PRIVACY POLICY & NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES - 01/01/2026 - BEEWELL COUNSELING

YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS

This Notice describes how medical and mental health information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can access that information. Please review it carefully.

BeeWell Counseling & Wellness, PLLC (“BeeWell,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with:

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 611
Applicable Texas licensing laws and regulations
Our Legal Responsibilities
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 if a breach occurs that may compromise your information
  We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time. Updates will apply to all records maintained by our practice and will be posted on this website.
  How We May Use and Disclose Your Information
  We may use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization for the following purposes:
  
  1. Treatment
  To provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care.
  Example: Consulting with another healthcare provider involved in your care.
  2. Payment
  To bill and receive payment for services.
  Example: Submitting claims to insurance companies or providing documentation for reimbursement.
  3. Healthcare Operations
  For administrative and operational purposes, including:
  - Quality assurance
  - Supervision and consultation
  - Licensing compliance
  - Staff training
  - Business planning
  4. Required by Law
  When federal or Texas law requires disclosure, including:
  - Reporting suspected child, elder, or disabled person abuse or neglect
  - Court orders signed by a judge
  - Public health reporting requirements
  5. Serious Threat to Health or Safety
  If there is a probability of imminent physical injury to you or another person, consistent with ethical standards and Texas law.
  6. Law Enforcement & Legal Proceedings
  In response to lawful subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes as permitted by law.
  7. Workers’ Compensation
  As authorized by workers’ compensation laws.
  Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization
  We will obtain your written authorization before:
  - Releasing psychotherapy notes (except where permitted by law)
  - Using or disclosing information for marketing purposes
  - Selling your health information
  - Disclosing information for purposes not described in this Notice
  You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time, except where we have already acted in reliance on it.
  Special Protection for Psychotherapy Notes
  
  Psychotherapy notes receive additional protection under HIPAA. These notes will not be disclosed without your written authorization except in limited circumstances permitted by law (such as supervision, legal defense, or mandatory reporting).
  Texas Mental Health Confidentiality (Chapter 611)
  In addition to HIPAA protections, Texas law provides strict confidentiality protections for mental health records.
  Under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 611:
  - Communications between a client and a licensed mental health professional are confidential.
  - Records of identity, diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment may not be disclosed except as provided by law.
  - Disclosure generally requires your written consent.
  Disclosure Without Consent May Occur When:
  - There is suspected abuse or neglect (mandatory reporting)
  - There is a court order signed by a judge
  - There is a medical emergency
  - There is risk of imminent harm
  - Disclosure is required for audits, evaluations, or licensing activities (with safeguards)
- Access to Records Under Texas Law
  Access to certain mental health records may be limited if the provider determines that release could be harmful. In such cases, records may be released to another licensed professional.
- Minors
  Parents or legal guardians generally have access to a minor’s records unless:
  - The minor legally consents to treatment under Texas law
  - Access could cause harm to the minor
  - Disclosure is otherwise restricted by law
- Telehealth Privacy & Security
  BeeWell Counseling & Wellness, PLLC provides telehealth (virtual counseling) services in compliance with HIPAA and Texas law.
- Telehealth Security
  - Sessions are conducted using secure, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms.
  - Sessions are not recorded without written consent.
  - Clinical documentation is maintained in secure electronic health records.
- Client Responsibilities During Telehealth
  To protect your privacy, we recommend:
- Risks of Telehealth
  Potential risks may include:
- Emergency Policy
  Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies.
  If you are experiencing a crisis, call:
- At the start of telehealth services, you will be asked to provide: