Last updated: June 2026
Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Areale Counseling & Wellness is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of every patient. This policy describes how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your personal and health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable New York State law.
Questions about your confidentiality or privacy? Contact us directly.
A place for self-discovery, emotional health and healing®
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Commitment
“The foundation of effective depth psychotherapy is the security of the therapeutic relationship.”
I. The Therapeutic Relationship and Confidentiality
The foundation of effective depth psychotherapy is the security of the therapeutic relationship. Nothing shared within the consulting room is disclosed to any third party without your explicit written consent, except as required or permitted by law. Your treatment records, session content, and identifying information are held in strict confidence.
Areale Counseling & Wellness uses TheraNest, a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record TheraNest by Ensora Health, to securely store patient records, session notes, and billing information. TheraNest maintains industry-standard encryption and security protocols in compliance with federal and state law.
The foundation of effective depth psychotherapy is the security of the therapeutic relationship. Nothing shared within the consulting room is disclosed to any third party without your explicit written consent, except as required or permitted by law. Your treatment records, session content, and identifying information are held in strict confidence.
Areale Counseling & Wellness uses TheraNest by Ensora Health, a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record TheraNest by Ensora Health, to securely store patient records, session notes, and billing information. TheraNest maintains industry-standard encryption and security protocols in compliance with federal and state law.
II. What Information We Collect
Personal and Contact Information
When you contact us, book an appointment, or complete intake paperwork, we collect your name, contact information, date of birth, emergency contact details, and reason for seeking services.
Clinical Information
In the course of treatment, we maintain clinical records including session notes, assessment information, treatment plans, and any relevant psychological or psychiatric history you share.
Billing and Insurance Information
We collect billing information necessary to process payment and, where applicable, to prepare superbills for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. We do not submit claims directly to insurance companies.
We collect billing information necessary to process payment. As a courtesy, our billing team can verify your out-of-network benefits, provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost, and submit claims to your insurer on your behalf. Superbills are also available upon request for patients who prefer to file directly.
Website Information
Our website may collect non-identifying technical information such as browser type, pages visited, and session duration through standard analytics tools. We do not collect personally identifiable information through the website without your direct submission.
III. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used exclusively to provide clinical services, manage your account, communicate with you about your care, and fulfill our legal obligations. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for commercial purposes.
IV. Exceptions to Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the rule. The following are the limited circumstances under which disclosure may be required or permitted without your written consent:
Mandatory Reporting
New York State law requires disclosure when a clinician has reasonable cause to believe that a child, elderly person, or person with a disability is being abused or neglected. We are legally obligated to report such concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Duty to Warn
If a patient communicates a serious, credible threat of imminent harm to an identified third party, we may be required to take steps to protect that individual, which may include notifying law enforcement or the intended victim.
Imminent Risk of Self-Harm
Legal Process
Supervision and Consultation
V. Your Rights Under HIPAA
Access Your Records
Request Amendments
Receive an Accounting of Disclosures
Request a record of disclosures of your health information made by our practice within the previous six years.
Request Restrictions
File a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights at www.hhs.gov/ocr. Filing a complaint will not affect the care you receive.
VI. Telehealth and Digital Communications
Telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Patients are advised to conduct sessions from a private location using a secure internet connection. We do not conduct clinical sessions via standard email, SMS, or non-encrypted video platforms.
Email and phone communications are used for scheduling and administrative purposes only. Clinically sensitive information should not be transmitted via unencrypted email.
VII. Adult Practice
Areale Counseling & Wellness provides psychotherapy to adults. We do not treat children or adolescents. Prospective patients under 18, or families seeking care for a minor, will be offered referral information for appropriate providers.
VIII. Data Security
We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Our TheraNest by Ensora Health, TheraNest, maintains encryption, secure backup, and access controls in compliance with HIPAA Security Rule requirements.
In the event of a breach of unsecured protected health information, we will notify affected patients as required by HIPAA and applicable law.
IX. Website Privacy
Our website does not collect personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily submit it through a contact form or booking system. We may use third-party analytics tools to understand how our website is used. These tools may use cookies. You may disable cookies through your browser settings without affecting your ability to use this website.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies independently.
X. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or our practices. The most current version will always be available on this page. Material changes will be communicated to active patients directly.
XI. Contact
Questions, concerns, or requests related to this policy may be directed to:
Areale Counseling & Wellness
19 W 34th St, Penthouse RM 52
New York, NY 10001
(917) 905-4463
info@arealecounselingandwellness.com
When working with minors, we comply with New York State law governing parental rights to access records and minor patients’ rights to confidentiality. In certain circumstances — including mental health treatment sought independently by a minor — the minor’s confidentiality may be protected even from parents or guardians. We will explain applicable rights clearly at the outset of treatment.