Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

Effective Date: 1/1/2026

This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how your medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Horizon Counseling Services (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”). PHI includes information about your mental health, treatment, and personal details that may identify you.

We are required by law to:

  • Maintain the privacy of your PHI
  • Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
  • Follow the terms of this Notice

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

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

Treatment

We may use your information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. This may include consulting with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.

Payment

We may use and disclose your information to bill and collect payment for services provided, including working with insurance companies.

Healthcare Operations

We may use your information for administrative purposes such as quality assessment, supervision, training, and practice management.

Other Uses and Disclosures

We may also use or disclose your information in the following situations:

  • As Required by Law – When required by federal, state, or local law
  • Public Health and Safety – To prevent or lessen a serious threat to your health or safety or the safety of others
  • Abuse or Neglect – If we suspect abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
  • Legal Proceedings – In response to a court order, subpoena, or legal process
  • Law Enforcement – For certain law enforcement purposes

Uses Requiring Your Authorization

We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes not described in this Notice, including:

  • Most disclosures of psychotherapy notes
  • Marketing purposes
  • Any other use not otherwise permitted or required by law

You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the following rights regarding your PHI:

Right to Access

You may request access to your health records.

Right to Amend

You may request corrections to your information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.

Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limitations on how your information is used or disclosed.

Right to Request Confidential Communications

You may request that we contact you in a specific way (for example, by phone or email).

Right to a Paper Copy

You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice upon request.

Our Responsibilities

We are required to:

  • Protect the privacy of your PHI
  • Notify you in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI
  • Follow the terms of this Notice

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this Notice at any time. Updated versions will be posted on our website and available upon request.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Notice or your privacy rights, please contact us:

Horizon Counseling Services
248-509-5218

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Filing a complaint will not affect your care.

To file a complaint with HHS:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/