HIPPA Privacy Policies

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

The Talking Corner (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (“PHI”). PHI refers to information that identifies you and relates to your mental health care, treatment, or payment for services.

We create and maintain clinical records to provide you with high-quality mental health care and to comply with legal requirements. This Notice applies to all records generated by The Talking Corner and its licensed and associate clinicians.

We are required by law to:

  • Maintain the privacy of your PHI

  • Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

  • Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect

We reserve the right to change this Notice, and any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain. Updated notices will be made available through our HIPAA-compliant patient portal and upon request.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

1. For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

We may use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization for purposes related to treatment, payment, and health care operations.

Examples include:

  • Providing, coordinating, or managing your mental health care

  • Consulting with other licensed health care providers involved in your care

  • Billing insurance companies or processing payments

  • Supervising or training clinicians within the practice

  • Quality assurance and administrative operations

Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard, as clinicians require full access to relevant information to provide appropriate care.

2. Legal and Administrative Proceedings

We may disclose PHI in response to a court order, subpoena, or lawful request. When possible, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you or obtain protective orders before disclosing information.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization

Psychotherapy Notes

We maintain psychotherapy notes as defined by federal law. These notes are kept separate from your medical record. We will not use or disclose psychotherapy notes without your written authorization, except as permitted by law, including:

  • Use by your therapist for treatment

  • Training or supervision of mental health professionals

  • Defense in legal proceedings initiated by you

  • Compliance investigations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

  • Situations required by law or to prevent serious threats to health or safety

Marketing and Sale of PHI

  • We do not use or disclose PHI for marketing purposes.

  • We do not sell your PHI.

Uses and Disclosures Not Requiring Authorization

Subject to legal limitations, we may use or disclose PHI without authorization for:

  • Mandatory reporting (child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect)

  • Public health and safety activities

  • Health oversight activities (audits, investigations, licensure reviews)

  • Law enforcement purposes, as required by law

  • Coroners or medical examiners

  • Research activities, when permitted by law

  • Workers’ compensation claims

  • Appointment reminders and care coordination communications

Disclosures to Family or Others Involved in Your Care

We may disclose limited PHI to family members, caregivers, or others involved in your care or payment for services, unless you object. In emergency situations, consent may be obtained after the disclosure when appropriate.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

  • Request Restrictions

    Ask us to limit how we use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, or operations. We are not required to agree to all requests.

  • Request Restrictions for Self-Pay Services

    If you pay for services out-of-pocket in full, you may request that information related to those services not be shared with your health plan.

  • Request Confidential Communications

    Ask us to contact you in a specific way or at a specific location (e.g., phone, email, mailing address).

  • Access Your Records

    Request a paper or electronic copy of your medical record, excluding psychotherapy notes. Requests will be fulfilled within 30 days, and reasonable, cost-based fees may apply.

  • Request an Accounting of Disclosures

    Request a list of disclosures made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations within the past six years.

  • Request Corrections

    Request corrections to your PHI if you believe information is inaccurate or incomplete. We may deny requests but will provide a written explanation.

  • Receive a Copy of This Notice

    You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time.

Telehealth & Electronic Communications

We provide services through HIPAA-compliant electronic systems. While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, electronic communications may carry inherent risks. By participating in telehealth, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

  • The Talking Corner (contact information below), or

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Notice or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

The Talking Corner
Website: https://www.thetalkingcorner.com
Email: admin@thetalkingcorner.com

Acknowledgment

You will be asked to acknowledge receipt of this Notice during intake. Acknowledgment does not require agreement with the contents of this Notice.