This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains how Equilibrium Health LLC (“Company,” “we,” or “us”) gathers, uses, discloses, and protects personal information collected through our mental health services. This Policy applies to all individuals (“Clients” or “you”) seeking our mental health care services. By utilizing our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Policy.

1. Information We Collect:
   1. Personal Information:

      We collect personal details, including your name, contact information, medical history, insurance details, and demographic data, to provide personalized and effective mental health care.

   2. Health Information:

      We gather information related to your mental health conditions, symptoms, treatment history, and other relevant details necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

   3. Payment Information:

      If applicable, we collect billing and payment details to facilitate payment processing and insurance claims management.

2. How We Use Your Information:
   1. Treatment and Service Delivery:

      We utilize your information to assess your needs, diagnose conditions, and provide appropriate mental health treatment and related services.

   2. Communication:

      Your contact information may be used to send appointment reminders, treatment updates, and other relevant communications related to your care.

   3. Billing and Insurance:

      We use your details to process payments, submit insurance claims, and handle billing inquiries.

   4. Quality Improvement:

      De-identified data may be used to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness and quality of our services.

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure:
   1. Treatment Providers:

      Your information may be shared with our healthcare professionals and staff involved in your care to ensure coordinated and effective treatment.

   2. Third-Party Service Providers:

      We may work with trusted third-party service providers to assist with billing, electronic health record management, and secure data storage.

   3. Legal Requirements:

      We may disclose your information to comply with legal obligations or respond to valid legal requests.

4. Data Security:

   1. We employ industry-standard security measures to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

   2. We utilize advanced security practices to protect data integrity and prevent potential data breaches.

   3. While we strive to maintain a high level of security, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of your information.

5. Data Retention:

   1. We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our mental health services and comply with legal requirements.

   2. After the conclusion of services, records may be retained for a specified period as mandated by law or professional regulations.

6. Your Rights:
   1. Access and Correction:

      You have the right to access and update your personal information held by us, subject to legal restrictions.

   2. Withdrawal of Consent:

      You can withdraw your consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information, except where required for legal or contractual obligations.

   3. Privacy Preferences:

      You may request limitations on how your information is used or disclosed for specific purposes.

7. Children’s Privacy:

   Our services are intended for individuals of all ages, but we do not knowingly collect personal information from those under the age of 18 without parental consent. If such information is inadvertently collected, we will take the necessary steps to delete it.

8. Updates to the Privacy Policy:

   We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices. We encourage you to review the Policy on our website regularly for any updates.

9. Contact Us

   If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us using the contact details provided on our website.

Practice Overview

Welcome to Equilibrium Health Services. We are committed to providing high-quality psychiatric care in a supportive, confidential environment. This policy outlines our practice procedures and expectations to ensure a collaborative and respectful care experience.

1. Appointments and Scheduling
   • Appointments are scheduled in advance by contacting our office.
   • We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling; failure to provide notice may result in a late cancellation fee.
   • Patients arriving more than 15 minutes late may be rescheduled.
   • No-show appointments are subject to a missed appointment fee.
   • Telehealth appointments are available and follow the same guidelines as in-person visits.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy
   • We adhere to HIPAA and all applicable federal and state confidentiality laws.
   • Information shared during appointments is strictly confidential unless:
     • You provide written consent, or
     • Disclosure is required by law (e.g., risk of harm to self or others, court order).
   • Our full Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request.
3. Treatment and Medication
   • Treatment plans are individualized and may include psychotherapy, medication management, or both.
   • Medications will be prescribed after a thorough assessment. Medication refills require at least 3 business days’ notice and may be withheld if recent appointments are missed.
   • Controlled substances are prescribed only if clinically appropriate and are subject to strict monitoring.
4. Emergencies and After-Hours Care
   • Our practice is not a crisis center. In an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
   • For non-urgent matters, leave a message; we will return your call within 1 business day.
   • If experiencing a psychiatric crisis, contact:
     • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
     • Local crisis centers
5. Patient Rights and Responsibilities
   • You have the right to respectful, culturally competent care.
   • You are expected to actively participate in treatment, follow care plans, and attend scheduled appointments.
   • Provide accurate health information and notify your provider of any changes.
6. Termination of Services:

   We reserve the right to terminate services for reasons including, but not limited to

   • Noncompliance with treatment plans.
   • Repeated no-shows or late cancellations.
   • Threatening or inappropriate behavior.
   • Nonpayment of fees.
7. Telehealth Policy
   • Telehealth services are provided using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology. You must ensure a private, safe space for sessions. Please do not attend sessions while driving.
   • Connectivity issues should be addressed prior to sessions. Providers will attempt to reconnect for up to 5 minutes in case of disconnection.
   • Telehealth follows the same guidelines as in-person visits.
8. Controlled Substance Policy
   • Controlled substances may be prescribed only after a thorough assessment and are subject to strict monitoring.
   • Patients must sign a Controlled Substance Agreement outlining expectations and monitoring.
   • Early refill requests or replacements for lost/stolen medication will not be honored.
   • Random drug screenings may be requested.
   • Noncompliance may result in the discontinuation of controlled substances.

By utilizing our mental health services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy.