Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Melissa W Cooper Therapy

At Melissa W Cooper Therapy we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) where applicable.

By accessing our services or scheduling an appointment with us, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is necessary to provide therapy services. This may include:

• Personal Identification Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and emergency contact information.

• Health and Medical Information: Information related to your physical and mental health, including mental health diagnoses, treatment plans, session notes, progress reports, and other relevant health information.

• Insurance Information: If applicable, we may collect your insurance details to process claims.

• Payment Information: Credit card details or other payment methods used for billing purposes.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to provide quality therapy services. This includes:

• Scheduling and confirming appointments.

• Communicating with you about your treatment.

• Billing and processing payments.

• Complying with legal, regulatory, and insurance requirements.

• Sharing necessary information with other healthcare providers or professionals (only with your explicit consent).

We may also use your contact information to send reminders or updates related to your treatment.

3. How We Protect Your Information

We take the privacy of your personal and health information very seriously. To ensure your information is secure, we use a variety of physical, technical, and administrative safeguards, including:

• Encryption and Secure Storage: Electronic health records are stored in a secure, HIPAA-compliant system. Paper records are stored in a locked and secure location.

• Limited Access: Only authorized staff members involved in your treatment have access to your information.

• Confidentiality: All therapists and staff are trained to maintain the confidentiality of your information.

4. Sharing Your Information

We will not disclose your personal or health information without your consent except in the following circumstances:

• Emergency Situations: If there is an imminent threat to your or others' safety.

• Legal Requirements: If required by law, we may disclose information to comply with a subpoena, court order, or legal investigation.

• Insurance: We may share necessary information with your insurance provider to process claims (if applicable).

• Other Healthcare Providers: We may share information with other healthcare providers if necessary for your treatment, but only with your consent.

5. Your Rights

As a client, you have several rights regarding your personal information:

• Access to Your Records: You have the right to request access to your treatment records.

• Request Corrections: If you believe your records are inaccurate, you can request corrections.

• Revocation of Consent: You may withdraw consent for sharing your information with other healthcare providers at any time.

• Request Confidential Communications: You can request that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., by phone or email) or at a specific address.

6. Retention of Your Information

We retain your personal and health information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and to comply with legal or regulatory requirements. After this time, we will securely dispose of your information.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on our website, and if there are significant changes, we will notify you directly.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:

Melissa W Cooper Therapy
Phone: (323) 705-5043
Email: melissa@melissawcoopertherapy.com
Address: 11949 Jefferson Boulevard #102, Culver City, CA 90230