PURPOSE:

Psych Pointe is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you use our mental health services, including telemedicine appointments, secure messaging, and text-based support. Our practices are designed to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy laws.

POLICY:

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Emergency contact information

Health Information

• Medical and mental health history
• Treatment notes
• Diagnoses and treatment plans
• Medication information
• Assessment results

Communication Data

When you use our services, we may collect:

• Messages sent via secure texting platforms
• Telemedicine video session data
• Appointment scheduling communications
• Customer support communications

Technical Information

• IP address
• Device type
• Browser type
• Platform usage data

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide mental health evaluation and treatment
• Communicate with you about appointments and care
• Conduct telehealth visits and text-based therapy support
• Maintain medical records
• Process billing and insurance claims
• Improve the quality of our services
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

Telemedicine and Text-Based Communication

Telemedicine Services

Our practice may provide therapy sessions via secure video platforms. Telemedicine allows you to receive care remotely using internet-enabled devices. While we use secure technologies, you acknowledge that:

• Internet-based communication carries some inherent privacy risks.
• Technical failures may occur.

Text Messaging

Text messaging may be used for:

• Appointment reminders
• Brief care coordination
• Secure messaging through approved platforms

Standard SMS text messaging may not be fully secure. When possible, we use encrypted messaging systems designed for healthcare communication.

How We Protect Your Information

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

• HIPAA-compliant electronic health record systems
• Encrypted telehealth platforms
• Secure messaging tools
• Access controls for staff
• Secure data storage and backups

Only authorized personnel have access to your protected health information.

Sharing of Information

We may share your information only as permitted or required by law.

Healthcare Providers

We may share information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.

Business Associates

We may share information with HIPAA-compliant service providers that support our operations, such as:

• Electronic health record providers
• Telehealth platforms
• Secure messaging systems
• Billing services

These providers are required to protect your information.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, including:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect
• Court orders or subpoenas
• Public health reporting

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your health records
• Request corrections to your records
• Request restrictions on certain disclosures
• Receive a copy of this privacy policy
• Request confidential communication methods
• File a complaint regarding privacy practices

Requests can be made by contacting us using the information below.

Data Retention

We retain records as required by applicable state and federal laws governing healthcare records. After the retention period, records may be securely deleted or destroyed.

Third-Party Technology

Our services may use third-party platforms for:

• Telehealth video sessions
• Secure messaging
• Electronic medical records
• Online scheduling

These vendors are required to comply with privacy and security standards applicable to healthcare data.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updated policies will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.