Date Last Modified: August, 2025
Entity: Balanced Mind LCSW, PLLC (“Balanced Mind,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)
Website: https://balancedmindofny.com (the “Website”)
1) Scope & Relationship to HIPAA
This Website Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through the Website and related online properties that link to this Policy (e.g., our blog or general contact forms).
This Policy does not govern your medical records or other Protected Health Information (“PHI”) created or received in the course of therapy or other health care services. PHI is covered by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (“NPP”), which we provide to clients as required by law. If you are a client, please refer to the NPP for details about how we handle PHI. Do not include treatment or sensitive health details in general Website forms or unencrypted email.
2) Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
Information you provide directly, such as:
- Contact details (name, email address, phone number) when you complete a form, request information, or schedule a consultation.
- Communications and the contents of messages you send to us.
Information collected automatically when you use the Website, such as:
- Log and device data (IP address, browser and OS type/version, pages viewed, referring/exit pages, and timestamps).
- Cookies or similar technologies that help the Website function, measure performance, and remember preferences.
Information from service providers that support our Website operations (e.g., hosting, security, analytics). These providers act on our behalf under contracts and are permitted to use information only as needed to deliver their services to us.
3) How We Use Information
We use information for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the Website.
- To respond to inquiries, schedule consultations, and provide requested information.
- To personalize Website content and measure engagement.
- To maintain security and prevent fraud or misuse.
- To comply with applicable laws, regulations, subpoenas, or other legal processes.
- With your consent, for any other purpose disclosed at the time of collection.
We do not sell personal information. We do not use interest‑based advertising on pages where PHI could reasonably be inferred (for example, client portal or intake pages, if any).
4) Cookies & Analytics
We use essential cookies for security and site functionality and may use analytics to understand aggregate Website usage. You can control cookies via your browser settings. Some features may not function properly without cookies.
If we use Google Analytics or comparable analytics services, those providers collect information such as page views and general device characteristics to help us analyze how the site is used. You can learn more about opting out of certain analytics through your browser or by using tools provided by analytics vendors.
We do not place analytics or third‑party tracking code on any login, patient portal, or online intake pages (if such pages exist) where doing so could capture PHI. For clinical communications, use only the designated secure methods we provide.
5) Disclosure of Information
We may disclose information:
- To contractors and service providers who support our Website and business operations and are bound to protect confidentiality.
- To a successor entity in connection with a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or asset transfer.
- To comply with law, regulation, legal process, or enforceable governmental request; to enforce our agreements; or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Balanced Mind, our clients, or others.
- With your direction or consent.
We may share aggregate or de‑identified information that does not identify you.
6) Your Choices
- Email communications. You may opt out of non‑transactional emails by following the unsubscribe instructions in the message or by contacting us. Opting out of marketing emails does not affect important administrative or service‑related messages.
- Cookies. Adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies.
- Access/Correction. If you have submitted personal information via the Website, you may request access, updates, or deletion subject to legal and operational requirements. Requests related to client PHI must be made under the NPP using the processes described there.
7) Data Retention
We retain personal information collected through the Website for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. PHI retention is governed by health‑care recordkeeping requirements and our NPP.
8) Data Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information collected through the Website from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. No method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is fully secure; use caution when submitting information online. For clinical matters, use the secure methods we designate.
9) Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for adults. The Website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the Website. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us via the Website, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.
10) Links to Other Sites
The Website may link to third‑party sites or services that are not owned or controlled by Balanced Mind. This Policy does not apply to those third‑party properties. We are not responsible for their content, security, or privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.
11) Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Date Last Modified.” Your continued use of the Website after changes take effect signifies your acceptance of the revised Policy.
12) Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (646) 883‑5544
Mailing Address: 15 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021; 1125 45th Avenue, Apt 3B, Long Island City, NY 11101; 115 Myrtle Ave, 7th Floor, Suite #710, Brooklyn, NY 11201
13) New York Security Notice (SHIELD Act)
If we maintain personal information of New York residents, we implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and nature of our business to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of such information, including secure disposal. Where required, we will provide timely notifications of qualifying data security incidents in accordance with New York law.
Important Note for Clients
For information about how Balanced Mind handles Protected Health Information in connection with psychotherapy and other health services—including your rights to access, amend, and receive an accounting of disclosures—please refer to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. If you need a copy, contact us using the information above.