Privacy Policy
1. Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)
We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI) under federal and California state laws, including HIPAA, to provide you with this Notice, and to notify you if a breach of your unsecured PHI occurs. We can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information we have about you.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI (Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations):
Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to coordinate or manage your healthcare services, including disclosing PHI to another healthcare professional (e.g., physician or psychiatrist).
Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for treatment and services, such as sending PHI to your insurance provider.
Healthcare Operations: We may use and disclose your PHI to support operational functions of our practice, such as contacting you or consulting with legal counsel.
Exceptions and Mandatory Disclosures: Disclosure without authorization is permitted or required for mandatory reporting (suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse), public health activities, health oversight/audits, judicial/administrative orders, law enforcement, coroners/medical examiners, research, specialized government functions, and workers' compensation.
Psychotherapy Notes & Authorizations: Specific written authorization is required for uses outside treatment/payment/operations, marketing, sale of PHI, or release of psychotherapy notes (except for internal treatment, training, defense in legal proceedings, or legal compliance).
Disclosures to Family/Friends: We may share PHI with family or friends involved in your care unless you object.
2. Website Information Collection
When you interact with our website, we may collect information you voluntarily provide through contact forms, scheduling requests, or email communications. Please note that standard email or web form transmissions are not completely secure; avoid transmitting highly sensitive information through unencrypted web forms.
3. Client Rights
Under HIPAA and state regulations, you have the right to:
Request restrictions or limits on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI (including restrictions for services paid out-of-pocket in full).
Inspect and receive a paper or electronic copy of your health records and this Notice.
Request corrections or updates to your medical records.
Receive an accounting of disclosures made over the last six years.
Choose how we communicate and send confidential information to you (e.g., specific phone number or address).
4. Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
Ruthie Ayzenberg, LMFT, LPCC
Mental Fitness Therapy
Email: ruthie@mentalfitnesstherapy.org
Phone: 650-419-7004
Last updated: 29 September 2026