Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for NEXT STEP COUNSELING NY ]Last Updated: November 21, 2025. We at Next 

Step Counseling NY are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website www.nextstepcounselingny.com or use our services.

1. Who We Are and What This Policy CoversOur website address is www.nextstepcounselinny.com. We are a mental health counseling practice operating in New York and New Jersey. We are a HIPAA "covered entity," and as such, we are required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI).This policy applies to information collected through our website and related services, and it is intended to supplement our official Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA), which is provided to all clients at the start of services.

2. Information We CollectWe collect information to provide you with a positive experience and to deliver our services.

• Personal Information: This may include your name, email address, phone number, postal address, and demographic information you provide through contact forms, consultation requests, or service sign-ups.
• Health Information: With your explicit consent, we may collect sensitive data related to your mental and physical health, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment history to provide therapy services.
• Billing Information: If you engage in paid services, we collect billing details, including name, address, and credit card information to process payments.
• Usage Data: When you visit our website, we may automatically collect information your browser sends, such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and the time and date of your visit. This data is used for website improvement and analysis in an aggregated and anonymized format.

3. How We Use Your InformationWe use your information for specific, legitimate purposes.

• To Provide Services: To schedule appointments, communicate about your treatment, send reminders, and deliver counseling services.
• For Payment & Operations: To process insurance claims and manage the administrative aspects of our practice.
• For Communication: To respond to your inquiries, provide requested information, and send you important administrative messages.
• For Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, court orders, or governmental regulations, and to protect our rights or property.

4. How We Share Your InformationYour PHI is handled with the utmost confidentiality. We generally do not disclose your information except as permitted or required by law, or with your written authorization.We may disclose information to:

• Third-Party Service Providers: We may use third parties to help us manage our website, process payments, or provide secure communication platforms. These "Business Associates" are also bound by HIPAA and confidentiality agreements.
• Legal & Public Authorities: We will disclose information when legally required to do so by a valid court order or subpoena (note that New York State/New Jersey law generally requires a court order for mental health information disclosure; there are exceptions).
• Emergencies: In situations where there is a serious and imminent threat to your health and safety, or the health and safety of others, we may disclose limited information to relevant authorities to prevent harm.
• Child or Elder Abuse: We are mandated reporters for suspected child abuse or neglect, as well as elder or disabled abuse, and must report to the appropriate state agency.

We will not sell your personal or health information to third parties.5. Data SecurityThe security of your Personal Data is important to us. We use commercially acceptable means and appropriate safeguards, including encryption and secure storage, to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
5. Data Security

The security of your Personal Data is important to us. We use commercially acceptable means and appropriate safeguards, including encryption and secure storage, to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. Your Rights in NY and NJ Both HIPAA and state laws grant you significant rights regarding your health and personal information.

• Right to Access: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI and billing records for as long as we maintain the information.
• Right to Amend: You can request an amendment to your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request that we limit how we use or disclose your PHI. We are not required to agree to all restrictions, but we will consider all reasonable requests.
• Right to Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you in a certain way or at a specific location (e.g., only by mail at a certain address).

New Jersey residents may also have additional rights under the New Jersey Data Privacy Law (NJDPL) to know what data is collected, to correct or delete it, and to opt out of the processing of sensitive personal information.To exercise any of these rights, please submit a written request to the contact details provided below. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.
7. Third-Party LinksOur website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any site you visit.
8. Changes to This Privacy PolicyWe may update our Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top.
9. Contact UsIf you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• By Email: info@nextstepcounselingny.com
• By Phone: 646-653-5121
• You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you feel we are using your personal data unlawfully, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, NYS office of the Professions  or the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.