PRIVACY PRACTICES POLICY

At Calm and Centered Counseling, we are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal health information. As a healthcare provider, we follow all federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

This page offers a simple overview of how we protect your information and the rights you have as a client. You will receive our full HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices in your intake paperwork.

How We Use Your Information

We use your Protected Health Information (PHI) only for:

  • Treatment – coordinating your care within our practice or with other providers when you request it.

  • Payment – submitting claims to your insurance company or processing payment for services.

  • Healthcare Operations – internal tasks such as quality review or administrative processes.

We do not share your information for marketing, sales, or any non‑treatment purposes.

When Information May Be Shared

Your information is confidential. We only release it with your written permission, except in situations required by law, such as:

  • Concerns about child or vulnerable adult abuse

  • Risk of harm to yourself or others

  • Court orders or legal requirements

  • Certain public health or government oversight activities

These exceptions are described in detail in your full HIPAA Notice.

Substance Use Disorder Information

Records related to substance use disorder treatment are protected by HIPAA & 42 CFR Part 2, which provides additional privacy safeguards. These records cannot be shared without your written consent unless federal law specifically allows it.

Your Rights as a Client

You have the right to:

  • Receive confidential, ethical care without discrimination

  • Request limits on how your information is used or shared

  • Access and request copies of your records (fees may apply)

  • Ask for corrections to your records

  • Receive a copy of our full HIPAA Notice

  • Request an accounting of certain disclosures

  • Choose someone to act on your behalf, such as a legal guardian

  • Decline or end services at any time

  • Authorize release of information to others when you choose

Our Responsibilities

As a practice, we are legally required to:

  • Protect the privacy of your health information

  • Provide you with a Notice of Privacy Practices

  • Follow the terms of our current privacy policies

  • Inform you if our policies change

Questions or Concerns

If you ever have questions about your privacy or believe your rights have been violated, you may contact us directly or reach out to:

  • The Connecticut Department of Public Health

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services