Privacy Policy

ALY THOMPSON, LICENCED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST (LMFT #107410), ALY@ALYTHOMPSON.COM, 714.794.9618

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 1, 2025

At Aly Thompson, LMFT (referred to as “we,” “our,” or “us”), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you access our website or use our therapy services. By using this website, you consent to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information: Information you provide directly through forms, scheduling appointments, or during consultations, such as your name, email, phone number, and any health-related information.

  • Automatically Collected Information: Information about your device, IP address, browser type, and usage data (e.g., pages visited, time spent on the site) collected via cookies.

We use this information to enhance your experience and to provide our services.

2. Protected Health Information (PHI)

As a licensed therapist, we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

  • What is PHI? PHI includes your health conditions, treatment, and payment details.

  • How We Use PHI: We use your PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations (e.g., coordinating care with other providers or processing insurance claims).

  • Sharing PHI: We do not share your PHI without your permission, except as required by law (e.g., for treatment or legal purposes).

3. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and Correct Your PHI: Request access to and corrections of your health records.

  • Request Restrictions: Ask us to limit how your PHI is used or shared.

  • Confidential Communications: Request alternative methods for us to communicate with you (e.g., using a different email or phone number).

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [Your Contact Email].

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze website traffic and improve user experience. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not work properly if you do.

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard measures to protect your information, including:

  • Electronic PHI (ePHI): Encrypted storage and secure communications.

  • Physical Security: Protected paper records.

  • Staff Training: Regular HIPAA compliance training for our team.

While we take steps to safeguard your data, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.

6. Breach Notification

In the event of a breach involving your PHI, we will promptly notify affected individuals and report the breach to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as required by law.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, so please review their policies directly.

8. Confidentiality in Therapy

Your therapy sessions are confidential. However, confidentiality may be broken if:

  • There is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

  • We are required to report abuse or neglect.

  • A court order mandates the disclosure of information.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

10. Filing Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or if you have unresolved complaints regarding the handling of your PHI, you have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You may contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to file a complaint:

  • HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
    Visit https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html for more information on how to file a complaint.
    You can also reach the OCR by phone at 1-800-368-1019.

Additionally, if you have concerns related to my professional conduct, you may file a complaint with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS):

  • California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
    Visit https://www.bbs.ca.gov/ to file a complaint or find more information.

We take any concerns seriously and encourage you to reach out if you need assistance with the process.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:
Aly Thompson, LMFT
aly@alythompson.com