Notice of Privacy Policy

LINDEN RELATIONAL THERAPY, LLC

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Effective Date: THIS NOTICE WENT INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 13, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY

Linden Relational Therapy, LLC is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your Protected Health Information ("PHI"). PHI includes information created or received during the course of treatment that identifies you and relates to your physical or mental health, healthcare services, or payment for healthcare services.

This Notice describes how your information may be used and disclosed, your rights regarding your information, and our legal responsibilities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and applicable Kansas law.

OUR LEGAL DUTIES

Linden Relational Therapy, LLC is required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information.
• Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices.
• Follow the terms of the current Notice.
• Notify affected individuals if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs.
• Comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws.

HOW YOUR INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED

1. Treatment

We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, and manage your healthcare treatment.

Examples include:

• Conducting therapy sessions
• Creating treatment plans
• Consulting with your clinical supervisor
• Coordinating care with other providers with your authorization when required
• Referring you to other healthcare providers

1. Payment

We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for services.

Examples include:

• Submitting insurance claims
• Verifying insurance benefits
• Collecting outstanding balances
• Responding to insurance audits or reviews

1. Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your PHI for legitimate healthcare operations.

Examples include:

• Quality improvement activities
• Practice management
• Staff training and supervision
• Compliance reviews
• Licensing and accreditation activities
• Risk management and legal consultation

USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATION

Except as described in this Notice, we will obtain your written authorization before disclosing your PHI.

Examples include:

• Releasing records to family members or friends when authorization is required
• Most disclosures for marketing purposes
• Most disclosures involving psychotherapy notes
• Releases to attorneys when not otherwise required by law
• Releases to employers
• Releases to schools or institutions

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing unless action has already been taken in reliance on the authorization.

SPECIAL PROTECTION OF PSYCHOTHERAPY NOTES

Psychotherapy notes are given additional protection under HIPAA.

Most disclosures of psychotherapy notes require your written authorization except when disclosure is permitted by law for specific treatment, training, defense, oversight, or enforcement purposes.

USES AND DISCLOSURES WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION

Federal and Kansas law permit or require certain disclosures without your authorization.

These situations may include:

Required by Law

When disclosure is required by federal, state, or local law.

Public Health Activities

To public health authorities as authorized by law.

Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

To report suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals as required by law.

Health Oversight Activities

For audits, investigations, inspections, and licensing reviews.

Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

In response to court orders, subpoenas, or lawful legal processes when permitted or required by law.

Law Enforcement Purposes

As authorized by applicable law.

Threats to Health or Safety

When necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

Workers' Compensation

As authorized by workers' compensation laws.

Research

When approved and authorized under applicable legal standards.

MILITARY, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Certain disclosures may be authorized or required by law for military, national security, protective services, or correctional purposes.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Linden Relational Therapy, LLC may communicate with clients through telephone, voicemail, email, text messaging, client portals, and telehealth platforms.

While reasonable safeguards are used, electronic communication carries risks including unauthorized access, interception, and technical failures.

Clients may request limitations on electronic communication methods.

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR INFORMATION

You have the right to:

1. Inspect and Obtain Copies

You may request access to your PHI maintained by the practice, subject to certain legal exceptions.

1. Request Amendments

You may request correction or amendment of information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.

1. Receive an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures made outside treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

1. Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI.

While not all requests can be granted, we will comply when required by law.

1. Request Confidential Communications

You may request that communications be sent to a specific address, phone number, email address, or other location.

1. Receive a Paper Copy

You may receive a paper copy of this Notice at any time.

COUPLES AND FAMILY THERAPY

When providing couples or family therapy, records may be maintained as part of a relational treatment record.

Confidentiality practices, record access, and disclosures may differ from those applicable to individual treatment and will be explained through separate informed consent documents and practice policies.

BREACH NOTIFICATION

If unsecured Protected Health Information is compromised in a manner that creates a significant risk to privacy, Linden Relational Therapy, LLC will provide notice as required by applicable law.

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

We reserve the right to change this Notice and make revised provisions effective for all Protected Health Information maintained by the practice.

Current versions will be available upon request and posted as required.