Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Monarch Therapies

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Monarch Therapies is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws.

1. Protected Health Information (PHI) and HIPAA Compliance

As a counseling practice, Monarch Therapies follows all guidelines set forth by HIPAA to protect the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI includes information related toIntroduction

At Monarch Therapies, your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. We are committed to protecting your personal health information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information when you engage in our counseling and wellness services.

Under HIPAA, we are required to maintain the confidentiality of your health information and provide you with this notice regarding our legal duties and privacy practices. Your PHI includes information related to your mental health, diagnosis, treatment, and payment details.

We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

• Treatment – To provide and coordinate your care, including sharing necessary information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.
   
• Payment – To process billing and payment through insurance providers or third-party payers.
   
• Healthcare Operations – For internal operations such as quality assessment, staff training, and accreditation purposes.
   

You have the following rights regarding your PHI:

• The right to access and request copies of your records.
   
• The right to request amendments to inaccurate or incomplete information.
   
• The right to request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures.
   
• The right to confidential communications through preferred methods.
   
• The right to receive a full accounting of disclosures.
   
• The right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
   

For more details on your rights under HIPAA, visit www.hhs.gov/hipaa.

Monarch Therapies is committed to growing the next generation of therapists and may employ graduate-level interns and provisionally licensed clinicians who provide therapy under the supervision of a licensed professional. Your privacy remains protected in these cases, as all interns and provisionally licensed clinicians are bound by the same ethical and legal confidentiality requirements.

• Interns and provisionally licensed clinicians receive supervision from licensed therapists to ensure the highest level of care.
   
• In some cases, supervision may involve the review of session notes or recordings. Any recordings will only be used for training purposes and will be deleted after review.
   
• You will be informed if an intern or provisionally licensed clinician is involved in your care and have the right to decline services from them.
   

Your information is kept confidential, except in situations where disclosure is required by law, including:

• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult.
   
• If you present a serious threat to yourself or others.
   
• If a court order requires disclosure of records.
   

Monarch Therapies implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal data, including:

• Secure electronic health records (EHR) systems.
   
• Encrypted communications for telehealth sessions.
   
• Restricted access to PHI among staff.
   

If you engage in telehealth services, we ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations for secure online communication. Please note that while we use encrypted and secure platforms, electronic communication may still carry risks.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your privacy rights or how your information is handled, please contact us at:

Monarch Therapies

485 Wildwood Parkway Ste 3, Ballwin MO, 63011

314-252-8220

inof@monarch-therapies.com your health history, treatment, and payment for services.

How We Use and Disclose Your PHI:

For Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your care.

For Payment: To bill and collect payment for services provided.

For Healthcare Operations: To improve our services and ensure quality care.

With Your Authorization: We will not disclose your information for any other purposes without your written consent.

As Required by Law: We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local laws.

You have the right to access, amend, and obtain a copy of your health records. For questions regarding your rights, please contact us directly.

2. Confidentiality and Counseling Services

Your privacy is of the utmost importance. We will not share your information without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

If you present an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.

If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult.

If we are required by a court order or subpoena.

Any disclosures made will be limited to the minimum necessary information to comply with legal and ethical obligations.

3. Use of Interns and Provisionally Licensed Clinicians

Monarch Therapies is dedicated to fostering the next generation of mental health professionals. Our team includes interns and provisionally licensed clinicians who provide services under the direct supervision of fully licensed professionals.

Interns are graduate-level trainees working under supervision as part of their educational requirements.

Provisionally licensed clinicians have completed their academic training and are working toward full licensure under the supervision of a licensed professional.

All clients will be informed when receiving services from an intern or provisionally licensed clinician, and supervision details will be disclosed upon request.

If you have concerns about receiving services from an intern or provisionally licensed clinician, you have the right to request care from a fully licensed provider.

4. Electronic Communications and Data Security

We take security seriously and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information. However, electronic communications (emails, text messages, telehealth platforms) are not 100% secure.

We use HIPAA-compliant platforms for telehealth and electronic recordkeeping.

Please avoid sharing sensitive information via email or text unless necessary.

If you choose to communicate electronically, you assume some level of risk.

5. Website Privacy and Cookies

Our website may collect non-identifiable information through cookies and analytics to improve user experience. This does not include PHI. You may disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as needed. Any significant changes will be communicated via our website or direct notification.

7. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your privacy or our policies, please contact us:

Monarch Therapies

485 Wildwood Parkway Ste 3, Ballwin MO 63011

314-252-8220

info@monarch-therapies.com

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.