Privacy Policy

Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

Introduction:

This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how Michael T Abdon, LMHC, may use to disclose your protected health information and your rights regarding that information. “Protected Health” information includes information we have created or received regarding your past or present physical or mental health, the provision of your counseling or health care and payment for your counseling or health care. It includes personal information such as your name, social security number, address, and phone number.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Michael T Abdon LMHC, is required to maintain the privacy of your protected health information, provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information, and comply with the practices and procedures set forth in this notice.

How I may use and disclose your health information WITHOUT your authorization:

  • For Payment: Michael T Abdon, LMHC, may use or disclose health information without authorization for the treatment and services you receive to your insurance company. 

Other Circumstances in which Michael T Abdon, LMHC, may disclose your information without your consent. 

  • Emergencies: To ensure good care in case of emergencies.  For example: We may provide health information to a paramedic who is transporting you in an ambulance.

  • Legal guardian: To your guardian or other fiduciary if one has been appointed by a court.

  • As required by law: When required to do so by other federal, state or local laws not listed here.

  • To avert a serious threat to health or safety: When necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to the health and safety of you, the public or another person.

  • Public health activities: For public health activities to prevent of control disease, injury, or disabilities or reporting to the Food and Drug Administration for investigating or tracking problems with prescription drugs.

  • Abuse or neglect: To government entities to report abuse or neglect of minors or vulnerable adults.

  • Disclosure in legal proceedings: To a court of administrative agency when a judge or administrative agency orders us to do so.

  • Law enforcement activities: To law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes as allowed or required by law.

  • Medical examiners: To a medical examiner or coroner for investigations of death.

  • Department of corrections: To a correctional institution or parole.  To probation offices; if you are an inmate of a correctional institution or under the custody of a state of Washington Department of Corrections parole/probation officer.

  • Military and national security: To military authorized under certain circumstances if you are in the Armed Forces. We may disclose to Authorized Federal Officials personal information required for lawful intelligence, counterintelligence and other national security activities.

Mobile SMS Messaging Privacy Policy:

  • Information collected: I collect information such as name, phone number, and email address.

  • Use of Information Collected: I use the information collected to perform the services requested, including billing, customer service, appointment discussions, and other administrative requests.

  • Sharing of Information Collected:

    • Mobile information will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates for any reason. This includes text messaging opt-in data and consent.

    • As a current or prospective client, you understand that you can text STOP at any time to opt out of receiving SMS text messages. You can text HELP at any time to receive help.

    • You understand that the messaging frequency may vary. Messaging and data rates may apply.

  • Messaging terms and conditions: You agree to receive informational messages about our work together that do not include healthcare-related information from me. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. For help, email hello@michaelabdontherapy.com. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.

All policies are followed in accordance with CTIA guidelines 5.2.1. At any time, if you want your information removed, you can contact me via email.