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 connect with licensed mental health professionals through our network (“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 relevant to connecting you with a licensed provider, 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:

  •  Connecting you with licensed providers: To help you find mental health care, including evaluation, diagnosis, therapy, and medication management delivered by licensed professionals.
  • Payment: To process payments, insurance claims, and verify coverage.
  • Operations: To improve our Site and Services, support provider administration, and ensure quality.
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with federal and state regulations, court orders, or subpoenas.
  •  Communication: To contact you regarding appointments, provider updates, or service-related information.
  • Security & Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent unauthorized access, fraud, or abuse of our Site or network.

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 licensed healthcare providers: To connect you with mental health
professionals as requested.
• 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.

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 personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy any legal, regulatory, or reporting requirements. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Children’s Privacy

Mentel helps connect families with licensed providers who may work with children and adolescents when appropriate and with parental or guardian consent. We collect and process personal information of minors in accordance with HIPAA, COPPA, and other applicable laws.

  • Parental Consent: We require verifiable parental or legal guardian consent before facilitating care for minors.
  • Confidentiality: In accordance with state laws, minors may have certain privacy rights regarding mental health treatment. We comply with these legal protections while balancing parental involvement.
  • Data Protection: All information collected from minors is securely stored and protected as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

If you have concerns about your child’s privacy, 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 Site or Services constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Text and SMS Communication Policy

SMS Terms and Conditions

By providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages from Mentel related to appointment scheduling and other administrative communications. These messages do not include direct clinical care or medical advice.

Message Frequency: Message frequency may vary.

Message and Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier.

Opting Out:
You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying with “STOP” to any message. After opting out, you will receive a confirmation message, and we will cease sending SMS messages to your number.

Help and Support:
If you need assistance or have questions about our SMS service, reply with “HELP” to any SMS message, or contact our customer support team at Info@mentel.health.

SMS Privacy Policy:
Your phone number will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All categories in this privacy policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

12. 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.