PRIVACY POLICY & HIPPA STATEMENT
A Legal Disclaimer
Effective Date: 12/11/25
Open Heart Space Counseling (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website or interact with our services.
Information We Collect
We may collect:
-
Personal information you provide (name, email, phone number, appointment details)
-
Information submitted through contact forms or scheduling tools
-
Non-identifiable usage data (browser type, pages viewed, time spent on site)
How Your Information Is Used
We use your information to:
-
Respond to inquiries
-
Schedule appointments
-
Improve website functionality
-
Maintain communication about services
-
Ensure safety and quality in service delivery
No personal health information will ever be collected or shared through the website outside of secure, HIPAA-compliant systems.
Sharing of Information
-
We do not sell or rent personal data. Information may be shared only when:
-
Required by law
-
Necessary to protect rights or safety
With your explicit consent
Cookies & Analytics
Our website may use cookies or analytic tools to better understand visitor engagement. This information is anonymous and not linked to personal identity.
Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no online communication is ever completely secure. For therapy services, all confidential information is handled through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Links to Other Websites
Our site may link to external resources. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
Your Choices
You may request updates, corrections, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us directly.
Contact Information
Open Heart Space Counseling
Rockville, MD
Email: ppoffenroth@gmail.com
Phone: 202-302-0450
Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)
Open Heart Space Counseling – Out-of-Network Practice
This notice describes how your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. As an out-of-network provider, we do not bill insurance directly, but you may choose to submit claims for reimbursement.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
-
Access and receive a copy of your records
-
Request corrections to your records
-
Request confidential communications
-
Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
-
Receive an accounting of disclosures
-
Receive a paper or electronic copy of this notice
How Your Information May Be Used and Disclosed
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care.
Payment (Out-of-Network Context)
Although Open Heart Space Counseling does not bill insurance directly, we may provide you with documentation (such as a superbill) that includes:
-
Diagnosis
-
Dates of service
-
Type of service
If you choose to submit this to your insurance company, your information will be shared by you with your insurer. Please be aware this may impact your privacy depending on your insurance provider.
Healthcare Operations
For practice operations such as scheduling, recordkeeping, consultation, and quality assurance.
Disclosures Without Your Authorization
We may disclose your PHI without your written consent in the following situations:
-
Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
-
Suspected abuse or neglect (child, elder, vulnerable adult)
-
Court orders, subpoenas, or legal proceedings
-
Health oversight activities (licensing boards, audits)
Use of Electronic Communication
If you choose to communicate via email, text, or telehealth platforms:
-
These methods may carry some privacy risk
-
We will take reasonable precautions, but cannot guarantee full confidentiality
-
You may request alternative communication methods at any time
Your Information Is Protected
Open Heart Space Counseling is required by law to:
-
Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI
-
Provide you with this notice
-
Follow the terms currently in effect
We use administrative, physical, and electronic safeguards to protect your information.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to update this notice at any time. Updates will apply to all records and will be available upon request.
Questions or Complaints
If you have questions or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.