Privacy Policy – Knew You Psychotherapy
Effective Date: May 8, 2025
At Knew You Psychotherapy (“KYP,” “we,” “our,” “us”), your privacy and trust are deeply valued. As a licensed mental health provider operating in New York State, we are committed to protecting your personal and health information in accordance with state law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and digital privacy standards. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website or engage with our services.
1. Information We Collect
We collect both clinical (protected health information or PHI) and non-clinical personal data depending on how you engage with us.
A. Protected Health Information (PHI)
If you seek or receive therapy services, we may collect:
- Name, date of birth, phone number, address, email
- Health and mental health history
- Emergency contacts
- Insurance and payment details (if applicable)
- Session notes and clinical documentation
This information is strictly protected and used only for therapeutic or administrative purposes.
B. Personal and Website Information
When interacting with our website, signing up for newsletters, or registering for services like workshops or courses, we may collect:
- Contact details (name, email, phone)
- Purchase history
- Demographic details
- Browser/device data, IP address, cookies, and usage analytics
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information collected for the following purposes:
- To provide mental health services and therapy
- To schedule sessions and send appointment confirmations or reminders
- To process payments and manage billing
- To send newsletters or educational content (only with your consent)
- To personalize your website experience and improve our offerings
- To respond to inquiries or requests
We will never sell your information or use your PHI for marketing purposes without your explicit, written authorization.
3. HIPAA & NYS Mental Health Law Compliance
KYP complies with all HIPAA regulations and New York State mental health confidentiality laws. This means:
- PHI is securely stored in an encrypted Electronic Health Records (EHR) system (e.g., TheraNest)
- Only authorized clinicians and staff can access client records
- All data is transmitted via encrypted platforms
- Disclosures are only made with your signed consent or as required by law (e.g., safety concerns, court orders, child abuse reporting)
4. Mobile Information and SMS Consent
We may collect and use mobile numbers for administrative purposes such as appointment reminders or updates related to services.
- We do not share mobile information, SMS consent, or text messaging originator data with any third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
- Message and data rates may apply.
- You can opt out of text communications at any time by replying “STOP.”
5. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to:
- Understand how visitors use the site
- Improve functionality and performance
- Deliver relevant content and marketing (if you opt in)
You may disable cookies in your browser settings. Third-party tools such as Google Analytics or Facebook Pixels may be used in accordance with applicable laws.
6. Email and Marketing Communications
You will only receive marketing or educational emails if you opt in to receive them. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email or by emailing us at Admin@knewyoupsychotherapy.com.
We may send important administrative emails related to your services regardless of marketing preferences.
7. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We may share your data only with trusted third-party providers who help us operate our business, including:
- Secure EHR and appointment scheduling platforms
- Payment processors
- Email or newsletter systems
- Legal, accounting, or IT advisors (as needed)
All such partners are required to follow HIPAA or equivalent confidentiality standards. A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is signed when required.
8. Data Security
We implement robust security protocols to protect your personal data:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Access control and password protections
- Regular audits and HIPAA-compliant infrastructure
In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify you and any appropriate authorities as required by law.
9. Data Retention
We retain therapy records for at least six (6) years as required by New York State law.
Non-clinical data (e.g., email sign-ups, site interactions) is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the intended purpose, or until you request deletion.
In some cases, de-identified or aggregated data may be retained for statistical or research purposes.
10. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your records
- Request corrections to your data
- Request restrictions on how your information is used
- Request copies of your records (may include fees)
- Revoke your consent (in writing, with some limitations)
- File a complaint without fear of retaliation
To exercise these rights, contact Admin@knewyoupsychotherapy.com.
11. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect data from children under the age of 13 through our website. All services for minors are managed in compliance with state consent laws and parental/guardian authorization.
12. Third-Party Links
Our site may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for their privacy policies or practices. Please review their policies separately before providing any personal information.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted to this page, and the updated policy will go into effect as of the date listed above.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your information, please reach out to:
Knew You Psychotherapy
Email: Admin@knewyoupsychotherapy.com
Website: https://knewyoupsychotherapy.com