Privacy Policy | North Star Psychology

Effective Date: 12/04/2024

North Star Psychology ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.northstarpsyc.com, and in the course of providing telehealth psychological services.

We are a HIPAA-covered entity and comply with all applicable laws regarding the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI).

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

A. Personal Information You Provide

When you contact us, submit a form, or use our services, we may collect:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Reason for inquiry
Any messages or content you voluntarily submit

B. Health Information

If you become a client, we collect protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA. This includes:

Mental health history
Medical information
Insurance details
Session notes and diagnostic impressions

This PHI is collected, stored, and transmitted via HIPAA-compliant systems only.

C. Automatically Collected Information

We may use tools (e.g., Wix Analytics, Google Analytics) that collect:

IP address
Browser type
Device type
Pages visited
Duration of visit
Referring website

This information helps us improve our website experience and does not identify you personally.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To respond to inquiries and provide services
To schedule and conduct telehealth appointments
For billing and insurance claims
To comply with legal and ethical obligations
To improve website performance and security
To prevent unauthorized access or data breaches

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your information to third parties.

We may share your information in the following situations:

With service providers who help us run our website or provide clinical services (e.g., electronic health record platforms, billing software), under strict HIPAA-compliant agreements.
When required by law, such as to comply with a subpoena or mandatory reporting law.
To prevent harm, such as if there is an imminent risk to yourself or others.
With your written consent, for purposes such as communicating with other healthcare providers or releasing records to a third party.

4. Use of Cookies and Tracking Tools

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies for:

Website functionality
Traffic analysis (via tools like Google Analytics)
Security monitoring

You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but this may limit site functionality.

5. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical precautions to protect your information, including:

Secure SSL encryption
HIPAA-compliant software and platforms
Restricted access to sensitive data

However, no method of data transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

6. Your Rights

If you are a client under our care, you have rights under HIPAA, including:

The right to access and receive a copy of your records
The right to request corrections to your records
The right to request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
The right to an accounting of disclosures
The right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites. Use at your own discretion.

8. Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

North Star Psychology
Email: info@NorthStarPsyc.com
Phone: (205) 797-1897
Website: www.northstarpsyc.com