Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2021
Table of Contents
Introduction
Stafford & Associates Counseling, PLLC ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process personal information in connection with our website, online services, and therapeutic practice.
Your trust is essential to our work. We believe it is critical for every client to feel seen, respected, and understood. This extends to how we handle your information.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Contact information: name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Client intake data: health history, mental health concerns, insurance information, emergency contacts
- Session notes and clinical records: records of therapy sessions, treatment plans, and medical information shared in confidence
- Payment information: billing address, payment method (processed securely through third-party providers)
- Communication: messages, feedback, and inquiries you send us
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- Device information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
- Usage data (pages visited, time spent, referring website)
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Providing mental health services and treatment
- Maintaining clinical records as required by law
- Processing payments and managing billing
- Communicating about appointments, treatment, and administrative matters
- Improving our services and website functionality
- Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
- Protecting against fraud and ensuring security
Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure servers with restricted access
- Regular security audits and updates
- Employee training on data protection and confidentiality
- Compliance with HIPAA and state mental health privacy laws
While we take reasonable precautions, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information we hold
- Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Restriction: Request that we limit our use of your information
- Portability: Request your information in a portable format
- Opt-out: Opt out of non-essential communications
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
Children's Privacy
Our services may include therapy for minors. We collect information about children only with parental or guardian consent as required by law. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will promptly delete such information.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:
Stafford & Associates Counseling, PLLC
121 Rolling Hill Rd, Suite 225
Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: 704.534.5997
Email: hello@staffordgroupnc.com
We will respond to your request within 30 days or as required by law.
Your privacy matters to us.
If you have concerns about how we handle your information, you also have the right to file a complaint with your state's attorney general or relevant regulatory authority.