HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Connected Thoughts Counseling PLLC is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information (“PHI”). PHI includes information that identifies you and relates to your mental health care, treatment, or payment for services.

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy of your PHI

• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

• Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect

 

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

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For Treatment

We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health treatment. This may include communication with other healthcare providers involved in your care.

For Payment

We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for services, including billing insurance companies, verifying coverage, and responding to claims inquiries.

For Healthcare Operations

We may use your PHI for practice operations such as quality assurance, administrative activities, training, and business management.

Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures

We may disclose your PHI without your authorization in the following circumstances, as required or permitted by law:

• To comply with legal obligations (e.g., court orders, subpoenas)

• To report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence

• To prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety

• For public health activities

• For health oversight activities

• For workers’ compensation claims

• To coroners or medical examiners, as required

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization

We will not use or disclose your PHI for purposes other than those described above without your written authorization, except as required by law. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

• Access your health records

• Request corrections to your records

• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

• Request confidential communications

• Receive an accounting of disclosures

• Receive a paper or electronic copy of this Notice

• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

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

Telehealth and Electronic Communications

Connected Thoughts Counseling PLLC provides services via tele-health and electronic systems. We take reasonable steps to protect PHI transmitted electronically; however, no system can guarantee absolute security. By participating in tele-health services, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this Notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be posted on our website and available upon request.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

Connected Thoughts Counseling PLLC
admin@connectedthoughtscounseling.com
757-703-3777

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Contact Information

Connected Thoughts Counseling PLLC
13195 Warwick Blvd.

Ste. 2F #1005

Newport News, VA 23602
Phone: 757-03-3777
Email: admin@connectedthoughtscounseling.com

Acknowledgment of Receipt

You will be asked to acknowledge receipt of this Notice as part of your intake process.​​

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Plain-Language Privacy Summary

We respect your privacy and take it seriously.

At Connected Thoughts Counseling, your personal and health information is kept private and secure. We use your information only to provide treatment, coordinate care, handle payment, and operate our practice in accordance with the law.

You have the right to:

• See and receive copies of your records

• Request corrections to your information

• Ask how your information is shared

• Request limits on certain uses of your information

We do not share your information without your permission, except when required by law or to protect your safety or the safety of others.

We use secure systems for electronic records and tele-health and take reasonable steps to protect your information. If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, you are encouraged to contact us at any time.