Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Aspen Counseling Services

Effective Date: September 19, 2025

At Aspen Counseling Services ("we," "us," or "our"), we are committed to protecting your privacy

and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains

how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at

www.aspencounselingservices.com (the "Website"), use our services, or interact with us. This

includes both general website data and protected health information (PHI) under the Health

Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for our counseling clients.

By using our Website or services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not

agree, please do not use our Website or services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

a. Information You Provide Voluntarily

Personal Information: When you contact us, schedule an appointment, fill out forms,

subscribe to newsletters, or register for services, you may provide details such as your

name, email address, phone number, mailing address, date of birth, health history, or

other details relevant to counseling services.

● Payment Information: If you make payments through our Website or third-party

processors, we collect billing details (e.g., credit card information), but we do not store

this data ourselves—it's handled securely by our payment providers.

● Health Information: For clients, this may include medical history, mental health details,

or other PHI shared during intake or sessions.

b. Information Collected Automatically

● Device and Usage Data: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to

collect data like your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages visited, time

spent on pages, and referral sources.

● Analytics Data: Tools like Google Analytics help us understand Website usage patterns

to improve our services.

We do not collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in

compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

● To provide, schedule, and manage counseling services, including appointments and

follow-ups.

● To process payments and handle billing.

● To communicate with you, such as responding to inquiries, sending newsletters, or

notifying you of changes to our services.

● To improve our Website and services through analysis and feedback.

● To comply with legal obligations, such as reporting requirements or audits.

● For internal operations, like quality assurance and security.

For PHI, uses are limited to treatment, payment, and health care operations as defined under

HIPAA (see Section 7 below).

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it in these limited circumstances:

● Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist us, such as IT providers,

payment processors, analytics tools, or scheduling software, under strict confidentiality

agreements.

● Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect our rights,

safety, or property.

● Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

● With Your Consent: For example, sharing PHI with your primary care physician if you

authorize it.

For PHI, disclosures are governed by HIPAA and require your authorization except in specific

cases (see Section 7).

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your

information, including encryption, firewalls, access controls, and employee training. However, no

system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection. You are responsible

for keeping your account credentials confidential.

In the event of a data breach involving PHI, we will notify affected individuals as required by

HIPAA.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your experience (e.g., remembering preferences). You can manage

cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may limit Website functionality. For

more details, see our [Cookie Policy] (if applicable; otherwise, link to a separate page or

remove).

6. Your Rights and Choices

● Access and Update: You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your

personal information by contacting us.

● Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails via the link in our communications or by

contacting us.

● Do Not Track: We do not respond to browser Do Not Track signals.

● California Residents: Under CCPA/CPRA, you may have rights to know, delete, or

opt-out of sales (though we do not sell data).

● EU/UK Residents: Under GDPR, you may have rights to access, rectification, erasure,

restriction, portability, or objection.

For PHI-specific rights, see the HIPAA section below.

We will respond to verifiable requests within applicable timeframes, subject to legal exceptions.

7. HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

This section applies to our handling of PHI for counseling services and complies with HIPAA. It

describes how we may use and disclose your PHI and your rights regarding it.

Your PHI: PHI includes information that identifies you and relates to your physical or mental

health, provision of health care, or payment for health care.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Consent:

● Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your care (e.g., consulting with another

health provider).

● Payment: To bill and collect payment (e.g., submitting claims to your insurer).

● Health Care Operations: For quality assessment, auditing, or business management.

You consent to these uses by engaging our services. We may also use PHI for appointment

reminders or to inform you of treatment alternatives.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization:

● Most other disclosures (e.g., sharing with family, schools, or employers) require your

written authorization, which you can revoke at any time.

● Psychotherapy notes (our private notes from sessions) are kept separate and require

specific authorization for release, except in limited cases like legal defense.

Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization:

● As required by law (e.g., reporting child abuse, threats of harm).

● For public health activities, health oversight, or workers' compensation.

● To avert serious threats to health or safety.

Your Rights Regarding PHI:

● Access: Inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI (fees may apply; psychotherapy notes

excluded).

● Amendment: Request corrections if inaccurate.

● Accounting: Request a list of disclosures made in the past 6 years.

● Restrictions: Request limits on uses/disclosures (we may not always agree).

● Confidential Communications: Request alternative communication methods (e.g.,

different address).

● Complaints: File with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you

believe your rights were violated.

We will retain PHI as required by law (typically 6-7 years after last contact).

8. Third-Party Links

Our Website may link to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy

practices—review their policies.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. If we learn we've collected data from a child

under 13 without consent, we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted here with a revised effective

date. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For questions, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or your information:

● Email: Office@aspencounselingservices.com

● Phone: 801-449-0017

● Mailing Address: 5455 W 11000 N Suite 201, Highland, UT 84003

For HIPAA-specific concerns, contact our Privacy Officer at the above details.