Privacy Policy
Your privacy and confidentiality are our highest priorities
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Introduction
Florida Coast Counseling ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or receive services from our practice.
By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. This policy should be read in conjunction with our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which specifically addresses how we handle your protected health information.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:
- Name, address, phone number, and email address
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance information and payment details
- Appointment scheduling information
- Information provided in contact forms or email correspondence
Protected Health Information (PHI)
When you become a client, we collect and maintain protected health information as defined by HIPAA, including:
- Medical and mental health history
- Diagnosis and treatment information
- Clinical notes and therapy records
- Billing and insurance claims information
- Any other health-related information you provide during treatment
Your protected health information is governed by federal HIPAA regulations. Please see our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for detailed information about how we use and protect your PHI.
Website Usage Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:
- IP address and browser type
- Operating system and device information
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website addresses
- Date and time of visits
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, and manage your mental health treatment and related services
Payment
To process payments, submit insurance claims, and conduct billing activities
Healthcare Operations
For quality assessment, professional training, licensing, and business management
Communication
To respond to your inquiries, send appointment reminders, and provide service updates
Legal Compliance
To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
Website Improvement
To improve our website functionality, user experience, and content
When We May Disclose Your Information
We maintain strict confidentiality standards and will not disclose your personal or health information without your written authorization, except in the following limited circumstances:
With Your Authorization
When you provide written consent for us to share information with specific individuals or organizations
Treatment Coordination
With other healthcare providers involved in your care, when necessary for treatment purposes
Legal Requirements
When required by law, such as reporting suspected child abuse or elder abuse, or in response to a court order or subpoena
Safety Concerns
To prevent serious harm to you or others when there is an imminent threat to health or safety
Business Associates
With service providers who assist us in operations (e.g., billing services, IT support) under strict confidentiality agreements
Insurance Companies
When necessary to process insurance claims and verify coverage for your treatment
How We Protect Your Information
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal and health information:
Physical Safeguards
Locked filing cabinets, restricted access to offices, and secure document disposal
Technical Safeguards
Encrypted databases, secure servers, firewalls, and password-protected systems
Administrative Safeguards
Staff training, confidentiality agreements, and clear privacy policies
HIPAA Compliance
Full compliance with HIPAA privacy and security regulations
While we implement robust security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We continuously work to improve our security practices to protect your information.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us understand how visitors use our website.
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website traffic and user behavior
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Your Privacy Rights
You have important rights regarding your personal and health information:
Right to Access
Request a copy of your personal and health information
Right to Amend
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Right to an Accounting
Request a list of certain disclosures of your information
Right to Request Restrictions
Request limits on how we use or disclose your information
Right to Confidential Communications
Request that we contact you in a specific way or at a specific location
Right to Notification
Be notified of any breach of your unsecured health information
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience and information. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website. If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy to reflect the date of the most recent changes.
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
Questions About Our Privacy Policy?
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us: