Privacy Policy & Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: 02/05/2026
At Small Steps Child Counseling, we are committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal information and Protected Health Information (PHI). This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website, use our services, or receive counseling. By using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information that identifies you (personal information) in order to provide quality care, book appointments, and maintain records. This includes:
Personal Identifiers: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth.
Health Information (PHI): Information regarding your mental health history, symptoms, treatment plans, and notes from sessions.
Financial Information: Credit card numbers or bank information for billing purposes.
Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, cookies, and behavior on our site.
2. How We Collect Information
Voluntarily: Information you provide directly through intake forms, emails, phone calls, or during counseling sessions.
Automatically: Through our website’s tracking tools, cookies, and analytics.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Provide, operate, and improve our counseling services.
Process payments for services.
Communicate with you regarding appointments.
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. How We Share Your Information (Confidentiality)
Your information is strictly confidential and will not be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share information only in the following scenarios:
With Your Consent: If you provide written permission to release information.
Business Associates: With third-party service providers (e.g., billing services, EHR systems, legal counsel) who assist us and are bound by confidentiality agreements.
Mandatory Legal Exceptions: We are required to disclose information without your consent if:
o There is a serious threat to your safety or the safety of others.
o We suspect child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse.
o We are ordered to do so by a court or subpoena.
5. Data Security and Retention
We implement industry-standard security measures (e.g., encrypted emails, password-protected electronic health records) to protect your information. While we strive to use commercially reasonable efforts to protect your data, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure. We retain your records for the period required by law and professional ethical codes (seven years).
6. Your Rights Regarding Your Information
You have the right to:
Access: Request a copy of your records for provider use in continuing care.
Correction: Request that we amend inaccurate information.
Restrictions: Request limits on how we use your information.
Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for processing (where applicable).
7. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Small Steps Child Counseling
admin@smallstepschildcounseling.net
Phone: (505) 933-4639; Fax: (505) 246-9949
1101 Medical Arts Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102