JOURNEY CCSPrivacy Practices

Journey Counseling and Community Services, LLC (Journey CCS) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information in accordance with state and federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Practices document outlines how we collect, use, and disclose your personal health information (PHI) and other personal details, as well as your rights regarding this information.

Type of Information Collected

Journey CCS may collect personal information, including but not limited to name, address, email address, phone number, insurance information, and other personal information necessary for providing our services.

We collect this information when you complete forms, either on our website, over the phone, or in person. This information is used to facilitate your treatment, coordinate with healthcare providers, verify insurance, and ensure effective service delivery.

Use and Disclosure of Information

Under HIPAA, we are permitted to use and disclose your personal information for three primary purposes: treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

1. Treatment: Journey CCS will use and disclose health information to appropriate agencies/individuals when provided with written consent to release such information. Often, requests for release of information will be requested when needing to coordinate with other healthcare professionals in the implementation, coordination, or management of treatment, and/or the gathering of previous treatment information. Be advised that referral sources for specialized mental health programs may require the transmission of your healthcare information. In all cases, the agency ensures that only the minimum necessary information is shared in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
2. Evidence-based services: Journey CCS participates in evidence-based services and engages in consultation activities with other professionals to ensure the highest quality of care. During these consultations, only the minimum necessary information will be disclosed to receive feedback and enhance treatment, in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
3. Payment: We may use and disclose your health information to verify insurance coverage, process claims, and collect payment for services rendered.
4. Healthcare Operations: Your health information may be used for internal operations, such as quality assurance, staff training, and performance improvement activities, to enhance the quality of care we provide. Additionally, any agency or individual for whom you provide written consent to release information may receive healthcare operations information related to your care, as specified. Staff at Journey CCS will also have access to your records to facilitate appropriate coordination with third-party payers and ensure the proper management of your treatment and care. If Journey CCS conducts compliance reviews or licensure that requires the examination of records, your information may be accessed for these purposes.

Disclosures Without Your Consent

There are specific situations where we may disclose your personal health information without your
consent or authorization:

• Threats of Harm: If you express or are suspected to pose a threat of harm to yourself or others, we may disclose your information to appropriate authorities to prevent harm.
• Child or Elder Abuse and Neglect: We are required by law to report any instances of suspected or confirmed child abuse, neglect, or elder abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• Court Orders and Subpoenas: If a court orders us to testify or provide records in any legal proceeding, we are required to comply. This includes situations where we are subpoenaed to provide information related to your case.
• Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, your health information may be disclosed to necessary healthcare professionals without your prior consent to ensure your safety and well-being.
• For health oversight purposes, including audits and investigations

Custody Situations

Journey CCS does not participate in custody evaluations or situations that may harm our therapeutic relationship with family members. Family therapy focuses on creating a balanced alliance with all family members involved, and custody involvement may jeopardize this therapeutic process.

Electronic Communication and TCR Guidelines

Journey CCS may use electronic means such as text messages, emails, and phone calls to communicate with clients, parents, or guardians. Electronic communication may only be used for purposes such as:

• Appointment reminders
• Scheduling appointments
• Contacting families for administrative purposes
• Quality assurance and improvement surveys

When using text messages, Journey CCS follows TCR (Telecommunications Consumer Protection Act) guidelines to protect your information. You may opt in or out of receiving text messages at any time, either verbally or in writing. Journey CCS will obtain your consent before sending any text messages. If you decide to opt out, please inform us immediately so we can update our records. To opt out of SMS text messages respond via text by using STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE.

Please note, no clinical information shall be sent via text message, email, or through our website. These communication methods will only be used for administrative purposes such as scheduling or reminders.

Information Collection and Website Use

Any information collected on our website is used solely to initiate services and facilitate the onboarding process. We collect the minimum amount of information necessary to fulfill this purpose, and no detailed personal or clinical information will be disclosed via text, email, or through the website.

SMS Text Messaging Limitations

While text messages and emails can be a convenient way to communicate, it is important to note that these messages are not to be used for clinical discussions or emergency situations. If you or your family are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact 911, go to the nearest emergency room or follow your individualized crisis plan, as outlined during your treatment process.

Website Communication Limitations

Non-Emergency Use Only: The website is not a suitable medium for urgent or emergency communication. In case of a mental health crisis or emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Response Limitations: While we strive to respond promptly to inquiries, we cannot guarantee immediate responses through the website. For urgent assistance, please contact us directly by phone.

Information Sharing

1. Third-Party Service Providers: We may share personal information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or providing services to you, as long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential.
2. Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
3. No Selling of Information: Your personal information will not be sold, traded, or otherwise transferred to outside parties.
4. Marketing Purposes: We will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

Safeguarding Your Information

At Journey CCS, we take the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information seriously. We only disclose the minimum necessary information to carry out treatment, payment, and healthcare operations as required. When it comes to electronic communication, we ensure that the information shared is minimal and does not include  sensitive or detailed clinical data.

Your Rights

As a client of Journey CCS, you have the right to

• Request corrections and updates to your health records
• Access your personal health information
• Opt out of electronic communication (SMS text and email) at any time
• Request restrictions on how your information is used or shared
• Receive a copy of this Privacy Practices document upon request

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a written complaint with Journey CCCS. Journey CCS assures you that no retaliation will occur as a result of filing a complaint. Your concerns will be addressed promptly and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Journey CCCS prioritizes your privacy and the security of your information. We are committed to following HIPAA guidelines and all applicable state and federal laws to safeguard your data while providing you with the best possible care. Should you have any further questions or need additional information regarding our privacy practices, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to support you in every way possible