Privacy Policy
Happy Tails Counseling, LLC
Keri Hamberg, LAPC
P.O. Box 88
Allison Park, PA 15101
Phone: (717) 322-2720
Email: keri.hamberg@happytailscounseling.com
Effective Date: April 10, 2025
Happy Tails Counseling, LLC is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who contact our practice. This page explains how information submitted through this website and through Facebook lead forms may be used.
Information submitted through Facebook lead forms or website contact forms will only be used to respond to counseling inquiries, provide information about services, and schedule appointments. Your information will never be sold, shared, or used for marketing outside of Happy Tails Counseling, LLC.
If you choose to begin services, your information will be protected in accordance with federal HIPAA privacy regulations.
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
The following notice describes how medical information about you or your child may be used and disclosed and how you can obtain access to this information.
I. Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Happy Tails Counseling, LLC ("the Practice") is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information ("PHI"). PHI includes information that may identify you (or your child) and relates to your physical or mental health conditions, the provision of healthcare, or the payment for healthcare services. We are legally obligated to maintain the privacy of your PHI, provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and adhere to the terms of this Notice as currently in effect.
II. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI
We are permitted to use and disclose your PHI for the purposes listed below without obtaining your specific written consent or authorization:
Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care services. This may include sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your care (e.g., your primary care physician or psychiatrist), typically only with your consent or as needed for coordination of care.
Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for the services rendered. This may include providing necessary information to your health insurance company, billing entities, or third parties involved in the payment process.
Healthcare Operations: We may use and disclose your PHI for activities that are necessary to operate and manage Happy Tails Counseling, LLC. These include quality assessment activities, training, licensing, and other administrative functions.
Appointment Reminders & Communications: We may use your PHI to contact you regarding appointments, reminders, or other communications relevant to your mental health treatment or other healthcare-related services that may be of interest.
Mobile SMS Messaging Privacy Policy
You have the option to receive informational emails and/or text messages from Happy Tails Counseling, LLC, which may include appointment reminders, account notifications, and other relevant communications.
Message frequency may vary.
Standard message and data rates may apply.
To get help with text messaging, you can email us at keri.hamberg@happytailscounseling.com.
You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP.
Your mobile information will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
All policies are followed per CTIA guidelines 5.2.1.
As Required by Law: We will disclose your PHI when required by law, including but not limited to the following circumstances:
Public Health Activities: Reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or disease, or preventing harm to public health.
Health Oversight: Activities related to audits, investigations, or inspections for the proper functioning of the healthcare system.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings: If compelled by subpoena, court order, or other lawful process, including specific protections for mental health records.
Law Enforcement: Disclosures required by law or in response to valid legal requests, including court orders and warrants.
Reporting Abuse or Neglect: Mandated reporting of child or vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
To Prevent a Serious Threat: Disclosure necessary to avert a serious threat to public or individual safety.
Workers’ Compensation: We may disclose PHI in compliance with workers' compensation laws, as applicable.
III. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
Other uses and disclosures of your PHI not covered by this Notice or permitted by law will only occur with your explicit written consent or authorization. Examples include:
Psychotherapy Notes: Disclosures of psychotherapy notes, if kept separately from the medical record.
Marketing: Disclosures for marketing purposes.
Sale of PHI: Any disclosure that involves the sale of your PHI.
Collaboration with Educational or School Entities: We will not disclose your PHI to schools, educational institutions, or other entities unless you have provided written consent for such disclosures. This includes any collaborations regarding your (or your child’s) treatment or other educational needs.
You have the right to revoke any written authorization at any time, except where we have already taken action in reliance upon that authorization.
IV. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the following rights with respect to your PHI:
Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI maintained in a designated record set (such as billing or clinical records). We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for the cost of copying and mailing. You may request a review if access is denied.
Right to Amend: If you believe that your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. Your request must be made in writing and provide a justification for the change. We may deny your request if the information is accurate, complete, or otherwise legally protected.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of disclosures of your PHI that have occurred in the past six years. This list will exclude disclosures made for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, disclosures made directly to you or authorized by you, and other specified disclosures.
Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on the way your PHI is used or disclosed for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We are not required to comply with all such requests but must agree to restrict disclosures of PHI to a health plan if the disclosure pertains to a healthcare service for which you have paid in full.
Right to Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you in a specific manner or at a specific location (e.g., by mail, at your workplace). We will accommodate reasonable requests.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice: You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
V. Confidentiality Limitations
Please be advised that certain circumstances may necessitate the disclosure of your Protected Health Information (PHI) without your specific consent. These limitations are as follows:
Canine-Assisted Counseling Activities: Should canine-assisted counseling sessions take place outside of the counseling office (e.g., during walks or other related activities), there may be instances where confidentiality is limited. Participation in these activities is strictly voluntary, and you will be provided the opportunity to decline such participation without affecting the provision of services.
Clinical Supervision: In accordance with ethical and legal standards, I engage in regular clinical supervision with licensed professionals, including Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and those holding certification with the International Association of Animal Assisted Play Therapy® (IAAAPT). During such supervision, client information may be discussed to enhance the quality of care provided and ensure compliance with applicable professional and legal standards. Any identifying information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, and the information shared will be strictly for supervisory and educational purposes.
VI. Special Considerations for Minor Clients
For clients under 18 years of age, parents or legal guardians generally have access to the minor’s PHI. However, there are exceptions under both federal and state law (such as in cases involving reproductive health or substance abuse), where minors may have control over their own PHI. The Practice will comply with applicable laws concerning minor clients’ rights to confidentiality and parental access.
VII. Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to amend this Notice and to make the revised Notice effective for any PHI we already hold, as well as any PHI we may receive in the future. If there are any significant changes to our privacy practices, we will provide you with an updated Notice upon request.
VIII. Complaints
If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Happy Tails Counseling, LLC or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
To file a complaint with Happy Tails Counseling, LLC: Contact: Keri Hamberg, Privacy Officer Mail: P.O. Box 88, Allison Park, PA 15101 Phone: (717) 322-2720 Email: keri.hamberg@happytailscounseling.com
To file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Visit: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints Or contact the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.