Protected Health Information

As a healthcare provider, we collect and maintain certain health-related information that may be considered Protected Health Information (PHI). We safeguard PHI in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state or federal privacy laws. Your PHI will not be shared without your written authorization, except as required by law or for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

Appointments, Billing, and Insurance

If you schedule appointments or use insurance for payment, we may collect information such as your name, contact details, insurance policy number, and billing information. Limited information may be disclosed to your insurance provider or billing processor to verify eligibility, obtain authorization, and process claims. We only share what is necessary to provide services or obtain reimbursement.

Electronic Communications and Telehealth

If you contact us via email, text, web forms, or use our telehealth platform, certain personal information may be collected to respond to your inquiry or deliver services. We use secure systems to protect this information; however, no electronic communication can be guaranteed 100% secure. By using these methods, you consent to these forms of communication.

Data Security

We use secure electronic systems, encryption, access controls, and administrative safeguards to protect your personal and health information. Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel who require it to perform their duties. While we take reasonable precautions, no system is completely immune to risk, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)

Our Notice of Privacy Practices describes in detail how PHI may be used and disclosed and explains your HIPAA rights.

Record Retention (Clinical Records)

We retain clinical records for the period required by applicable laws and professional standards. Records for minors are retained for the period required by law after the minor reaches the age of majority.

Comments

When visitors leave comments, we collect the data shown in the comments form, as well as the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help with spam detection.

An anonymized string created from your email address (a hash) may be sent to the Gravatar service to determine if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Media

If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Visitors to the site can download and extract any location data from images on the website.

Cookies

We use cookies to improve functionality and user experience. If you leave a comment, you may opt in to saving your name, email, and website in cookies for your convenience. These cookies last for one year. A temporary cookie may be set on the login page to check if your browser accepts cookies (discarded when you close your browser). When you log in, cookies save your login information and screen preferences (login cookies last two days; screen options cookies last one year). Selecting “Remember Me” keeps you logged in for two weeks. If you log out, login cookies are removed. If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie that includes the post ID will be stored for one day.

Embedded Content from Other Websites

Articles on this site may include embedded content (such as videos, images, or articles). Embedded content from other websites behaves the same way as if the visitor has visited the other website directly and may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that content.

Who We Share Your Data With

If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email. Otherwise, we do not share your personal information except as required by law or as necessary to provide our services (for example, with billing processors, hosting providers, or telehealth vendors operating under appropriate agreements).

How Long We Retain Your Data

If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely to help us recognize and approve follow-up comments automatically. For users who register on our site (if any), we store the personal information provided in their user profile. All users can view, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except the username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information.

Your Rights

If you have an account or have left comments, you can request an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you’ve provided. You can also request that we erase personal data we hold, except for data we must keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes. Patients may have additional rights with respect to PHI under HIPAA, including rights to access and receive a copy of PHI, request corrections, request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures, and receive an accounting of disclosures as applicable.

Where Your Data Is Sent

Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. In addition, data may be processed by hosting, analytics, scheduling, billing, or telehealth providers to operate and improve this site and our services.

Nondiscrimination & Language Access (Section 1557)

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. We provide free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English (such as qualified interpreters) when needed for meaningful access. To request these services or file a grievance, contact us. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The latest version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Effective date: October 2025.

No Medical Advice (Website Content)

Content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this site. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Use of Services

Our services are provided for therapeutic and educational purposes only and do not constitute emergency medical care. If you are in crisis or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency department.

Appointments & Cancellations

We ask that you arrive on time and provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or late cancellations may incur a fee of $75.00. Repeated no-shows may result in discontinuation of services.

Payments & Insurance

Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made. If using insurance, you are responsible for any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or services not covered by your plan. You authorize us to release limited information as necessary to process claims and obtain reimbursement.

Out-of-Network & Superbills

If we are out-of-network with your plan, you are responsible for payment at the time of service. Upon request, we can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement, subject to your plan’s terms.

Credit Card on File & Refunds

If a card-on-file policy is used, you authorize charges for session fees, missed appointment fees, or balances due. Refunds, if applicable, are processed in accordance with payer rules and our internal policies. Please contact us with billing questions before disputing a charge.

Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)

If you are uninsured or self-pay, you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. You may request a written estimate at any time, and we will provide one consistent with federal requirements.

Consent to Treatment

By receiving services, you consent to evaluation and treatment. You understand that benefits and risks may exist, outcomes cannot be guaranteed, and you may withdraw consent at any time. We may recommend referral to another provider or a higher level of care when clinically indicated.

Confidentiality & Its Limits

We protect your privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with law and professional ethics. However, confidentiality may be limited in specific situations, such as risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, court orders, or other circumstances required by law.

Protected Health Information (HIPAA)

We safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA and applicable state law. Our Notice of Privacy Practices describes how PHI may be used and disclosed for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations and explains your rights regarding PHI. You may request a copy at any time.

Telehealth & Electronic Communications

Telehealth sessions are delivered via secure platforms. You agree to participate from a private location with a reliable connection and to refrain from driving or high-risk activities during sessions. We may use email or text for scheduling/administrative purposes; such communications may carry privacy risks. Do not use email or text for emergencies. Technical failures may disrupt sessions; we will attempt to reconnect or reschedule as needed.

Records & Release of Information

We maintain records as required by law and professional standards. You may request access to your records and, when appropriate, request corrections. We require your written authorization before releasing information to third parties, except as permitted or required by law.

Minors & Guardianship

For clients under the age of majority, consent from a parent or legal guardian is required, and certain information may be shared with the guardian subject to applicable laws and the minor’s privacy rights. Please inform us of any custody orders or restrictions.

After-Hours & Crisis Support

We do not provide continuous on-call or emergency services. Messages received after business hours will be returned on the next business day. For urgent mental health concerns, contact 988 (U.S.) or go to the nearest emergency facility.

Professional Licensure & Jurisdiction

Services are provided by licensed professionals practicing under the laws and regulations of Rhode Island. Telehealth services are offered only where the clinician is authorized to practice and you are physically located within that jurisdiction at the time of service.

Technology, Recording & Intellectual Property

To protect privacy, recording sessions (audio or video) is not permitted without prior written consent from all parties. All website content and materials provided in sessions are the property of our practice and may not be reproduced, distributed, or sold without prior written consent.

Communication Policies

Administrative messages may be sent by email or text (e.g., scheduling, reminders). By providing your contact information, you consent to receive such messages. You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time. We cannot guarantee the confidentiality of unencrypted email/text.

Nondiscrimination & Language Access (Section 1557)

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. We provide free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English (such as qualified interpreters) when needed for meaningful access. To request these services or file a grievance, contact us.

Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide the highest quality care, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the amount you paid for the services giving rise to the claim.

Governing Law & Venue

These terms are governed by the laws of Rhode Island, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any disputes shall be brought in the courts located in Rhode Island.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these terms periodically to reflect changes in law or practice policy. By continuing to use our services after updates, you agree to the revised terms. Effective date: October 2025.