Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and California state law.
Information I Collect
Personal Health Information (PHI)
When you become a client, I collect and maintain protected health information including:
- Contact information (name, email, phone number, address)
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Clinical notes and treatment records
- Communication records related to your care
Website Usage Information
This website may collect basic, non-identifying information such as:
- Browser type and device information
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Referring website or search terms
How I Use Your Information
Your protected health information is used solely for:
- Providing therapy services and treatment
- Scheduling appointments and communication about your care
- Processing insurance claims (if applicable)
- Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
I will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance
Your personal health information is held in strict confidentiality following HIPAA regulations and California state law. I am legally required to:
- Keep your health information private and secure
- Provide you with a Notice of Privacy Practices
- Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect
- Notify you if your information is breached
Legal Exceptions to Confidentiality
I may be required to disclose your information without your authorization in the following situations:
- When you authorize a release of information in writing
- When ordered by a court of law
- When you pose a serious danger to yourself or others
- When child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse is suspected
- When required for billing and health care operations
Electronic Communication
All telehealth sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platforms. However, please be aware:
- Email and text messages are not completely secure forms of communication
- I use encrypted platforms whenever possible
- You should avoid including sensitive clinical information in emails or texts
- By communicating with me via email or text, you acknowledge these risks
Data Security
I take appropriate steps to protect your information:
- Use of HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
- Encrypted storage of all client records
- Secure, password-protected systems
- Regular security updates and monitoring
- Limited access to protected health information
Cookies and Tracking
This website does not use cookies for tracking or advertising purposes. Any cookies that may be set are used solely for basic website functionality (such as maintaining your session while browsing).
Third-Party Services
I use the following HIPAA-compliant third-party services:
- ClientSecure: Scheduling and practice management
- Stripe: Payment processing
- Telehealth platform: Secure video sessions
These services have signed Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) as required by HIPAA.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to your protected health information
- Request amendments to your records
- Request an accounting of disclosures
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
- Receive confidential communications
- Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
Data Retention
I maintain your clinical records for a minimum of 7 years from the date of our last session, as required by California law. After this period, records are securely destroyed.
Children's Privacy
I do not knowingly collect information from individuals under the age of 18 through this website. My therapy services are designed for adults.
Changes to This Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. I encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact me. I'm committed to protecting your privacy and addressing any concerns you may have.
Julie Levin, LMFT
California License #40686
Email: Via ClientSecure secure messaging
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated and we cannot resolve the issue directly, you have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights at www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints