PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 6/1/2025

Guiding Light Mental Healthcare Services
Contact Number: (770) 740-7440

Contact Email: Diamond@GuidingLightMHS.org

At Guiding Light Mental Healthcare Services, your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health information in compliance with applicable privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

1. Information We Collect

As part of your care, we collect certain personal and health-related information. This may include: your full name, date of birth, and contact information, insurance and billing details, medical history and mental health records, notes from therapy sessions, emergency contact information. All data collected is strictly for therapeutic and administrative purposes.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information only to: provide mental health services and treatment, schedule appointments and manage billing, communicate with you regarding your care, maintain secure internal records for clinical and legal compliance. We do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for marketing or any non-treatment purposes.

3. Confidentiality in Therapy

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our therapeutic relationship. All information shared in therapy sessions is protected by state and federal laws.

Exceptions to Confidentiality (as required by law):

• If you pose a serious and imminent threat to yourself or others

• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or vulnerable adult

• If records are subpoenaed by a court of law

• If you provide written consent to share information

Outside of these legal exceptions, your personal and therapeutic information will never be disclosed without your informed written consent.

4. Data Security

We take all reasonable precautions to safeguard your data. This includes: secure, encrypted electronic health records, HIPAA-compliant communication platforms, controlled access to confidential files, ongoing staff training in privacy and data protection practices. Secure Electronic Health Records (EHR): Stored in HIPAA-compliant systems with encryption and restricted access. Device & Network Security: Office devices are password-protected, firewalled, and regularly updated with security software. Physical Safeguards: Any physical records are stored in locked, access-controlled areas. Encrypted Communications: Sensitive information is shared using secure, encrypted email and messaging platforms. Staff Training: All staff undergo regular HIPAA and privacy training. Role-Based Access: Only authorized individuals can access your information. Routine Backups: Data is securely backed up to prevent loss or breach. SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not shared with any third parties or affiliate companies for marketing purposes.

6. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, clinical practices, or technology.

How You Will Be Notified:

The most current version will always be available in our office and on our website (if applicable). Clients will be notified of significant changes either in person, via email, or through posted notices in our waiting area. If changes materially affect how your information is used, we will obtain your acknowledgment or updated consent, if required by law. We encourage you to review the Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to: access and request copies of your medical records, request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information, withdraw consent to share information at any time (except where disclosure is required by law), file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

6. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact:

Guiding Light Mental Healthcare Services
Phone: (770) 740-7440

Email: Diamond@GuidingLightMHS.org
5887 Glenridge Dr. NE, Ste 230, Atlanta, GA 30328

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as necessary to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. All updates will be posted on our website and/or provided to clients in writing.

Thank you for trusting Guiding Light Mental Healthcare Services.
We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and providing a safe, confidential space for healing.

By checking this box, you agree to receive text messages from Guiding Light Mental Healthcare Services about conversational topics (Example: check ins on well-being). You can reply STOP to opt out at any time, or for any assistance, reply HELP at 770-740-7440. Message and data rates may apply. Messaging frequency may vary. Please review our privacy policy and terms of service". Privacy Policy & Terms of Service should be a hyperlink.