Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 24, 2025

Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit www.cheriebrowntherapy.com and engage with Cherie Brown Therapy, Inc. We are committed to handling your information with the highest level of confidentiality and care.

1. Protected Health Information (PHI)

If you are an active client, all personal health information shared during therapy sessions or through intake forms is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This means:

• Your personal and health information will be kept confidential at all times.

• It is securely stored, whether electronically or physically, with stringent safeguards in place.

• It will only be shared with your written consent, unless required by law (such as when there is a risk of harm or abuse).

Mandated Reporting:
As part of our commitment to your safety and well-being, please be aware that we are mandated reporters. This means that if we have reasonable cause to believe that you or someone else is at risk of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, we are legally required to report this to the appropriate authorities. This includes but is not limited to situations involving child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of harm to yourself or others.

We will always strive to discuss these matters with you before taking action unless we believe immediate intervention is necessary for your safety or the safety of others.

2. Information We Collect

When you visit our website or engage with our services, we may collect the following types of information:

• Voluntary personal information: This may include details you provide when filling out a contact form, scheduling an appointment, or inquiring about our services.

• Non-personal data: We may gather general information about your browsing behavior, such as your browser type, the pages you visit, and the time spent on our site. This data is collected through cookies or analytics tools to help us improve your experience.

Note: We do not collect or store sensitive health-related information via the website. Please refrain from submitting any personal health information online. For your privacy and protection, sensitive matters are best discussed during your sessions.

3. Use of Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to inquiries or appointment requests in a timely and personalized manner.

• To improve our website and user experience, ensuring it is easy to navigate and informative.

• To send you practice updates or other relevant information, if you’ve opted in to receive communication from us.

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Your trust is important to us, and we respect your privacy at all times.

4. Cookies and Tracking

To enhance your experience on our site, we may use cookies or similar technologies. These are small files that track your browsing activity anonymously and help us understand how visitors use the site. By understanding your preferences, we can tailor our content and services to better meet your needs.

If you prefer not to have cookies, you can easily adjust your browser settings to disable them at any time. However, please note that some features of the site may not function optimally without cookies.

5. Third-Party Tools

In order to provide you with seamless services (such as scheduling appointments or processing forms), we use third-party platforms like Google Analytics, SimplePractice, and Calendly. These services may collect information in accordance with their own privacy policies.

Rest assured, we choose to work with platforms that are secure and HIPAA-compliant when handling your personal health information, ensuring your data is always protected.

6. Data Security

Your privacy is our priority. We take reasonable and necessary measures to safeguard your data, including the use of encryption, secure platforms, and password protection. However, please be aware that while we strive to ensure the highest level of security, no method of transmission over the internet is completely risk-free. If you ever have concerns about the security of your information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

7. Your Rights (If You’re a Client)

As a client, you have several important rights regarding your personal and health information, including:

• Accessing and requesting copies of your records.

• Requesting corrections if you notice any inaccuracies in your information.

• Asking for limitations on how your information is used or shared.

• Filing a complaint if you feel your privacy rights have been violated.

If you would like more information on your HIPAA rights, please visit: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/index.html.

We are here to support you in every step of your journey, and if you have any questions regarding your rights or data, please reach out to us.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website is intended for use by individuals over the age of 13. If you believe your child has submitted personal information on this site, please contact us immediately. We are committed to maintaining the privacy and safety of all users, including children.

9. Crisis Support and Emergency Situations

While we are committed to supporting you throughout your therapy journey, it is important to recognize that some situations require immediate attention. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek help right away:

• Call 911 for any urgent emergencies requiring immediate assistance.

• Dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support for individuals in distress or facing emotional crises — particularly for those who do not have plans to harm themselves or others.

• Domestic Violence Support: If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website for confidential assistance and resources.

• LGBTQ+ Support: LGBTQ+ individuals facing crisis or seeking support can access specialized resources such as The Trevor Project by calling 1-866-488-7386 or through their online chat service.

• Crisis Hotlines: You may also contact local or national crisis hotlines for immediate emotional support and guidance.

If an emergency occurs outside of our regular office hours, please contact your local emergency services or visit the nearest emergency room. Please understand that we may not be available to respond immediately outside of scheduled sessions.

10. Policy Updates

From time to time, we may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or to comply with new regulations. Any updates will be posted on this page, with a revised effective date. We encourage you to periodically review this policy to stay informed about how we protect your privacy.

11. Contact Us

Your privacy matters to us. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to exercise any of your privacy rights, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Cherie Brown Therapy, Inc.
Email: info@cheriebrowntherapy.com
Phone: (347)-551-5749

We are here to answer any questions and support you in every way possible.