Manhattan Therapy Individuals & Couples LCSW PLLC
Privacy Policy
Effective Date December 3, 2024

At Manhattan Therapy Individuals & Couples LCSW PLLC ("we," "our," "us"), we are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), applicable New York State laws, and other relevant privacy regulations. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your health information, and explains your rights regarding your personal health data.

By engaging with our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect and Use

We may collect the following types of personal and health information:

• Personal Information: Name, contact information (address, phone number, email), and demographic details.

• Health Information (Protected Health Information or PHI): Medical history, mental health diagnosis, treatment plans, psychotherapy notes, and other related health information necessary for the provision of services.

• Payment Information: Billing and insurance details, including credit card and other payment information.

We use this information primarily to provide you with mental health services, including therapy, assessments, and treatment. We may also use your information for billing, administrative purposes, and to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.

2. How We Use and Disclose Your PHI

We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

• Treatment: We may use or disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your treatment and related services, such as when we consult with other healthcare providers involved in your care.

• Payment: We may use or disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for services rendered, including sharing necessary information with your insurance company, billing agencies, or other third-party payers.

• Healthcare Operations: We may use or disclose your PHI for activities related to the operation of our practice, such as quality assessment, supervision, staff training, and improving the quality of care.

• As Required by Law: We may disclose your PHI when required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or other legal process. We may also disclose PHI for purposes of public health activities, like disease reporting, or to report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

• Emergency Situations: If there is an emergency or if you are in immediate danger to yourself or others, we may disclose your PHI to appropriate authorities or healthcare providers to prevent harm or provide necessary intervention. This may include situations like hospitalization due to a mental health crisis or where there is a risk of self-harm or harm to others.

3. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

Under HIPAA and New York State, New Jersey and Michigan law, you have the following rights regarding your protected health information:

• Right to Access and Inspect: You have the right to request and receive a copy of your PHI, including medical and billing records, unless otherwise prohibited by law. If requested, we will provide the information in a format you can understand (e.g., paper, electronic).

• Right to Request a Correction: If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request a correction or amendment to your health records.

• Right to Request Restrictions: You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI. However, we are not required to agree to all requests for restrictions. If we do agree, we will comply with the restrictions as required by law.

• Right to Confidential Communication: You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your PHI in a specific way or at a certain location (e.g., a different phone number or address). We will accommodate reasonable requests.

• Right to a Notice of Privacy Practices: You have the right to receive a copy of this Privacy Policy at any time. You may request a physical or electronic copy.

• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

To exercise any of your rights, please contact us at hello@manhattantherapy.com

4. Our Legal Duties

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of your PHI.

• Provide you with this Privacy Policy detailing how we may use and disclose your PHI.

• Follow the privacy practices described in this policy, and notify you if there are significant changes to how your information is protected or used.

• We may, however, disclose your PHI in certain cases without your written consent, as permitted or required by law, including situations of emergency, public health concerns, or suspected abuse or harm to others.

5. How We Safeguard Your Information

We employ a variety of security measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI:

• Electronic Security: We use encryption technology and secure systems to store and transmit your PHI.

• Physical Security: We maintain physical safeguards to protect paper records and other sensitive materials from unauthorized access.

• Access Control: Only authorized staff have access to your PHI, and we require staff to follow strict privacy practices.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. If we make significant changes, we will notify you in writing or post the updated policy on our website. The revised policy will be effective as of the date it is posted.

7. Contact Us for More Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or need further information about our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Manhattan Therapy Individuals & Couples LCSW PLLC
Phone: 201-430-5442 (email is preferred method)
Email: hello@manhattantherapy.com

You may also reach us for privacy-related inquiries by contacting our Privacy Officer at hello@manhattantherapy.com

For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.

Manhattan Therapy is compliant with relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), if applicable, and will only provide information to third parties as permitted by Applicable Laws. If you have any questions about privacy, you’re welcome to address it with your therapist.