Privacy
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Privacy Notice for LSG Counseling Services, PLLC
Effective Date: January 1, 2017
At LSG Counseling Services, PLLC, we take your privacy seriously and are committed to safeguarding the personal health information you share with us. This Privacy Notice outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information, and informs you of your rights under state and federal law, specifically in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, and other applicable regulations.
1. Information We Collect
We collect and maintain personal health information (PHI) that is necessary to provide professional counseling and psychotherapy services. This information may include:
• Personal information: Name, address, phone number, date of birth, email, emergency contact information.
• Health information: Clinical assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, mental health history, and other health-related information.
• Payment information: Insurance details, billing information, and payment history.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect from you for the following purposes:
• To provide and manage your counseling services.
• To coordinate care with other healthcare providers, if applicable, and with your consent.
• To process payments for services rendered and to communicate with insurance companies for billing purposes.
• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• To address any questions, concerns, or requests you may have.
3. How We Protect Your Information
We implement various safeguards to protect your information, including:
• Secure storage of records and encryption of digital information.
• Limiting access to personal health information to authorized staff only.
• Implementing procedures for handling information securely, both physically and electronically.
We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information, and we do not share or disclose this information except as required or permitted by law.
4. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your personal health information under the following circumstances:
• With your consent: We will share your information with others only with your written consent or authorization.
• For treatment: To communicate with other healthcare providers or specialists involved in your care.
• For billing and payment: To insurance companies or billing entities for payment processing.
• As required by law: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including mandatory reporting to government authorities and other regulatory agencies.
• For emergencies: If necessary, to prevent harm to you or others.
5. Your Rights Regarding Your Information
You have the following rights with respect to your personal health information:
• Right to Access: You have the right to request and receive a copy of your health records.
• Right to Amend: If you believe any of your health information is incorrect, you have the right to request a correction.
• Right to Restrict Disclosures: You can request that we restrict how we share your information, except in situations required by law.
• Right to Confidential Communication: You have the right to request that we communicate with you through a preferred method, such as by phone or email.
• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (see contact information below).
6. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this privacy notice or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:
LSG Counseling Services, PLLC
6925 Masters Road, Unit 1492
Manvel, Texas 77578
Email: dr.gilmore@lovesupportguidance.com
If you wish to file a complaint about privacy concerns, you may contact:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Address: 1801 Congress Ave, Ste 7.300, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-305-7700
Website: https://www.bhec.texas.gov/
7. Acknowledgement of Privacy Notice
By accessing our website or continuing to engage in counseling services with LSG Counseling Services, PLLC, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal health information as described herein. If you have any questions or concerns about this notice, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for trusting LSG Counseling Services with your care.
8. Changes to This Privacy Notice
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Notice at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and the revised notice will apply to all information we maintain, including information previously collected.
This privacy notice is intended to comply with the applicable state and federal privacy laws, including HIPAA, and is provided for the protection of the privacy and security of your personal health information.