At Foundations Counseling Center of NWI, we are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect the information you share with us when visiting or interacting with our website at www.foundationsnwi.com.

 

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Foundations Counseling Center of NWI is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information (PHI) as required under HIPAA. PHI includes information that relates to your health, treatment, or payment for healthcare that could identify you.

 

Information We Collect

When you visit www.foundationsnwi.com, we may collect the following types of information:
 

1. Personal Information:

   • Information you voluntarily provide through contact forms, appointment requests, or subscription sign-ups, such as your name, email address, phone number, and other details.

   • If you use online tools to request services, schedule appointments, or make payments, these tools are HIPAA-compliant and secure.
      

2. Non-Personal Information:

   • Data collected automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, and usage patterns, is used for website analytics and improvement.

 

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes including but not limited to:
 

• Scheduling appointments and communicating with you about your care.

• Responding to inquiries submitted through the website.

• Enhancing the functionality and security of our website.

• Complying with legal requirements and maintaining HIPAA compliance.
   

Your PHI will never be used for marketing purposes or shared without your written consent, except as permitted by HIPAA.

 

Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

We will only share your information:
 

• With Your Authorization: For purposes related to your treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and only with your explicit consent.

• With Trusted Business Associates: Third-party vendors or tools (e.g., TherapyNotes, HIPAA-compliant payment processors, or scheduling platforms) may process your data securely and in accordance with HIPAA standards.

• As Required by Law: To comply with legal obligations, such as reporting abuse or fulfilling court orders.

 

HIPAA-Compliant Safeguards

We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI, including:
 

• Encryption: All PHI transmitted electronically is encrypted.

• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know have access to your information.

• Audit Logs: Activity involving PHI is logged and monitored for unauthorized access.
   

Despite these measures, no system is entirely secure. If a breach involving your PHI occurs, you will be notified as required by HIPAA regulations.

 

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to analyze usage and improve functionality. However, no PHI is collected through these methods.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may limit certain features of the website.

 

Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
 

• Access: You can request copies of your medical records.

• Amendments: You can request corrections to your PHI.

• Restrictions: You can request limits on how your PHI is used or shared.

• Confidential Communications: You can request how we communicate with you (e.g., by email or phone).

• Accounting of Disclosures: You can request a record of how your PHI has been disclosed.
   

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

 

Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

 

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review it regularly.

 

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your PHI, please contact us:
 

Foundations Counseling Center of NWI
Website: www.foundationsnwi.com
Email: admin@foundationsnwi.com
Phone: (219) 484-2229
Address: 8973 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
 

Effective Date: 11/25/2024
 

By using our website, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you are a patient, your rights and privacy regarding PHI are further outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is available upon request. Thank you for trusting Foundations Counseling Center of NWI.