Privacy Policy

Introduction

Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, protect, and handle your personal information when you use my therapy services or visit my website.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and state privacy regulations.

Information I Collect

Information You Provide Directly

When you contact me or become a client, I may collect:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Demographic information (age, address, state of residence)
• Health and mental health information relevant to therapy services
• Insurance information (if applicable)
• Payment information

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit my website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website
• Device information

This information is collected through standard web analytics and helps me improve the website experience.

How I Use Your Information

For Therapy Services:

• To provide therapeutic services and treatment
• To communicate with you about appointments and treatment
• To process payments and insurance claims
• To fulfill legal and ethical obligations
• To maintain accurate clinical records

For Website and Communications:

• To respond to your inquiries
• To send appointment reminders and administrative communications
• To improve my website and services
• To comply with legal obligations

Confidentiality in Therapy

As your therapist, I am required by law and professional ethics to maintain the confidentiality of all information you share during therapy sessions.

Limits to Confidentiality

There are specific situations where I am legally and ethically required to break confidentiality:

• Risk of Harm: If I believe you are at serious risk of harming yourself or others
• Child or Elder Abuse: If I suspect abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult
• Court Orders: If I receive a valid court order or subpoena requiring disclosure
• Insurance/Payment: If you use insurance, I may need to share limited information with your insurance provider

I will make every effort to discuss these situations with you before breaking confidentiality, except where doing so would create a risk of harm.

How I Protect Your Information

Security Measures:

• HIPAA-Compliant Platforms: All therapy sessions are conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms
• Secure Storage: Clinical records are stored securely with encryption and password protection
• Limited Access: Only I have access to your clinical records unless you provide written authorization for others to access them
• Secure Communications: Email and text communications are encrypted when possible, though I recommend limiting sensitive information shared via these methods

Your Responsibilities:

• Use a private, secure location for therapy sessions
• Ensure your internet connection is secure (avoid public WiFi when possible)
• Keep your login credentials private
• Log out of platforms after sessions

Sharing Your Information

I do not sell, rent, or share your personal or health information except in the following circumstances:

• With Your Written Consent: I may share information with other healthcare providers, family members, or others you designate in writing
• Business Associates: I may use third-party services (billing, video platforms, electronic health records) that require access to your information. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and HIPAA requirements
• Legal Requirements: As outlined in the “Limits to Confidentiality” section above

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your clinical records
• Amendment: Request corrections to your records if you believe they are inaccurate
• Accounting: Receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information
• Restrictions: Request restrictions on how your information is used or disclosed
• Confidential Communications: Request that communications occur in a specific manner or location
• Complaint: File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise these rights, please contact me directly.

Website Privacy

Cookies and Analytics:

This website may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site. These tools collect non-identifying information such as pages visited and time on site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

Contact Forms:

Information submitted through contact forms is used solely to respond to your inquiry and is not shared with third parties.

Third-Party Links:

This website may contain links to third-party websites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

Retention of Information

Clinical Records:

I maintain clinical records in accordance with state law and professional standards, typically for a minimum of 7 years after the last session or until you reach age 25 (whichever is longer for minors).

Website Information:

Website analytics data is retained according to the policies of the analytics provider.

Children’s Privacy

My services are not directed to children under 13, and I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If I work with minors in therapy, I obtain appropriate consent from parents or legal guardians.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. I encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Notice of Privacy Practices

As required by HIPAA, I provide all new clients with a detailed Notice of Privacy Practices that explains your rights and my responsibilities regarding your health information. You will receive this notice at the beginning of our therapeutic relationship and will be asked to acknowledge receipt.

Contact Me

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or my privacy practices, please contact me:

Craig Steckowski, LMFT
PO Box 1343
Wake Forest, NC 27588

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with me or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

Consent

By using my services or this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.