Mind & Soul Counseling will take reasonable steps to investigate the situation and, where appropriate, notify those individuals whose information may have been compromised and take other steps in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations.
(If there is a breach of our security, we will investigate it and let any affected users know.)
6. Your choices about your information
6.1 There are many ways to reach Heart Mind & Soul Counseling:
In lieu of submitting the contact information form, you may also contact Heart Mind & Soul Counseling by calling or e-mailing your questions.
6.2 Opting out of the collection of your information for Tracking / Advertising:
Please refer to your mobile device or browser’s technical information for instructions on how to delete and disable cookies and other tracking/recording tools. Depending on your type of device, it may not be possible to delete or disable tracking mechanisms on your mobile device.
Note that disabling cookies and/or other tracking tools prevents Heart Mind & Soul Counseling or its business partners from tracking your browser’s activities in relation to the Service. However, doing so may disable many of the features available through the Service.
(If you want us to stop collecting information about you, there may be some settings you can adjust in your browser or device.)
7. How long we keep your User Content:
Heart Mind & Soul Counseling does not retain your user content.
8. Links to other websites and services
We are not responsible for the practices employed by websites or services linked to or from the Service, including the information or content contained therein. Please remember that our Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites or services when you use a link to go from the Service to another website.
Your browsing and interaction on any third-party website or service, including those with a link or advertisement on our website, are subject to that third party’s own rules and policies. In addition, you agree that we are not responsible for and do not exercise control over any third parties that you authorize to access your User Content.
If you use a third-party website or service (like Facebook) and allow such third-party access to the User Content, you do so at your own risk. This Privacy Policy does not apply to information we collect by other means (including offline) or from other sources other than through the Service.
(The Internet. It’s made of links. If we post one on Heart Mind & Soul Counseling, we can’t control what happens on the other end. The same goes if you let another site use your data on Heart Mind & Soul Counseling.)
9. How to contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or the Service, please contact us at sheila@heart-mind-soul.com.
10. Changes to our Privacy Policy
Heart Mind & Soul Counseling may modify or update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect our business and practice changes. So you should review this page periodically. When we materially change the policy, we will let you know by updating the ‘last modified date at the top of this agreement.
Terms of Use:
I. THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
II. I HAVE A LEGAL DUTY TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH information (PHI)
I am legally required to protect the privacy of your PHI, which includes information that can be used to identify you that I've created or received about your past, present, or future health or condition, the provision of health care to you, or the payment of this health care. I must provide you with this Notice about my privacy practices, and such Notice must explain how, when, and why I will "use" and "disclose" your PHI. A "use" of PHI occurs when I share, examine, utilize, apply, or analyze such information within my practice; PHI is "disclosed" when it is released, transferred, has been given to, or is otherwise divulged to a third party outside of my practice. With some exceptions, I may not use or disclose any more of your PHI than is necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the use or disclosure is made. And I am legally required to follow the privacy practices described in this Notice.
However, I reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and my privacy policies at any time. Any changes will apply to PHI on file with me already. Before making any important changes to my policies, I will promptly change this Notice and post a new copy of it in my office and website. You can also request a copy of this Notice from me, or you can view a copy of it in my office or at my website, which is located at http://www.heart-mind-soul.com.
III. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR PHI.
I will use and disclose your PHI for many different reasons. For some of these uses or disclosures, I will need your prior authorization; for others, however, I do not. Listed below are the different categories of my uses and disclosures and some examples of each category.
A. Uses and Disclosures Relating to Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations Do Not Require Your Prior Written Consent. I can use and disclose your PHI without your consent for the following reasons:
For treatment. I can disclose your PHI to physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other licensed health care providers who provide you with health care services or are involved in your care. For example, if a psychiatrist treats you, I can disclose your PHI to your psychiatrist to coordinate your care.
To obtain payment for treatment. I can use and disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for the treatment and services provided by me to you. For example, I might send your PHI to your insurance company or health plan to get paid for the health care services that I have provided to you. I may also provide your PHI to my business associates, such as billing companies, claims processing companies, and others that process my health care claims.
For health care operations. I can disclose your PHI to operate my practice. For example, I might use your PHI to evaluate the quality of health care services that you received or to evaluate the performance of the health care professionals who provided such services to you. I may also provide your PHI to our accountants, attorneys, consultants, and others to make sure I’m complying with applicable laws.
Other disclosures. I may also disclose your PHI to others without your consent in certain situations. For example, your consent isn't required if you need emergency treatment, as long as I try to get your consent after treatment is rendered, or if I try to get your consent but you are unable to communicate with me (for example, if you are unconscious or in severe pain) and I think that you would consent to such treatment if you were able to do so.
B. Certain Uses and Disclosures Do Not Require Your Consent. I can use and disclose your PHI without your consent or authorization for the following reasons:
When disclosure is required by federal, state, or local law; judicial or administrative proceedings; or law enforcement. For example, I may disclose to applicable officials when a law requires me to report information to government agencies and law enforcement personnel about victims of abuse or neglect; or when ordered in a judicial or administrative proceeding.
For public health activities. For example, I may have to report information about you to the county coroner.
For health oversight activities. For example, I may have to provide information to assist the government in conducting an investigation or inspection of a health care provider or organization.
For research purposes. In certain circumstances, I may provide PHI to conduct medical research.
To avoid harm. To avoid a serious threat to the PHI to law enforcement personnel or persons to prevent or lessen such harm.
For specific government functions. I may disclose PHI of military personnel and veterans in certain situations. And I may disclose PHI for national security purposes, such as protecting the President of the United States or conducting intelligence operations.
For workers' compensation purposes. I may provide PHI to comply with workers' compensation laws.
Appointment reminders and health-related benefits or services. I may use PHI to provide appointment reminders or give you information about treatment alternatives or other health care services or benefits I offer.
C. Certain Uses and Disclosures Require You to Have the Opportunity to Object.
Disclosures to family, friends, or others. I may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergencies.
D. Other Uses and Disclosures Require Your Prior Written Authorization. In any other situation not described in sections III A, B, and C above, I will ask for your written authorization before using or disclosing any of your PHI. If you choose to sign an authorization to disclose your PHI, you can later revoke such authorization in writing to stop any future uses and disclosures (to the extent that I haven't taken any action in reliance on such authorization) of your PHI by me.
IV. WHAT RIGHTS YOU HAVE REGARDING YOUR PHI
You have the following rights with respect to your PHI:
A. The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask that I limit how I use and disclose your PHI. I will consider your request, but I am not legally required to accept it. If I accept your request, I will limit writing and abide by them except in emergencies. You may not limit the uses and disclosures that I am legally required or allowed to make.
B. The Right to Choose How I Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask that I send information to you to at an alternate address (for example, sending information to your work address rather than your home address) or by alternate means (for example, e-mail instead of regular mail) I must agree to your request so long as I can easily provide the PHI to you in the format you requested.
C. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. In most cases, you have the right to look at or get copies of your PHI that I have, but you must request in writing. If I don't have your PHI, but I know who does, I will tell you how to get it. I will respond to you within 30 days of receiving your written request. In certain situations, I may deny your request. If I do, I will tell you, in writing, my reasons for the denial and explain your right to have my denial reviewed. If you request copies of your PHI, I will charge you not more than $.25 for each page. Instead of providing the PHI you requested, I may provide you with a summary or explanation of the PHI as long as you agree to that and the cost in advance.
D. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures I Have Made.
You have the right to get a list of instances in which I have disclosed your PHI. The list will not include uses or disclosures that you have already consented to, such as those made for treatment, payment, or health care operations, directly to you, or to your family. The list also won't include uses and disclosures made for national security purposes, corrections or law enforcement personnel, or disclosures made before April 15, 2003.
I will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list I will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. The list will include the date of the disclosure, to whom PHI was disclosed (including their address if known), a description of the information disclosed, and the reason for the disclosure. I will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, I will charge you a reasonable cost-based fee for each additional request.
E. The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI or that a piece of important information is missing, you have the right to request that I correct the existing information or add the missing information. You must provide the request and your reason for the request in writing. I will respond within 60 days of receiving your request to correct or update your PHI. I may deny your request in writing if the PHI is (i) correct and complete, (ii) not created by me, (iii) not allowed to be disclosed, or (iv) not part of my records. My written denial will state the reasons for the denial and explain your right to file a written statement of disagreement with the denial. If you don't file one, you have the right to request that your request and denial be attached to all future disclosures of your PHI. If I approve your request, I will make the change to your PHI, tell you that I have done it, and tell others that need to know about the change to your PHI.
F. The Right to Get This Notice by E-Mail. You have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. Even if you have agreed to receive a notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it.
V. HOW TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY PRIVACY PRACTICES
If you think that I may have violated your privacy rights or disagree with a decision I made about access to your PHI, you may file a complaint with the person listed in Section VI below. You also may send a written complaint to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services at 200 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201. I will take no retaliatory action against you if you file a complaint about my privacy practices.
VI. PERSON TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NOTICE OR TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY PRIVACY PRACTICES
If you have any questions about this notice or any complaints about my privacy practices or would like to know how to file a complaint with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, please contact me at Sheila Tucker, LMFT, Heart Mind & Soul Counseling, 200 Main Street, Suite 201H, 843-592-3998, sheila@heart-mind-soul.com.
VII. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE
This notice went into effect on April 1, 2018
Last updated on January 1, 2023
Good Faith Estimate:
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a health care/insurance plan or covered under a health care plan, or a Federal health care program or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request, or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items or services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. You have up to 120 calendar days from the day you receive the bill to begin the process.
Make sure to save a copy or a picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your rights to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises