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Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Dr. Mike Brooks is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose information when you visit our website or receive our services.

1. Information We Collect

Website Visitors

When you visit our website, we may collect:

  • Automatically Collected Information: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on site, and referring website

  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Small files stored on your device to improve website functionality and analyze usage

  • Contact Form Information: Name, email address, phone number, and message content when you submit inquiry forms

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Newsletter and Marketing

If you subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications:

  • Email address

  • Name (if provided)

  • Communication preferences

  • Engagement data (email opens, clicks)

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Therapy Clients

For individuals receiving therapy or coaching services, we collect:

  • Personal Information: Name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, emergency contact information

  • Health Information: Mental health history, treatment notes, assessment results, and other clinical information necessary for treatment

  • Insurance Information: Insurance provider details, policy numbers, and billing information

  • Payment Information: Credit card details, banking information (processed through secure third-party payment processors)

2. How We Use Your Information

Website and Marketing

  • Respond to your inquiries and provide requested information

  • Send newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)

  • Improve our website functionality and user experience

  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns

  • Comply with legal obligations

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Therapy Services

  • Provide psychological and coaching services

  • Maintain clinical records as required by law

  • Process insurance claims and billing

  • Communicate with other healthcare providers (with your authorization)

  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We DO NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

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Healthcare Operations

  • Insurance companies for claim processing and payment

  • Other healthcare providers involved in your care (with written authorization)

  • Professional consultants for clinical supervision (de-identified when possible)

Legal Requirements

  • When required by law, court order, or legal process

  • To protect against fraud or other illegal activities

  • In emergency situations to protect health and safety

Business Operations

  • Secure third-party service providers (website hosting, payment processing, email services) who are contractually bound to protect your information

  • Professional advisors (attorneys, accountants) under confidentiality agreements

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Specific Therapy-Related Disclosures Under Texas law and professional ethics, we may disclose protected health information without authorization in cases of:

  • Imminent danger to self or others

  • Suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse

  • Court-ordered disclosures

  • Workers' compensation claims (if applicable)

4. HIPAA Privacy Rights

As a healthcare provider, Dr. Mike Brooks complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You have the right to:

  • Access: Request copies of your health records

  • Amendment: Request corrections to your health information

  • Restriction: Request limitations on how your health information is used or shared

  • Confidential Communication: Request communication through alternative means or locations

  • Accounting: Receive a list of disclosures of your health information

  • Notification: Be notified of any breach of your health information

For a complete description of your HIPAA rights, please request our Notice of Privacy Practices.

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards

  • SSL encryption for all data transmission

  • Secure servers and databases with access controls

  • Regular security updates and monitoring

  • Encrypted storage of electronic health records

Physical Safeguards

  • Secure office facilities with controlled access

  • Locked storage for physical records

  • Secure disposal of documents containing personal information

Administrative Safeguards

  • Staff training on privacy and security procedures

  • Business associate agreements with third-party vendors

  • Regular privacy and security policy reviews

  • Incident response procedures

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings

  • Analyze website traffic and improve user experience

  • Provide personalized content and recommendations

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit certain website functionality.

7. Email Communications

Marketing Emails: If you subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications, you can unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in each email or by contacting us directly.

Therapy-Related Communications: Email communication regarding therapy services may not be fully secure. We will obtain your consent before sending sensitive health information via email.

8. Data Retention

Website Data: We retain website visitor data for as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations.

Marketing Data: Newsletter and marketing data is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

Therapy Records: Clinical records are retained in accordance with Texas state law and professional standards, typically for a minimum of 7 years after the last date of service (or longer if required by law).

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we have about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and professional obligations)

  • Opt-out of marketing communications

  • Restrict how we use your information

  • Data portability (receive your information in a portable format)

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Dr. Mike Brooks, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
248 Addie Roy Rd, STE B-105, Austin, TX 78746

Phone: 512.891.1500
Email: info@drmikebrooks.com
Website: drmikebrooks.com

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