Privacy Policy
Lacey Brunner, LPC ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your information when you visit our website, laceybrunner.com, or engage with our counseling services. As a licensed counselor in Texas, we adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable Texas state laws, including the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information you voluntarily provide through our website’s contact forms, including:
Name
Email address
Phone number
Important: Our website is not HIPAA-compliant. Do not submit protected health information (PHI), such as medical or mental health details, through the website’s contact forms. For secure communication of PHI, we use HIPAA-compliant platforms (e.g., secure email or telehealth systems).
When you engage in counseling services, we may collect additional PHI, such as health history or treatment notes, which is handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide through our website to:
Respond to inquiries
Schedule consultations or appointments
Communicate with you about our services
For clients receiving counseling services, PHI is used to provide treatment, coordinate care, and manage billing or insurance claims (if applicable). We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
3. Protected Health Information (PHI) and HIPAA Compliance
As a covered entity under HIPAA, we are committed to safeguarding your PHI. If you share PHI through secure channels (e.g., in-person sessions, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms, or secure email), we protect it in accordance with federal and Texas state laws. We maintain physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to ensure confidentiality.
4. Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
Access: Request copies of your PHI.
Amendment: Request corrections to your PHI.
Restriction: Request limits on how we use or disclose your PHI.
Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.
Confidential Communications: Request alternative methods for receiving communications (e.g., a different phone number).
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information in Section 11.
5. Website Analytics and Cookies
We use Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to collect anonymous data about website usage for marketing and improvement purposes. These tools may use cookies to track user behavior but do not collect personally identifiable information. You can opt out of cookies by adjusting your browser settings or using tools like the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable safeguards to protect your information, including encryption for electronic communications and secure storage for physical records. However, no internet-based system is 100% secure, and data submitted via the website is not protected under HIPAA. Please avoid sending sensitive health information through the website.
In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals as required by HIPAA and Texas law.
7. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as scheduling or payment platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. For counseling-related services, we only use third-party providers (e.g., telehealth or billing platforms) that are HIPAA-compliant and covered by Business Associate Agreements (BAAs).
8. Information Involving Minors
If we provide counseling services to minors under 18, we obtain parental or guardian consent as required by Texas law. PHI for minors is protected under the same HIPAA standards as adult clients, with additional considerations for parental access as permitted by law.
9. Data Retention and Disposal
We retain personal information and PHI only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. When no longer needed, information is securely disposed of in accordance with HIPAA and Texas regulations.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. If significant changes affect your PHI, we will notify you directly as required by law.
11. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, to exercise your HIPAA rights, or to file a complaint, please contact:
Lacey Brunner, LPC
1616 Voss, Suite 625
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: (713) 816-6371
Email: lacey@LacecyBrunner.com
Website: https://laceybrunner.com