Privacy Policy for Coastal Peaks Psychiatry PLLC

Effective Date: 12/1/2025

Coastal Peaks Psychiatry PLLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your protected health information (“PHI”) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and applicable state privacy laws. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you engage with our clinical services or visit our website.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Protected Health Information (PHI): Includes medical history, treatment information, and other data you provide during evaluation and treatment.
  • Personal Information: Includes your name, email, address, phone number, and other identifying details you provide via contact forms or patient portals.
  • Website Data: Includes non-identifiable information automatically collected through cookies, analytics tools, or web hosting services (such as Squarespace).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information only as permitted by law, including:

  • To provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy services
  • To communicate with you about your care
  • To coordinate care with other healthcare providers when authorized by you
  • To bill and collect payment for services
  • To comply with federal and state regulations
  • To improve our clinical operations and website performance

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

3. HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Under HIPAA, you have specific rights regarding your health information, including:

  • The right to access and request copies of your medical record
  • The right to request corrections or amendments
  • The right to restrict certain uses or disclosures
  • The right to request confidential communications
  • The right to receive an accounting of disclosures
  • The right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To request any of these actions, please contact our Privacy Officer (see Section 8 below).

4. How We Protect Your Information

  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant electronic health records (EHR)
  • Encrypted telehealth platforms and email communication when applicable
  • Access controls and staff training to ensure compliance
  • Regular audits and review of privacy and security procedures

While we take reasonable precautions, please note that electronic communications (including email and web forms) may carry some risk of unauthorized access.

5. Third-Party Services

Our website may use third-party services such as:

  • Squarespace Analytics (to track site performance)
  • Telehealth and EHR platforms (e.g., AthenaOne, Spruce Health, etc.)

These services may collect limited data such as browser type or visit duration. We do not share identifiable PHI with these services unless required for your care or with your authorization.

5A. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Clinical Documentation

Coastal Peaks Psychiatry PLLC may use HIPAA-compliant artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, such as MD Hub, to assist with documentation, note organization, and chart summaries. These tools are designed solely to support clinical efficiency and accuracy.

All information processed through MD Hub remains protected under our HIPAA policies and Business Associate Agreements (BAAs). No patient information is used for external training, marketing, or non-clinical purposes. All clinical documentation is reviewed and finalized by your treating clinician before becoming part of your medical record.

6. Cookies and Online Data

We may use cookies to improve your website experience. You can modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. Cookies do not collect PHI and are not used for tracking individual medical data.

7. Communications Policy

If you contact us via email, text message, or web form, please be aware that these communications may not be fully encrypted. By initiating contact, you consent to our responding via the same method unless you request otherwise.

For confidential matters, please use our secure patient portal.

8. Contact Information (Privacy Officer)

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

Privacy Officer
Coastal Peaks Psychiatry PLLC
871 Venetia Bay Blvd, Suite 201 Venice, FL 34285
Phone: 941-202-6726
Email: owner@coastalpeakspsych.com

You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if you believe your rights have been violated.

9. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of our website or services constitutes acceptance of these changes.

Disclaimer

This Privacy Policy is provided to comply with HIPAA and to inform users of our privacy practices. It does not create any contractual or legal rights beyond those established under HIPAA and applicable law.