Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

Effective Date: 9/27/2025

This Notice describes how your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed by Avalon Family Therapy Associates (“Avalon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) and how you can access your information. Please review it carefully.

You have the right to a copy of this Notice at any time.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Get a copy of your records: You can request to see or get a copy of your therapy records. We may charge a reasonable fee for copying or mailing.

  • Ask us to correct your records: If you believe something is missing or incorrect, you may ask us to amend your records.

  • Request confidential communication: You may ask us to contact you in a specific way (e.g., at work or by mail).

  • Limit what we use or share: You may request restrictions on how your information is used or shared. We will honor your request when possible, but we are not required to agree if it would affect your care.

  • Get a list of disclosures: You can ask for a list of when and with whom we shared your information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

  • Receive a copy of this Notice: You can request a paper or electronic copy at any time.

  • Choose someone to act for you: If you have a medical power of attorney or a legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights.

  • File a complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Our Uses and Disclosures

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways:

  • Treatment: To provide and coordinate your care with other providers you authorize.

  • Healthcare Operations: To run our practice, improve services, and contact you when necessary.

Other Uses and Disclosures

We may also share information when permitted or required by law, including:

  • To prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

  • For public health and safety purposes such as preventing disease, reporting abuse or neglect, or responding to FDA requirements.

  • When required by law such as in response to a court order or legal process.

  • For health oversight activities such as audits or investigations.

  • To comply with workers’ compensation, law enforcement, or other government requests.

We will never sell your information or share it for marketing purposes without your written authorization.

Our Responsibilities

  • We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI).

  • We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.

  • We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this Notice.

  • We will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you give written permission. You may revoke that permission at any time.

Changes to This Notice

We may update this Notice from time to time. Any changes will apply to all information we maintain, including information received before the change. A current copy will always be available on our website and at our office.

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact us:

Avalon Family Therapy Associates
884 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Suite 102 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Contact@avalonfamilytherapy.com
(843) 284-6583

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Filing a complaint will not affect the care you receive.