Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 11, 2024

Misty Relos, merakicat, Meraki Counseling and Therapy LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the websites merakicounselingandtherapy.com and merakicat.com (collectively, the “Site”). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information, including any health-related information that may be relevant to our therapy services. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to handling your information responsibly and in compliance with legal standards.

1. Information We Collect

  • Personal Information: We may collect personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, and other contact details when you voluntarily provide it through forms on our Site or during communications with us.
  • Health Information: As a licensed therapy practice, we may collect health information, including medical and mental health history, to provide appropriate therapy services. This information is collected solely for therapeutic purposes and is treated with strict confidentiality.
  • Usage Data: We may collect information about how you interact with the Site, such as the pages you visit and the links you click, to improve our Site functionality and better understand our users’ needs.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for:

  • Providing and maintaining our therapy services.
  • Communicating with you regarding inquiries, scheduling, and updates.
  • Enhancing your experience and improving our Site’s functionality.
  • Complying with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations.

3. Data Security

We employ appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect your personal and health information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

4. Confidentiality

As a mental health provider, we adhere to stringent confidentiality standards. Your information is protected under federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable laws. Disclosure of your information will occur only in compliance with these standards.

5. Third-Party Services

We may engage third-party service providers to assist in operating our Site and providing therapy services. These providers may have access to your information solely for the purposes of performing specific tasks on our behalf and are contractually obligated to maintain its confidentiality.

6. Embedded Content from Other Websites

Content on this Site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, articles) from other websites, which may collect data about your interactions. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party websites for more information.

7. Sharing Your Data

We may share your information in the following cases:

  • Professional Collaborators: If needed to coordinate your care, we may share relevant information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.
  • Third-Party Service Providers: Third-party vendors may assist with administrative tasks (e.g., hosting, scheduling) and are contractually obligated to protect your data.
  • Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information as required by law, such as in response to a court order or subpoena.
  • With Your Consent: We may share your information with other parties as authorized by you in writing.

8. Cookies and Tracking

The Site may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though certain features of the Site may be limited.

9. Retention of Data

  • Comments: Comments and metadata are retained indefinitely to recognize follow-up comments.
  • User Data: For registered users, we store the personal information in their profiles. Users can view, edit, or delete their personal data at any time, except for usernames.
  • Therapy Records: Health-related records are retained per legal requirements and will only be disclosed or deleted in accordance with relevant regulations.

10. Your Rights Over Your Data

You have the right to:

  • Request access to an exported file of your data.
  • Request the deletion of personal data, subject to legal or security retention requirements.

11. International Data Transfers

Our Site may use third-party vendors that transfer data internationally; however, we ensure any such transfers comply with applicable legal standards for data protection.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy is effective as of May 24, 2024, and may be updated from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page, and continued use of the Site constitutes your acknowledgment of these changes.

Contact Us

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at misty@merakicat.com or by mail at PO Box 22, Marshall, MO 65340.