Privacy Policy

Notice of Privacy Practices

Purpose of This Notice

This Notice of Privacy Practices explains how your mental health and personal information may be used and disclosed, and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully. If you have questions at any time, I am happy to discuss them with you.

Protecting Your Health Information

Singing Wolf Counseling Services is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. Trust and safety are essential parts of the therapeutic relationship, and safeguarding your information is a priority.

Federal and state laws require mental health providers to protect your health information and to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices. This document describes my legal duties, privacy practices, and your rights regarding your health information.

In this notice, “health information” refers to information related to your mental health care, including identifying information (such as name, address, and contact information), billing or insurance information, and clinical records related to treatment.

I reserve the right to update or amend these privacy practices as required by law. You may request the most current version of this notice at any time.

How Your Health Information Is Protected

Your health information is protected in several ways, including but not limited to:

All treatment information, including session notes, assessments, and signed documents, is treated as confidential.
Electronic, physical, and administrative safeguards are used to protect your information in compliance with state and federal privacy laws.
Access to your records is limited to individuals who require access for treatment, payment, or health care operations.
Any third-party services used (such as billing or secure electronic platforms) are required to maintain HIPAA-compliant privacy standards.

Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

I may use or disclose your protected health information for purposes related to treatment, payment, and health care operations as long as you consent to receive services.

Treatment: Information may be shared as necessary to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. This may include consultation with other health care providers when clinically appropriate.
Payment: Information may be used or disclosed to obtain payment for services, including billing insurance or verifying coverage.
Health Care Operations: These activities support the operation of the practice and may include administrative tasks, quality improvement, or required audits.

“Use” refers to activities within the practice, such as reviewing or documenting clinical information.
“Disclosure” refers to releasing information outside the practice when permitted or required.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization

Your health information will not be used or disclosed for purposes outside of treatment, payment, or health care operations without your written authorization, except where required by law.

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing, except in cases where:

The information has already been used based on your authorization, or
The authorization was required as part of an insurance process.

Uses and Disclosures Without Consent or Authorization

Certain situations require disclosure without your consent or authorization. If possible, these situations will be discussed with you during treatment. These include:

Abuse or Neglect: If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult, I am required to report this to appropriate authorities.
Health Oversight Activities: Information may be disclosed to licensing or oversight agencies during investigations or audits, as required by law.
Judicial or Administrative Proceedings: If ordered by a court or required by subpoena, certain information may be disclosed in accordance with legal requirements.
Serious Threat to Health or Safety: If there is a credible and imminent threat of serious harm to you or others, I may disclose necessary information to reduce risk and ensure safety.
Workers’ Compensation: Information may be disclosed as required to comply with workers’ compensation laws.
National Security or Law Enforcement: Disclosure may occur when required by law for lawful government or correctional purposes.

In all cases, only the minimum necessary information will be disclosed.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request Restrictions: Ask for limits on how your information is used or disclosed. While not all requests can be honored, reasonable requests will be considered.
Request Confidential Communications: Ask to receive communications in a specific way or at a specific location.
Access Your Records: Inspect or obtain copies of your health records, with certain legal exceptions. A reasonable fee may apply.
Request Amendments: Request corrections or additions to your records if you believe information is inaccurate or incomplete.
Receive an Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of certain disclosures made outside of treatment, payment, or operations.
Obtain a Paper Copy: Request a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you received it electronically.

My Responsibilities

I am required by law to:

Maintain the privacy of your protected health information
Provide you with this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices
Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this Notice of Privacy Practices or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact me directly to discuss your concerns.

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Filing a complaint will not affect your care or result in retaliation of any kind.

Updates to This Policy

The most current version of this Notice of Privacy Practices will be available upon request and may be posted on the Singing Wolf Counseling Services website.