Privacy policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 09/17/2024

At Sunshine Psychological Services, LLC, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, contact us, or use our online services. By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information when you interact with our website or request services:

Personal Information:

When you contact us, request a consultation, or schedule an appointment, we may collect personal information, such as:

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Date of birth

  • Health-related information (e.g., medical history, treatment goals) shared in initial consultations or forms

  • Insurance information (if applicable)

  • Any other information you provide through our contact forms, email correspondence, or phone calls

Non-Personal Information:

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect non-personal information through cookies and other tracking technologies, including:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Pages visited

  • Referring website (if applicable)

  • Time and date of visit

This information is used to improve the functionality and user experience of our website.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To respond to inquiries and schedule appointments

  • To provide therapy services, including treatment planning and follow-up communication

  • To communicate with you about appointment reminders, cancellations, and relevant services

  • To send you newsletters, updates, or other communications with your consent

  • To comply with legal, regulatory, or professional obligations, including requirements under HIPAA and Wisconsin state law

We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

3. Confidentiality and Security

We understand the sensitive nature of the information you provide to us, particularly in the context of therapy and mental health services. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your personal and health-related information.

  • HIPAA Compliance: As a healthcare provider, we are required to follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and related state privacy laws to protect your medical and mental health records. This means that any health information we collect and store is kept confidential and only shared with your consent, except in specific circumstances allowed by law (such as in cases of emergency, risk of harm, or legal orders).

  • Data Security: We employ appropriate physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes the use of encrypted communications (SSL) when transmitting sensitive data through our website.

While we take measures to protect your information, please understand that no data transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

4. Therapy Sessions and Data Privacy

As a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin, we comply with all state and federal regulations regarding patient confidentiality, including those set forth by HIPAA. During therapy sessions, any personal health information (PHI) shared will be kept strictly confidential. We will not disclose your PHI without your consent unless required by law. Some specific exceptions include:

  • If we believe you are at risk of harm to yourself or others

  • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult

  • If required by court order or subpoena

Please ask us if you have any questions about confidentiality during your therapy process.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies, web beacons, or other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that allow us to remember your preferences, analyze website usage, and improve our content.

You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, please note that some features of our website may not function properly if you disable cookies.

6. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that we do not control. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We recommend you review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under Wisconsin law and applicable federal laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access and Correct Information: You have the right to access and request corrections to your personal information held by us. This includes the right to request a copy of your health records (subject to certain legal exceptions).

  • Confidentiality: You have the right to know how we are using and sharing your personal health information and to request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures.

  • Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw consent for non-essential communications (such as newsletters or promotional emails) at any time.

  • Data Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal data, subject to certain exceptions, such as when the data is necessary for legal or contractual obligations.

To exercise any of these rights or to ask questions about your personal data, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for use by children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that a child under the age of 13 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information from our records.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or to comply with legal, regulatory, or operational changes. Any updates will be posted on this page with an updated "Effective Date." We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our practices, or if you wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact us at:

Sunshine Psychological Services, LLC
drsanjlimehta@sunshinepsychologicalservices.com