Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 11, 2025

Susan Wade, LCSW, doing business as Texas Online Marriage Counseling, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our telehealth services for couples counseling. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas, we adhere to strict confidentiality standards, including those required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Texas state laws.

Please read this policy carefully. If you have any questions, contact us at info@susanwadefortworth.com. 

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information: 

a. Personal Information

Contact Information: When you contact us through our website (e.g., via a contact form or email), we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and any other details you provide. 

Health Information: If you schedule or participate in telehealth counseling sessions, we may collect protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA, such as your name, contact details, and health-related information necessary for providing therapy services. This information is collected securely through our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Billing Information: If you make payments for services, we may collect payment details (e.g., credit card information) through a secure third-party payment processor. 

b. Non-Personal Information

Website Usage Data: We may collect anonymous data about your visit, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and time spent on our website. This is collected via cookies or similar technologies to improve our website’s functionality. 

Analytics: We use tools like Google Analytics to collect aggregated data about website traffic and user behavior. 

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to: 

  • Provide and manage telehealth counseling services, including scheduling appointments and conducting therapy sessions.

  • Communicate with you about appointments, services, or inquiries.

  • Process payments for counseling services through secure third-party processors.

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations, such as HIPAA and Texas state laws.

  • Improve our website and services through analytics and user feedback.

  • Respond to your inquiries or provide customer support.

3. How We Protect Your Information

We take your privacy seriously and implement reasonable security measures to protect your information: 

  • HIPAA Compliance: All protected health information (PHI) is handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform to conduct sessions and store health-related data.

  • Encryption: Our website uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data transmitted between your device and our servers.

  • Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to your personal and health information, and they are trained in HIPAA compliance.

  • Third-Party Vendors: We only work with third-party service providers (e.g., telehealth platforms, payment processors) that comply with HIPAA and other applicable privacy laws.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
With Your Consent: We may share your information if you explicitly authorize us to do so (e.g., to coordinate care with another provider). 

  • Service Providers: We may share information with third-party vendors (e.g., telehealth platforms, payment processors) who assist in delivering our services. These vendors are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and comply with HIPAA where applicable.

  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, such as in response to a court order, subpoena, or to protect the safety of you or others (e.g., in cases of imminent harm, as permitted by HIPAA and Texas law).

  • Business Transfers: If Susan Wade, LCSW, or Texas Online Marriage Counseling is involved in a merger or sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to confidentiality protections.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze site performance. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling cookies may affect website functionality. 

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly.

  • Analytics Cookies: Used to collect anonymous data about how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics).

  • Opt-Out: You can opt out of analytics cookies by adjusting your browser settings or using tools like Google Analytics Opt-Out.

6. Your Rights and Choices

As a client or website visitor, you have certain rights regarding your information: 

  • Access and Correction: You may request access to or correction of your personal or health information by contacting us at info@susanwadefortworth.com.

  • HIPAA Rights: Under HIPAA, you have the right to access your PHI, request amendments, and receive an accounting of disclosures. Contact us for details on exercising these rights.

  • Opt-Out: You may opt out of non-essential communications (e.g., newsletters) by following unsubscribe instructions in our emails.

  • Do Not Track: Our website does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.

7. Confidentiality in Counseling

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Susan Wade adheres to strict ethical and legal confidentiality standards. Information shared during counseling sessions is protected under HIPAA and Texas law, except in limited circumstances, such as: 

  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled person.

  • Threats of imminent harm to yourself or others.

  • Court orders or legal mandates requiring disclosure.

  • For more details, please review our Notice of Privacy Practices, available upon request.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., telehealth platforms, payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information. 

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services and website are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately at info@susanwadefortworth.com. 

10. International Users

Our services are provided in Texas, USA, and are subject to U.S. and Texas laws. If you access our website or services from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. By using our services, you consent to this transfer. 

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date. Please review this policy periodically. 

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your information, please contact:

Susan Wade, LCSW
Texas Online Marriage Counseling
info@intensiveTherapyForCouples.com
(817) 207-0042