Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Azmeh Amer, LPC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage in counseling services with us.

As a licensed mental health professional, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state privacy laws, and professional ethical standards.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you contact us or become a client, we may collect:

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Insurance information and billing details
• Emergency contact information

2.2 Protected Health Information (PHI)

During counseling services, we collect and maintain:

• Clinical assessments and treatment plans
• Session notes and progress records
• Mental health history and diagnoses
• Any other information relevant to your care

2.3 Website Usage Information

Our website may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website and exit pages
• Device information and operating system

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your mental health care
• Payment: To process insurance claims and billing
• Healthcare Operations: To improve our services and ensure quality care
• Communication: To respond to inquiries and schedule appointments
• Legal Obligations: To comply with laws, regulations, and ethical standards

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We will share your information with other healthcare providers, family members, or third parties only with your written authorization.

4.2 Required by Law

We may disclose information when required by:

• Court orders or legal proceedings
• Mandatory reporting laws (e.g., suspected abuse, threat of harm)
• Health and safety emergencies
• Government agencies for oversight purposes

4.3 Business Associates

We may share information with trusted service providers (e.g., billing services, electronic health records) who are bound by confidentiality agreements and HIPAA compliance.

5. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights regarding your health information:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your medical records
• Right to Amendment: Request corrections to your records
• Right to Accounting: Request a list of disclosures we've made
• Right to Restrict: Request limits on how we use your information
• Right to Confidential Communications: Request communications via specific methods
• Right to Revoke Authorization: Withdraw consent for certain uses (with exceptions)

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Encrypted electronic health records systems
• Secure, password-protected databases
• Limited access to authorized personnel only
• Regular security audits and updates
• Secure file storage and disposal procedures

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may limit some website functionality.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 through our website. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly. Minors receiving counseling services require parental/guardian consent as required by law.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy. The "Last Updated" date will reflect any changes. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. For significant changes affecting PHI, we will provide additional notice.

11. Notice of Privacy Practices

Clients will receive a complete Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) as required by HIPAA at the start of services. This document provides detailed information about how your health information may be used and disclosed.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

13. Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Azmeh Amer, LPC directly
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.