Privacy Policy
Mentel (“we,” “us,” or “our“) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our website (“Site“) and mental health services (“Services“).
We comply with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant regulations.
1. Information We Collect
A. Personal Information
We may collect personally identifiable information (“PII”) and protected health information (“PHI”), including but not limited to:
- Full name, date of birth, and contact details (e.g., email, phone number, mailing address).
- Insurance details, billing information, and payment records.
- Health and medical history, including mental health conditions, treatment history, medications, and provider notes.
- Login credentials (username and password) for accessing our secure portal.
B. Automatically Collected
When you visit our Site, we may collect:
- IP address and device information (e.g., browser type, operating system, device model).
- Website usage data, such as pages visited, session duration, and interaction patterns.
- Cookies and tracking technologies to improve user experience and Site functionality.
2. How We Use Your Information
We collect and use your information for the following lawful purposes:
- Treatment: To provide mental health care, including diagnosis, treatment planning, therapy, and medication management.
- Payment: To process payments, insurance claims, and verify coverage.
- Healthcare Operations: To improve our Services, train personnel, and ensure quality care.
- Legal Compliance: To comply with federal and state regulations, court orders, or subpoenas.
- Communication: To contact you regarding appointments, treatment updates, or Service-related inquiries.
- Security & Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent unauthorized access, fraud, or abuse of our Services.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information only in accordance with HIPAA and applicable privacy laws:
- With Healthcare Providers: To coordinate your treatment with other medical professionals when necessary.
- With Insurance Providers & Payment Processors: To process claims, obtain reimbursement, and verify eligibility.
- With Business Associates: Such as electronic health record (EHR) vendors and IT support, who are contractually bound to protect your data under HIPAA.
- As Required by Law: If legally mandated, we may disclose information in response to court orders, law enforcement requests, or public health reporting requirements.
- In Case of Emergencies: If there is an imminent threat to your safety or the safety of others, we may share information with emergency responders or appropriate authorities.
For Research & Public Health (With Consent): In limited cases, de-identified data may be used for research or public health purposes, in compliance with HIPAA.
4. Your Rights and Choices
Under HIPAA and applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding your information:
- Right to Access & Obtain Copies: You may request access to your medical records and obtain a copy of your PHI.
- Right to Request Corrections: If you believe your records contain inaccuracies, you may request an amendment.
- Right to Confidential Communications: You can specify preferred methods of communication (e.g., phone, email, mail).
- Right to Restrict Disclosures: You can request limits on the use or disclosure of your information, though some restrictions may not be possible due to legal or treatment-related obligations.
- Right to Request Deletion: You may request that we delete certain data, subject to legal and medical retention requirements.
- Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at [Insert Contact Email]. Requests will be processed in accordance with HIPAA and applicable laws.
5. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal and health information, including:
- Data Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
- Access Controls: Only authorized personnel with a legitimate need can access your PHI.
- Secure Authentication: Multi-factor authentication and secure login protocols are used to protect your account.
- Regular Security Audits: We conduct periodic assessments to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Despite these safeguards, no online platform is entirely secure. You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials and notifying us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies for:
- User Experience Enhancement: Remembering your preferences and login sessions.
- Analytics & Performance Monitoring: Analyzing traffic and user interactions to improve our Site.
- Marketing (With Consent): Providing personalized content and outreach.
You may adjust your browser settings to manage cookies, but some features of our Site may not function properly without them.
7. Third-Party Links and Services
Our Site may contain links to third-party websites or services. Mentel is not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. We encourage you to review their policies before providing any personal information.
8. Retention of Information
We retain your personal and health information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide Services and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
Medical records are retained in accordance with federal and state laws governing healthcare documentation.
9. Children’s Privacy
Mentel provides mental health services to children and adolescents when deemed necessary and with appropriate parental or guardian consent. We collect and process personal information of minors in accordance with HIPAA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other applicable laws.
- Parental Consent: We require verifiable parental or legal guardian consent before providing Services to minors.
- Confidentiality: In accordance with state laws, minors may have certain privacy rights regarding their mental health treatment. We comply with these legal protections while balancing the involvement of parents or guardians.
- Data Protection: All information collected from minors is securely stored and protected as outlined in this Privacy Policy.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s privacy or mental health treatment, please contact us at info@mentel.health
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Mentel reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify users of material changes through our website or direct communication. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: info@mentel.health
If you believe your rights have been violated, you may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights.
By using Mentel, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.