Last updated: 07/27/2026

The Phoenix Counseling Center is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information.
This Notice describes how medical and mental health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information.

The Phoenix Counseling Center is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your Protected Health Information ("PHI"). PHI includes information about your physical or mental health condition, treatment, payment for services, and identifying information maintained in your clinical record.

This Notice describes how we may use and disclose your information, your rights regarding your information, and our legal duties regarding the protection of your information.

I. Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose your Protected Health Information for the purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

Treatment

We may use and disclose your information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care and related services. For example, we may consult with your primary care physician, psychiatrist, other healthcare providers, or clinical supervisors when appropriate and permitted by law.

Payment

We may use and disclose information to obtain payment for services provided to you. This may include billing insurance companies, managed care organizations, employee assistance programs, or other third-party payers.

Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose information for practice operations including:

• Quality improvement activities
• Staff training and supervision
• Licensing and credentialing
• Compliance reviews
• Audits
• Business planning and administration
• Care coordination and case management

II. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Certain uses and disclosures require your specific written authorization. These include:

• Most disclosures of psychotherapy notes
• Uses or disclosures not otherwise permitted by HIPAA
• Certain disclosures for marketing purposes when required by law

You may revoke your authorization at any time by providing written notice. Revocation will not apply to actions already taken based on your prior authorization.

III. Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization

In certain situations, federal and Ohio law permit or require disclosure of Protected Health Information without your authorization.

Child Abuse or Neglect

If we know or reasonably suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, we are required by Ohio law to report this information to the appropriate authorities.

Adult Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

If we have reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, we may be required to report this information as provided by law.

Judicial or Administrative Proceedings

If you are involved in legal proceedings and information is requested regarding your treatment, we may disclose information as required by court order, subpoena, warrant, or other lawful process consistent with applicable laws.

Serious Threat to Health or Safety

If we determine that you present a serious and imminent threat to your health or safety or to the health or safety of another person, we may disclose information necessary to help prevent or reduce the threat.

Law Enforcement

We may disclose Protected Health Information when required by law or in response to lawful requests from law enforcement agencies.

Public Health Activities

We may disclose information for public health purposes when required or authorized by law.

Health Oversight Activities

We may disclose information to governmental agencies responsible for oversight, regulation, licensing, accreditation, or investigations.

Workers' Compensation

We may disclose information as necessary to comply with workers' compensation laws and programs.

IV. Supervision and Consultation

The Phoenix Counseling Center may employ independently licensed and dependently licensed clinicians.

Dependently licensed clinicians, including Licensed Social Workers (LSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) and Counselor Trainees, receive clinical supervision as required by Ohio law. Clinical records and treatment information may be reviewed by supervisors for purposes of consultation, diagnosis, treatment planning, quality assurance, professional development, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards of care. All supervisors and clinicians are required to maintain the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information.

V. Your Rights Regarding Protected Health Information

You have the following rights:

Right to Inspect and Obtain Copies

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your Protected Health Information and billing records, subject to certain legal limitations.

Right to Request Amendments

You may request that we amend information that you believe is incorrect or incomplete.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limitations on how we use or disclose your information. While we will consider your request, we are not required to agree to every restriction.

Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location. For example:

• Calling only a specific phone number
• Sending correspondence to an alternate address
• Using secure electronic communication methods when available

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures of your Protected Health Information.

Right to a Paper Copy

You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you previously agreed to receive it electronically.

Right to File a Complaint

You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

VI. Electronic Communication and Telehealth Services

The Phoenix Counseling Center provides both in-person and telehealth services throughout the State of Ohio.

Communication may occur through:

• Telephone
• Voicemail
• Text messaging
• Email
• Electronic client portals
• HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms

While we take reasonable precautions to protect confidentiality, electronic communications involve some level of risk. Text messaging and email should not be used for emergencies or urgent mental health situations.

Clients may request alternative methods of communication whenever feasible. Communication preferences may be discussed with your provider and documented in your clinical record. While The Phoenix Counseling Center takes reasonable precautions to protect confidential information, electronic communications may involve privacy and security risks that are beyond our control.

VII. Breach Notification

In the event your unsecured Protected Health Information is compromised, The Phoenix Counseling Center will notify you as required by federal and state law.

Questions regarding privacy concerns, security incidents, or potential breaches should be directed to:

VIII. Our Legal Duties

The Phoenix Counseling Center is required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information
• Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
• Follow the terms of this notice currently in effect
• Notify you following a reportable breach of unsecured Protected Health Information
• Comply with HIPAA and applicable Ohio confidentiality laws

We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time. Any revision will apply to all Protected Health Information maintained by our practice.

The current Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request and may also be accessed through our website at www.myphxcenter.com.

IX. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact:

You may also file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights

You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

X. Contact Information