Privacy Policy
Aguilar Counseling
Effective Date: January 2026
Aguilar Counseling is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and protected health information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable California privacy laws.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We understand that personal and mental health information is sensitive. We take our responsibility to protect this information seriously and maintain safeguards required by federal and state privacy laws governing health care and mental health providers.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal information, including your name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
Protected health information related to mental health services, assessments, diagnosis, and treatment
Insurance, billing, and payment information
Information submitted through our website contact forms, intake forms, or scheduling tools
We collect only the information necessary to provide services, respond to inquiries, and meet legal, ethical, and administrative requirements.
How We Use Your Information
Your information may be used for the following purposes:
Providing therapy, counseling, and related mental health services
Scheduling appointments and responding to inquiries
Billing, payment processing, and insurance claims
Clinical documentation, care coordination, and administrative operations
Compliance with legal, ethical, licensing, and professional obligations
We do not sell, rent, or use your personal or health information for marketing purposes.
Disclosure of Information
Your information may be disclosed only as permitted or required by law, including:
With your written authorization
For treatment, payment, and health care operations
To comply with legal obligations, subpoenas, or court orders
To prevent a serious threat to your health or safety, or the safety of others
With business associates or third party service providers who assist with operations and are contractually required to maintain confidentiality
All disclosures are made in compliance with HIPAA and California confidentiality laws governing mental health providers.
Electronic Health Records and Telehealth Services
Aguilar Counseling uses SimplePractice, a HIPAA compliant electronic health record and telehealth platform, to manage clinical records, scheduling, client communication, billing, and virtual therapy sessions.
SimplePractice stores and processes personal information and protected health information on our behalf. SimplePractice is contractually required to comply with HIPAA privacy and security standards and maintains appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect client information.
Telehealth services are provided through SimplePractice’s secure, encrypted systems. While these systems are designed to protect confidentiality, electronic communications and telehealth services carry inherent risks. By participating in telehealth services, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
Clients are responsible for maintaining privacy on their end during telehealth sessions, including using a private location, securing their device, and using a stable and secure internet connection.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
Access and obtain a copy of your health records
Request amendments or corrections to your records
Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
Request confidential communications by alternative means or locations
Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
Receive a paper or electronic copy of this Privacy Policy
Requests must be submitted in writing. We may deny certain requests as permitted by law and will notify you of any denial in writing.
Website and Electronic Communications
Our website may collect limited technical information, such as IP address, browser type, and device information, for security, analytics, and site functionality purposes.
Submitting information through our website contact forms does not establish a therapist client relationship and should not be used for emergencies or urgent mental health concerns.
While we take reasonable steps to protect electronic communications, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.
California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under state law related to the confidentiality of mental health records and personal information.
Aguilar Counseling complies with all applicable California privacy statutes governing mental health professionals and health care providers.
Data Security
We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Access to information is limited to authorized personnel only.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Aguilar Counseling
Phone: 909-905-5145
Email: info@aguilarcounseling.com