Allison Steger, Mental Health Counselor, PLLC Privacy Policy

Thank you for choosing Allison Steger, Mental Health Counselor, PLLC for your mental health counseling needs.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and New York State privacy laws.

Information We Collect:

We may collect various types of information from you, including but not limited to:

  • Personal information (e.g., name, contact details)
  • Health information (e.g., medical history, treatment notes)
  • Demographic information (e.g., age, gender)

How We Collect Information:

We collect information through various means, including:

  • Intake forms and questionnaires
  • Interviews and discussions with our counselors
  • Correspondence via email, phone, or in-person sessions

Use of Information:

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • Providing counseling services and treatment
  • Billing and administrative purposes
  • Internal record-keeping and quality improvement

Confidentiality:

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your information. Your counselor is bound by ethical and legal obligations to protect your privacy and will only disclose information as permitted by law, mandating reporting, or with your consent.

Disclosure of Information:

We may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

  • With your consent
  • As required by law (e.g., court order, mandatory reporting obligations)
  • To other healthcare providers involved in your treatment (with your authorization)

Security Measures:

We implement various security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, including:

  • Secure electronic systems with encryption and access controls
  • Secure storage of physical records in locked cabinets
  • Regular monitoring and auditing of our security practices

Client Rights:

You have the following rights regarding your information:

  • The right to access and obtain a copy of your records if appropriate
  • The right to request corrections to your records
  • The right to request restrictions on the use and disclosure of your information
  • The right to request confidential communication methods

Third-Party Disclosure:

We may share your information with third parties, such as insurance companies, only as necessary for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and with your consent or as required by law.

Data Retention:

We retain your information for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy and as required by law. When your information is no longer needed, we securely dispose of it to prevent unauthorized access.

Updates to the Privacy Policy:

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes and provide you with the updated policy.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices or this policy, please contact us at allison@stegercounseling.com. 

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this privacy policy.

Effective Date: June 1, 2024.