Privacy Policy

Welcome to Westside Counseling and Wellness. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, westsidecounselingandwellness.com, and when you communicate with us through online forms, email, or other means.

By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

A. Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily submit through our website, including:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Reason for inquiry or service request
Any information you provide in the message field or other form inputs

Note: Do not submit personal health information through the website. Online communication may not be secure for transmitting sensitive data.

B. Automatically Collected Information

We may use cookies and analytics tools to collect non-identifying information. This helps us improve website functionality and user experience.

2. Use of Your Information

We use the collected information to:

Respond to inquiries or requests
Schedule appointments or consultations
Provide counseling-related updates or resources
Improve website performance and service delivery
Comply with applicable laws and ethical requirements

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

3. Protection of Mental Health Information

As a mental health provider in Texas, we are required to protect your health information under:

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Texas Health & Safety Code § 611.001–611.008, which provides additional privacy protections for mental health records

If you become a client, your records are stored and shared only as permitted by these laws. Your health information will not be shared without your written consent unless required by law (e.g., in cases of abuse, danger to self/others, court order).

4. Communications & Electronic Messaging

While we aim to protect your privacy, email and website contact forms are not considered secure methods for sharing sensitive or confidential health information. By using these channels, you acknowledge the risk of unintended disclosure.

For secure communication, we will provide you with a HIPAA-compliant client portal after you become a client.

5. Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party tools (e.g., Google Analytics, online schedulers) that may collect basic data. These tools may have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

6. Cookies

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse or manage cookie use.

7. Data Security

We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the information collected. However, no online transmission is ever completely secure. Please avoid sending sensitive information through the website.

8. Your Rights Under Texas Law

As a Texas resident and a potential or current client, you have the right to:

Request access to your mental health records
Request corrections to your records
Receive a list of disclosures (when required)
File a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated

For more information about your rights under HIPAA, visit:
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/index.html

To exercise your rights, please contact us in writing using the contact details below.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults and individuals aged 13 or older. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us information, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with the revised "Effective Date." Continued use of our website constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact:

Westside Counseling and Wellness, PLLC
11211 Katy Frwy Suite 550
Houston, TX 77079
admin@westsidecounselingandwellness.com

Effective Date: 02/01/2021