Effective Date: 4/20/2026
Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us.
As a mental health practice, we are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other applicable state and federal privacy laws. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Notice of Privacy Practices, which you will receive at your first appointment.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
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- Name, address, phone number, and email address
- Date of birth and age
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance information
- Payment and billing information
- Demographic information
Health Information
As a healthcare provider, we collect Protected Health Information (PHI) including:
- Mental health history and current symptoms
- Treatment plans and therapy notes
- Medication information
- Family and medical history relevant to treatment
- Session recordings (only with your explicit written consent)
Website Usage Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser type
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website addresses
- Device information and operating system
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations
- Providing, coordinating, and managing your mental health treatment
- Processing appointment scheduling and reminders
- Billing and payment processing
- Quality assurance and improvement activities
- Training and supervision of our clinical staff
Communication
- Responding to your inquiries and appointment requests
- Sending appointment reminders via phone, email, or text message (with your permission)
- Providing important updates about our services
- Sending administrative information and policy updates
Legal and Safety Obligations
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Protecting against fraud and unauthorized transactions
- Reporting as required by law (e.g., child abuse, threats of harm)
Text Messaging Permissions and Consent
Appointment Reminders and Communication
By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive text messages, you consent to receive:
- Appointment reminders and confirmations
- Cancellation notifications
- Administrative messages about your care
- Links to our secure client portal
- Practice updates and announcements
Your Rights Regarding Text Messages
- Opt-In Required: You must explicitly consent to receive text messages from us. This consent is not a condition of receiving treatment.
- Opt-Out Anytime: You may opt out of text messages at any time by replying “STOP” to any text message or by contacting our office at 240-752-7650.
- Message Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your appointment schedule and communication needs.
- Standard Rates Apply: Message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply.
- No Sensitive Information: We will not send Protected Health Information (PHI) via unencrypted text message unless you provide specific written authorization.
Security Limitations of Text Messaging
IMPORTANT: Standard text messaging (SMS) is not a secure form of communication. While we take precautions to protect your information, text messages may be:
- Intercepted by third parties
- Stored on your mobile device where others may access them
- Backed up to cloud services
- Visible in phone notifications
If you need to communicate sensitive health information, please use our secure client portal, encrypted email (if available), or call our office directly.
Third-Party Service Providers
We may use third-party messaging services to send appointment reminders and other communications. These providers are required to comply with HIPAA regulations and maintain the confidentiality of your information.
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal or health information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
With Your Consent
- When you provide explicit written authorization
- To coordinate care with other healthcare providers
- With family members or others you designate
As Required or Permitted by Law
- Court orders or legal proceedings
- Mandatory reporting (e.g., suspected abuse, threats of harm)
- Public health authorities
- Law enforcement under specific circumstances
- Workers’ compensation claims
Business Associates
We may share information with third-party service providers who assist with:
- Billing and payment processing
- IT services and website hosting
- Appointment scheduling systems
- Encrypted communication platforms
All business associates must sign agreements ensuring HIPAA compliance and protecting your information.
Information Security
We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS certificates)
- Secure, password-protected client portal
- Limited access to PHI on a need-to-know basis
- Regular staff training on privacy and security
- Secure storage of physical and electronic records
- Regular security assessments and updates
Confidentiality in Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions are conducted in private, soundproofed offices to prevent unauthorized access to your information. Virtual therapy sessions use HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platforms.
Your Privacy Rights
Under HIPAA and applicable state laws, you have the right to:
- Access and obtain a copy of your health records
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
- Request confidential communications (e.g., at alternative addresses)
- Receive an accounting of disclosures
- Receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer at 240-752-7650 or [email protected].
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Improve website functionality
- Provide relevant content
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18 without parental or guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without appropriate parental authorization. If we become aware that we have collected information from a minor without proper consent, we will take steps to delete that information.
Retention of Information
We retain your health records and personal information in accordance with:
- HIPAA requirements
- Maryland state law
- Professional ethical standards
- Legal and regulatory obligations
Generally, adult mental health records are retained for at least seven years after the last date of service. Minor records are retained until the individual reaches age 25 or seven years after the last service, whichever is longer.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Material changes will be communicated through:
- Notice on our website
- Email notification (if you have provided your email address)
- Written notice at your next appointment
Your continued use of our services after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.
California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:
- The right to know what personal information we collect
- The right to request deletion of your personal information
- The right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.
Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, LLC
4905 Del Ray Avenue, Suite 403
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 240-752-7650
Email: [email protected]
Filing a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
- Our Privacy Officer at the address above
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights
You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Acknowledgment: By using our website, services, or providing us with your information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
