Privacy Policy
for The Virtual Counselors | virtualcounselors.org
Effective Date: Apr 1, 2025
1. Introduction
The Virtual Counselors is committed to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health-related information when you visit our website, complete forms, or use our services.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect:
Personal and Demographic Information: Name, email, phone number, insurance provider (if applicable), and details you provide through intake or contact forms.
Health Information (PHI): Limited information related to therapy needs or mental health symptoms may be collected via secure forms.
Technical Information: IP address, browser, operating system, and browsing behavior.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the data to:
Match you with appropriate therapists.
Submit insurance verification requests (only with your consent).
Respond to your inquiries or requests for services.
Improve our website and service delivery.
4. Insurance Information
If you provide insurance details, we use them solely to verify your benefits and coverage with your consent. We do not share this information beyond the purposes of coordinating care and benefits.
5. HIPAA Compliance
We are committed to protecting Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with HIPAA regulations. All digital forms are encrypted, and staff access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
6. Cookies and Third-Party Tools
We use cookies for basic functionality and to analyze web traffic. Third-party tools like Google Analytics may collect anonymized usage data.
7. Data Retention and Protection
We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes stated above. We implement physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your data.
8. Your Rights
You may:
Request access to your personal data.
Ask us to correct or delete your data.
Opt out of communications at any time.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for individuals age 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.
10. Contact
For questions about your privacy, data, or this policy, please contact:
Email: support@virtualcounselors.org
Phone: 973-221-2600