Additional Information

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Donna H. Wolff, LPA, Psychological Services, PLLC
509 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28562
Phone: 252-497-2705
Email: wolffd@dhwpsychservices.com

In the event of a Mental Health Emergency and after regular business hours, please dial 988.

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Your Privacy Rights

Your mental health information is personal and confidential. We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We may use and disclose your PHI in the following ways:

1. For Treatment

• We may use and share your PHI with healthcare providers involved in your care, such as your primary care physician, psychiatrist, or other mental health professionals.

2. For Payment

• We may use and disclose your PHI to bill and collect payment for services, including submitting claims to your health insurance provider.

3. For Healthcare Operations

• We may use and disclose your PHI to improve the quality of care provided, train staff, conduct internal audits, and manage practice operations.

4. As Required by Law

• We may disclose your PHI when required by federal, state, or local laws, including:

  • Public Health and Safety – Reporting abuse, neglect, or threats of harm.

  • Legal Proceedings – Court orders, subpoenas, or legal investigations.

  • Law Enforcement – Disclosures required for law enforcement officials under specific conditions.

5. To Prevent Harm

• If we believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others, we may disclose PHI to prevent harm.

6. Child, Elder, or Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting

• We are mandated by law to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

7. National Security & Government Requests

• We may disclose PHI for intelligence, national security, or military purposes as required by law.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the following rights concerning your PHI:

1. Right to Access – You may request copies of your PHI, with limited exceptions.

2. Right to Amend – If you believe your records are incorrect or incomplete, you may request amendments.

3. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures – You may request a list of times your PHI has been shared outside of routine treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

4. Right to Request Restrictions – You may request that we limit certain uses or disclosures of your PHI, though we may not always be able to comply.

5. Right to Request Confidential Communications – You may request that we contact you in a specific manner (e.g., via mail instead of phone).

6. Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice – You may request a printed or electronic copy of this notice at any time.

How We Protect Your Health Information

• We follow strict security protocols to protect your PHI from unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure.

• Electronic records are stored securely on the HIPAA-compliant TherapyNotes platform, with access limited to authorized personnel.

• Paper records are stored in locked file cabinets and accessed only by the therapist and authorized office staff.

Changes to This Notice

• We may update this notice at any time. The latest version will be available in our office and on our website.

• Any changes apply to all PHI we maintain, past and present.