Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Last updated: April 2025

Introduction

Peggy Martin, Licensed Professional Counselor ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (https://peggymartinlpc.com) or engage our professional services. By using our website or services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information You Provide

  • Name, email address, and phone number when you contact us or schedule an appointment
  • Information submitted through contact forms or intake questionnaires
  • Insurance information for billing purposes
  • Clinical information provided during the course of therapy (protected by HIPAA)

Information Collected Automatically

  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited and time spent on each page
  • Referring website or search terms
  • Device type and operating system
  • IP address (anonymized where possible)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to your inquiries and schedule appointments
  • Provide professional counseling and therapy services
  • Process insurance claims and billing
  • Improve our website and the quality of our services
  • Send appointment reminders (with your consent)
  • Comply with legal obligations and professional licensing requirements

We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

HIPAA Compliance

As a licensed mental health practice, we are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This means that your protected health information (PHI) — including clinical notes, diagnoses, treatment plans, and other health-related information — is subject to additional protections beyond those described in this website privacy policy.

We maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your PHI. Your clinical records are kept confidential and are only disclosed with your written authorization, except as required or permitted by law (such as mandatory reporting of abuse or imminent danger).

A separate Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA Notice) is provided to all clients at the start of treatment and is available upon request.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience and help us understand how our website is used. Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser.

We may use the following types of cookies:

  • Essential cookies: Required for basic website functionality
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
  • Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality but will not affect your ability to contact us or receive services.

Third-Party Services

Our website may use the following third-party services:

  • Google Fonts for typography (loads fonts from Google servers)
  • Analytics services to understand website usage patterns
  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms for online sessions
  • HIPAA-compliant electronic health records systems

These services have their own privacy policies. We only work with third-party providers that maintain appropriate security and privacy standards.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Our website uses SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate personal information
  • Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and professional obligations)
  • Opt out of non-essential communications
  • Request a copy of your clinical records (as provided under HIPAA)

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information online, please contact us so we can take appropriate action. Note that we may provide therapy services to minors with parental consent, which is governed by our clinical policies and HIPAA.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Peggy Martin, Licensed Professional Counselor

1290 S. Willis Ste. 121

Abilene, TX 79605

Phone: 325-669-7141

Email: Peggy@PeggyMartinLPC.com