Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy & Notice of Privacy Practices

 

Effective Date: August 2025

1. Introduction
At John Watkins Psychotherapy PLLC, your privacy and confidentiality are our highest priorities. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with Texas law and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By engaging in our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

• Personal Information – Name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and other identifying details necessary to provide care.

• Health Information – Medical and mental health history, treatment plans, therapy session notes, diagnoses, medications, and other health-related information you choose to share.

• Payment Information – Credit card details, billing address, and other payment data. Credit card numbers are encrypted in our HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, and we only have access to the last 4 digits. ​

​3. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used solely to:
- Provide psychotherapy and related mental health services.
- Develop and maintain personalized treatment plans.- Schedule and confirm appointments.
- Communicate with you about services.
- Process payments and provide superbills if requested.- Maintain accurate health and billing records.
- Comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.

4. Disclosure of Information
We will not sell, rent, or share your personal or health information for marketing purposes. Information may be disclosed only:
- With Your Consent
- When you sign a Release of Information (ROI) form.

- For Treatment Purposes - At your request, we may collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
- For Payment – If you request a superbill to submit to your insurance company.
- Legal Requirements – If required by law, such as suspected abuse or neglect, risk of harm to self or others, or a valid court order.
- Business Associates – With HIPAA-compliant third-party service providers (e.g., EHR, billing, credit card processing) who are bound by a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to maintain confidentiality.

5. SMS Communication Consent
f you choose to receive appointment reminders or communication via text message (SMS):

- SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates.

- Text messaging is used only for purposes you have agreed to, such as scheduling or appointment reminders.

- Standard message and data rates may apply.

 

6. How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable and industry-standard precautions to safeguard your information:

- HIPAA-compliant electronic health record storage.

- Encryption of sensitive data.

- Limited access to records, restricted to authorized personnel.- Secure disposal of records after the legally required retention period (minimum 7 years in Texas).

 

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

- Access

- Request copies of your personal and health information.

- Amend – Ask for corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.

- Restrict Use – Request limits on the use or disclosure of your information.

- Request Confidential Communications – Specify how and where we communicate with you.

- Receive a List of Disclosures – Request a record of certain disclosures made about you.

- File a Complaint – Contact us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

 

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

If you use our website, we may collect non-personal data via cookies or similar tracking tools to improve the site’s performance and user experience. You can adjust browser settings to refuse cookies.

 

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website, with the effective date clearly indicated.

 

10. Contact Information

Registered Business Address:

John Watkins Psychotherapy PLLC

5900 Balcones Drive, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78731

Phone: 346-299-8355

Email: john@mytherapistjohn.com