Privacy Policy

Information We May Collect

When you visit this website or contact Valley of Hope Counseling, we may collect certain information, including:

Information You Voluntarily Provide

You may choose to provide personal information through contact forms, appointment requests, intake paperwork, email communications, or client portal registration. This may include:

• Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• General information related to scheduling or services

Please avoid submitting sensitive or confidential mental health information through general website contact forms or unsecured email.
 

Automatically Collected Information

Like many websites, we may collect limited technical information automatically, including:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Device information

• Pages visited

• Date and time of access

This information helps improve website performance and user experience.
 

Use of Information

Information collected through this website may be used to:

• Respond to inquiries

• Schedule consultations or appointments

• Provide requested services

• Improve website functionality and user experience

• Maintain security and prevent unauthorized access

• Comply with applicable legal and ethical obligations

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
 

HIPAA and Protected Health Information

As a mental health counseling practice, Valley of Hope Counseling complies with applicable federal privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), when handling protected health information (PHI) within counseling services and secure clinical systems.

However, submitting information through this public website, standard email, or non-secure contact forms may not be fully secure or HIPAA-compliant. Please use discretion when sharing personal information online.

Clients receiving counseling services will receive separate informed consent and HIPAA privacy documentation through secure practice systems or the client portal.
 

Telehealth and Third-Party Services

Valley of Hope Counseling is a fully virtual practice serving clients throughout Alabama. We may use secure third-party providers for:

• Telehealth video sessions

• Scheduling

• Client portals

• Payment processing

• Electronic forms and documentation

These providers may maintain their own privacy and security policies. While we make efforts to use reputable and secure platforms, we encourage users to review the privacy policies of third-party services directly.
 

Cookies and Analytics

This website may use cookies or basic analytics tools to better understand website traffic and improve functionality. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites operate efficiently.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some website features may not function properly.
 

Data Security

Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to help protect information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage can be guaranteed as completely secure.
 

Your Rights

Depending on applicable federal and Alabama laws, you may have rights related to your personal information, including the right to request access to certain records or request corrections where appropriate.

Clients receiving counseling services will receive additional information regarding privacy rights through clinical documentation and informed consent materials.
 

Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website.
 

External Links

This website may contain links to external websites or resources. Valley of Hope Counseling is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.
 

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in services, technology, or legal requirements. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
 

Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or concerns about privacy practices, please contact:

Valley of Hope Counseling
Russell County, Alabama

Email: candace@vhcounselingal.com
Phone: 334-609-3828
 

Important Notice:
This website is for informational purposes only and does not establish a counselor-client relationship. A therapeutic relationship is established only after appropriate intake procedures, informed consent, and mutual agreement for services.