Privacy Policy & Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: February 18, 2025
Silver Linings Mental Health (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This combined Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices (“Policy”) describes how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your information when you use our services or visit our website, www.silverliningsmh.com. This notice also outlines your rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state privacy laws.
1. Our Legal Duty
We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI)
- Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
- Follow the terms of this notice currently in effect
- Notify you in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI
2. Information We Collect
We collect both personal and health-related information, including:
- Full Name
- Contact Information (address, phone, email)
- Demographic data (e.g., date of birth, gender)
- Insurance and billing information
- Mental health and medical history relevant to your care
- Payment details (credit/debit card, billing address)
We may also collect information through our website for statistical or functional purposes (e.g., IP address, browser type, cookies).
3. How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or share your health information for the following purposes:
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, or manage your care. For example, discussing your case with other licensed professionals involved in your care (with your consent when required).
Payment
To bill for services and receive payment from health plans or other entities. For example, submitting claims to your insurance provider.
Healthcare Operations
For business activities such as supervision, quality assurance, audits, licensing, and training. Only the minimum necessary information will be shared.
As Required by Law
We may disclose your information without authorization when required to do so by law (e.g., subpoenas, court orders, mandatory reporting laws for abuse, danger to self or others, etc.).
With Your Authorization
Any use or disclosure of your PHI not covered by this notice will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time, in writing.
4. Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
- Request restrictions on the use/disclosure of your information (we may not be able to comply in all cases)
- Receive confidential communications through a method of your choice
- Inspect and copy your health records
- Request corrections to your records
- Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
- Receive a paper or electronic copy of this Policy
- File a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated (we will not retaliate against you)
5. Electronic Communication Policy – Email & Text Messaging
There are inherent risks to confidentiality with any electronic form of communication. If you consent to electronic communication (e.g., phone, email, or text), you acknowledge and accept the following:
- Electronic communications will only be used for administrative or logistical purposes, such as scheduling/rescheduling appointments, confirming appointments, or billing-related issues.
- Electronic communications are not a substitute for therapy or clinical services.
- While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, we cannot guarantee full confidentiality due to potential risks like hacking, misdelivery, or unauthorized access.
- Confidentiality protections do still apply to these communications under applicable privacy laws.
- Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
6. SMS Messaging Terms and Conditions
By entering your phone number and selecting “I agree,” you are opting in to receive SMS messages from Silver Linings Mental Health.
These messages may include:
- Appointment reminders
- Wellness check-ins
- Mental health resources
- Administrative updates
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
If you wish to be removed from receiving future communications from Silver Linings Mental Health, you can opt out by texting STOP at any time.
We will never sell or share your mobile opt-in for marketing purposes.
For help or support, contact: 720-471-6399
7. Automatically Collected Information & Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies help remember preferences and track site usage, but you can disable them in your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some functionality.
8. Third-Party Sites & Embedded Content
Our website may contain links to external websites or embedded content (e.g., videos, articles). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal information.
9. Data Retention & Right to Deletion
We retain personal information only as long as required by law or for legitimate business and therapeutic reasons.
You may request the deletion of your information. However, we may decline your request if retaining your data is necessary to:
- Complete ongoing services
- Meet legal obligations
- Resolve disputes or enforce agreements
- Fulfill recordkeeping requirements
Requests for deletion should be made in writing and may require identity verification.
10. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 13 years old without verified parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy periodically to reflect changes in practices, legal requirements, or services. When changes are significant, we will notify you via our website or your preferred contact method. Continued use of our services signifies your agreement to the updated Policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your rights, or wish to make a complaint or request, please contact:
Silver Linings Mental Health
Phone: 720-471-6399
Website: www.silverliningsmh.com