Notice of Privacy Practices
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
I. Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At The Relationship Warehouse (TRW), we understand that your health information is personal. We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information (PHI). This Notice describes how we may use and disclose your PHI and your rights regarding that information.
We are required by law to:
Ensure that your PHI is kept private
Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect
Notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may compromise your PHI
This Notice applies to all records of your care maintained by TRW. We may revise this Notice at any time. The revised Notice will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be available upon request and posted on our website.
II. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI
Federal privacy regulations allow us to use or disclose your PHI for specific purposes without your written authorization, including the following:
1. For Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations
We may use your PHI to provide counseling services, coordinate care, receive payment, and manage our operations. This may include:
Clinical consultations within our team
Supervision and case review
Appointment reminders
Billing and payment processing
Quality assurance and training
2. For Legal and Administrative Requirements
We may disclose your PHI in response to a court order, subpoena, or other lawful request. When possible, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you prior to disclosure.
III. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization
Certain uses and disclosures require your prior written authorization, including:
1. Psychotherapy Notes
We maintain “psychotherapy notes” as defined by HIPAA. We will not disclose these notes without your authorization except when:
Used by your provider for your treatment
Used for supervision or training
Required for legal defense
Mandated by law (e.g., safety concerns or investigations)
2. Marketing or Sale of PHI
We do not sell or use your PHI for marketing purposes.
IV. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Authorization
Subject to certain limitations, we may disclose your PHI without your authorization in the following situations:
When required by federal or state law
To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult
To avert serious threats to health or safety
For audits, inspections, or government investigations
For legal proceedings under court order
To report crimes committed on premises
To comply with workers' compensation laws
To coroners or medical examiners when required by law
For health-related benefits or appointment reminders
V. Disclosures with Opportunity to Object
We may share limited information with individuals involved in your care (e.g., family, friends, or clergy) unless you object. In emergencies, we may act without prior consent and provide notification afterward.
VI. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the right to:
Request Restrictions
You may ask us to limit how your PHI is used or shared. We are not required to agree but will comply when legally and clinically appropriate.Request Restrictions for Fully Self-Paid Services
If you pay in full for a service out-of-pocket, you may request that we not share information about that service with your health plan.Choose How We Contact You
You may request that we contact you via a specific method (e.g., mail, phone, email), and we will honor reasonable requests.Access Your Records
You may request an electronic or paper copy of your records (excluding psychotherapy notes). We will provide these within 30 days and may charge a reasonable fee.Request a List of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures of your PHI made over the past six years, excluding those made for treatment, payment, or operations.Request Corrections
If you believe your record is incorrect, you may request an amendment. We may deny the request but will explain our reason in writing.Obtain a Copy of This Notice
You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time, even if you received it electronically.
VII. Special Considerations for Minors
When a minor (under age 18) receives services, parents or legal guardians typically have access to the child’s records. However, we may limit parental access when:
The minor is legally permitted to consent to their own treatment
The minor’s safety or therapeutic progress would be jeopardized by disclosure
Required by law to maintain confidentiality
Our goal is to balance clinical care, legal requirements, and family involvement appropriately. We encourage open dialogue between minors, parents, and providers whenever possible.
VIII. Faith-Based Integration
As a Christian counseling center, The Relationship Warehouse offers services from a Biblical worldview, integrating faith and spiritual principles as appropriate and at your request. You are not required to engage in faith-based discussion to receive services. If you wish, you may consent to collaboration with your pastor or spiritual community, which would be handled in accordance with your privacy rights.
IX. Questions or Complaints
If you have any questions about this Notice or your privacy rights, or if you believe your rights have been violated, you may contact us directly:
The Relationship Warehouse
7119 Indiana Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
(949) 482-2233
info@therelationshipwarehouse.com
You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.