Privacy Policy

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Carolina Counseling
52 Parkway Commons Way, Greer, SC 29650
864-887-6012

This notice went into effect on May 1st, 2023.

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION:
I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. I am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. I need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which I may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information I keep about you, and describe certain obligations I have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. I am required by law to:

• Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.
• Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.
• Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.

I can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

II. WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT:
We collect personal information that includes, but is not limited to:

• Your name, date of birth, and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Health and medical history
• Insurance and payment details
• Appointment and communication history
• Any additional information you provide through forms, phone, SMS, or other means

III. HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Your personal information is used to:

• Provide treatment and manage your care
• Schedule, reschedule, and remind you of appointments
• Process billing and insurance claims
• Respond to inquiries and provide administrative support
• Communicate important updates and service information, including via SMS

IV. WHO WE SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH:
We may share your personal information:

• With other health care providers involved in your care
• With your insurance company for payment purposes
• When required by law (e.g., for legal proceedings or public health reporting)
• With third-party service providers who assist in practice operations under strict confidentiality agreements

We do not share your information for marketing or advertising purposes, nor do we sell your information to third parties.

V. SMS COMMUNICATIONS AND PRIVACY:
We use SMS (text messaging) to communicate with clients for appointment scheduling, reminders, rescheduling, billing questions, and other time-sensitive administrative matters. SMS consent is obtained prior to sending messages.

SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates. We will never sell, distribute, or use your mobile number for any unrelated purpose without your explicit permission. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying "STOP" or contacting our office.

VI. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:

Psychotherapy Notes: I do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is:

• For my use in treating you.
• For my use in training or supervising mental health practitioners.
• For my use in defending myself in legal proceedings instituted by you.
• Required by law or for health oversight activities.
• Required to help avert a serious threat to health and safety.

Marketing & Sale of PHI: As a psychotherapist, I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes or sell your PHI in the regular course of business.

VII. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:
As detailed in the original notice, disclosures may occur for purposes such as public health, legal compliance, health oversight, law enforcement, research, and workers' compensation as required or permitted by law.

VIII. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI:
You have the right to:

• Request limits on use/disclosure
• Restrict disclosures when services are paid in full out-of-pocket
• Request specific communication methods or locations
• View and obtain copies of your records
• Receive a record of disclosures
• Request corrections to your information
• Receive a paper or electronic copy of this Notice

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your protected health information. By checking the box below or signing the form, you are acknowledging that you have received a copy of this HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.