Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 22, 2026

Last Updated: July 22, 2026

1. Introduction

Heartsease Counseling Center, PLLC ("Heartsease," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information collected through our website. It applies only to information collected through our website and online communications and supplements, but does not replace, our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

2. Information We Collect

Information you voluntarily provide includes your first name, last name, email address, and phone number. We also automatically collect limited technical information including IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, referring pages, pages visited, and cookie data.

3. How We Use Information

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Schedule appointments

  • Improve our website

  • Maintain website security

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Operate and administer our practice

4. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and Squarespace Analytics to understand website usage and improve visitor experience. More information about Squarespace's privacy practices is available at https://www.squarespace.com/privacy. You may manage cookies through your browser settings.

5. Google Invisible reCAPTCHA

Our contact forms use Google's Invisible reCAPTCHA to reduce spam and abuse. Use of reCAPTCHA is subject to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

6. Third-Party Service Providers

We may use trusted third parties, including Squarespace and other technology vendors, to host our website, provide analytics, secure forms, and support business operations. These providers receive only the information necessary to perform their services.

7. Contact Forms and No Therapist–Client Relationship

Submitting a contact form, requesting an appointment, or sending an email through this website does not establish a therapist–client relationship. A therapeutic relationship begins only after appropriate intake procedures have been completed and both parties agree to enter treatment.

Please do not submit confidential medical information, diagnoses, medications, insurance information, trauma histories, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information through our website. Website communications are not intended for emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

8. HIPAA

If you become a client, your Protected Health Information is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices and applicable federal and Texas law, including HIPAA.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. No Internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

10. Data Retention

We retain website inquiry information only as long as reasonably necessary for business, legal, or operational purposes. Client records are retained according to applicable Texas law and professional licensing requirements.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. Parents or legal guardians may contact us on behalf of minors.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents may request access to, correction of, deletion of, or information about personal information we maintain, subject to applicable law. We do not sell personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising and will not discriminate against individuals who exercise their privacy rights.

13. GDPR

If you are located in the EEA or UK, we process personal information only where we have a lawful basis, including consent, legitimate interests, legal obligations, or contractual necessity. You may request access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, object to processing, or withdraw consent where applicable.

14. CalOPPA

In accordance with the California Online Privacy Protection Act, this Privacy Policy is publicly available from our website. Users may visit our website anonymously. We will update this policy when material changes occur. Because there is currently no universally accepted standard, our website does not respond to browser Do Not Track (DNT) signals.

15. Texas Residents

We comply with applicable Texas privacy laws governing the protection of personal information. Health information maintained as part of clinical services is generally governed by HIPAA and applicable Texas law.

16. Accessibility

If you experience difficulty accessing this website or this Privacy Policy, please contact us and we will make reasonable efforts to provide information in an accessible format.

17. Changes to this Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

18. Contact Us

Heartsease Counseling Center, PLLC
Email: info@heartseasecounselingcenter.com