Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 15, 2025

Humanity First Counseling (“HFC”) is committed to safeguarding your protected health information (“PHI”). This Privacy Policy describes:

  1. How we use and disclose your PHI

  2. Your rights over that information

  3. How to contact us or file a complaint

1. Uses & Disclosures of PHI

We may use or share your PHI for:

  • Treatment: Documenting and completing your mental-health evaluation.

  • Payment: Securing payment for services (e.g. sharing with your referring attorney).

  • Health-care operations: Running our practice and ensuring quality care (e.g. staff training, audits).

Additional Situations (no authorization required)

  • By law: Court orders, subpoenas, or mandatory public-health reporting.

  • Abuse & safety: Suspected abuse/neglect or to prevent serious threats to health or safety.

  • Law enforcement & legal proceedings: In response to valid subpoenas, arrests, or investigations.

Special Note for Immigration Evaluations:
Your evaluation results will be shared only with your designated legal representatives. We never disclose your immigration status to unauthorized parties.

2. Electronic Records & Security

  • We use Jotform (HIPAA-compliant) for data capture.

  • All electronic entries are encrypted, access-controlled, and audited.

  • Only authorized staff can view or export your notes.

3. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Inspect & copy your PHI (fees may apply).

  • Request corrections if you believe something is inaccurate.

  • Request restrictions on certain uses (we must comply with some requests).

  • Receive confidential communications (e.g. a different mailing address).

  • Get a list of disclosures we’ve made (beyond treatment, payment, ops).

  • Obtain a paper copy of this policy at any time, even if you’ve agreed to electronic delivery.

4. Changes & Complaints

  • We reserve the right to update this policy. The latest version will always be posted on our site.

  • If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with HFC or with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services—no retaliation will occur.

Contact Us: Humanity First Counseling, Phone: 510-467-0132