Privacy Policy, Medical Disclaimer, and Telehealth Consent

Effective Date: 04/26/2025

Helping Hearts Counseling & Services

Website: https://www.helpingheartservices.com/

Email: contact@helpingheartservices.com

Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Helping Hearts Counseling & Services (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our website or engage with our services.

This Policy complies with:
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- Texas Medical Privacy Laws
- Other applicable federal and state regulations

By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following information:
- Personal Identifiable Information (PII): such as your name, email address, phone number, and other identifiers you provide through our website.
- Protected Health Information (PHI): if you voluntarily submit health-related information when inquiring about services.
- Technical Data: including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on our site (through cookies and tracking technologies).

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 years of age.

3. Use of Information

We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to your inquiries and service requests
- Provide counseling or therapy services
- Improve the functionality and security of our website
- Comply with applicable legal and ethical requirements

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies for basic functionality, analytics, and performance monitoring. You can set your browser to refuse some or all cookies. However, disabling cookies may affect the website’s functionality.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or health information.
We may disclose your information:
- To comply with legal obligations (e.g., subpoenas, court orders)
- To protect your safety or the safety of others
- If you provide explicit written consent

Third-party service providers who assist us are bound by confidentiality obligations.

6. Your Rights (California and Texas Residents)

As a resident of California or Texas, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information.
- Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate information.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to certain legal exceptions.
- Opt-Out: Opt out of any future data sales (we do not sell personal information).
- Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at: contact@helpingheartservices.com.

7. Security

We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, in compliance with HIPAA, Texas laws, and best practices for data security.

8. Links to Other Sites

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page, and the effective date will be updated. We encourage you to review this page periodically for any updates.

Medical Disclaimer

Medical Information

All information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

- Always seek the advice of a licensed mental health professional regarding any mental health condition or treatment.
- Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it based on something you have read on this site.
- If you believe you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Use of this website, including submitting contact forms or emails, does not create a therapist-client relationship between you and Helping Hearts Counseling & Services.
A formal therapeutic relationship is only established after:
- Completion of intake paperwork
- Signed informed consent documents
- Mutual agreement between client and therapist

Telehealth Consent Notice

Telehealth Services

Telehealth Services are provided by Helping Hearts Counseling & Services via HIPAA-compliant platforms for your convenience and accessibility.

By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- Telehealth sessions may involve the use of secure video conferencing or phone communication.
- There are potential risks including interruptions, technical failures, and unauthorized access.
- You are responsible for providing a private, secure location for your sessions.
- Telehealth services are available only if you are physically located in California or Texas at the time of service.
- In an emergency, you agree to call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
- You have the right to refuse telehealth services at any time without affecting your right to future care.

By using our services, you consent to receive mental health care via telehealth technologies.

Contact Us

Helping Hearts Counseling & Services
Website: https://www.helpingheartservices.com/
Email: contact@helpingheartservices.com