HIPAA POLICY
CASTILLO PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING
CASTILLO PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING PLLC
Your privacy is important to us. This notice explains how your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed, and how you can access that information, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Your Privacy Rights
Under HIPAA, you have the right to:
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Access and request copies of your mental health records
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Request corrections to your records if you believe information is inaccurate
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Request confidential communication methods or locations
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Request limits on how your information is share
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Receive a paper or electronic copy of this privacy notice
How Your Information May Be Used
Your health information may be used or shared for the following purposes:
Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care.
Payment: To bill insurance or process payments, unless you choose self-pay.
Health Care Operations: For administrative purposes, supervision, consultation, or quality improvement.
Only the minimum necessary information is shared.
Uses That Require Your Written Authorization
Your information will not be shared without your written consent for purposes such as:
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Communication with family members
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Employers or schools
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Attorneys or legal representatives
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Any use outside of treatment, payment, or operations
You may revoke authorization at any time in writing.
When Information May Be Shared Without Consent
HIPAA allows or requires disclosure without authorization in certain situations, including:
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If there is a serious risk of harm to you or others
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Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or person with a disability
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Court orders or legal requirements
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Medical or mental health emergencies
Professional consultation or supervision (with identifying information minimized)
Electronic Communication
Electronic communication (email, text, telehealth platforms) carries privacy risks. Reasonable safeguards are used to protect your information, but absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed with electronic communication.
By choosing to communicate electronically, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
How We Protect Your Information
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal health information, including secure record storage and HIPAA-compliant systems.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
Phone: 1-800-368-1019
Website: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/index.html
You may also contact us directly. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this policy or your privacy rights, please contact:
Castillo Psychotherapy & Counseling PLLC
Phone: (832)-271-2497
Email: alessa@castillopsychotherapy.com
Policy Updates
This HIPAA Privacy Policy may be updated as laws or practice operations change. Updates will be posted on this website.
Effective Date: 12/16/2025