EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE:
February 2026 by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
At Heart of Mind Therapy, your privacy matters. HIPAA is the federal law that helps protect your health information, including information shared in therapy. This page explains how your information may be used, when it may be shared, and what rights you have as a client.
Your Privacy in Therapy
Therapy is built on trust. In most situations, what you share in therapy stays private. Your therapist keeps clinical records as required by law and professional ethics, and those records are protected as health information.
Your information may be used for purposes such as providing care, scheduling appointments, billing, coordination of services, and required practice operations.
When Information May Be Shared
There are limited situations where information may be shared without your written permission. These may include:
- If there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else
- If abuse, neglect, or exploitation must be reported under state law
- If records are required by a valid court order or legal process
- If information is needed for billing, insurance, or healthcare operations
- If otherwise required or permitted by law
Whenever possible, only the minimum necessary information is shared.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
- Request a copy of your records
- Ask for corrections to your health information
- Request limits on certain uses or disclosures
- Ask for confidential communication, such as a preferred phone number or email
- Receive a copy of the practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
2026 Notice of Privacy Practices Update
Healthcare providers are updating their Notice of Privacy Practices to reflect federal privacy rule changes. These updates are intended to make privacy rights clearer and help clients better understand how protected health information may be used, disclosed, and safeguarded.
If you have questions about your privacy rights, records, or how your information is handled, you are welcome to ask before beginning therapy or at any point during treatment.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about this policy or would like a copy of the full Notice of Privacy Practices, please contact Heart of Mind Therapy.
Your privacy is not just a legal requirement. It is part of creating a safe, respectful, and clinically grounded space for healing.