Website Privacy Policy
This Website Privacy Policy explains the policies and procedures of Hinman Counseling Services regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of your information when you visit and use this website. It also describes your privacy rights and how applicable laws protect you. Please note that this policy applies only to this website and not to any third-party links, applications, or embedded forms accessed through this site.
Definitions
Account
A unique profile or login you may create to access this service or parts of this service.
Company / Practice
Hinman Counseling Services, 640 Saint Joseph Ave, Berrien Springs, MI, US 49103. Within this policy, the company may be referred to as “Hinman Counseling Services,” “the practice,” “the company,” “I,” “we,” “our,” or “us.”
Cookies
Small files placed on your computer, mobile device, or other device by a website. Cookies store your browsing history and preferences, making your experience more personalized. This site uses cookies (including Google services) to deliver content, analyze traffic, and improve performance. By using this site, you agree to the use of cookies. You can learn more at [WordPress.org cookie policies].
Country
The United States of America.
Device
Any device capable of accessing this service, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Personal Data
Information that identifies or can be used to identify an individual. This is distinct from protected health information (PHI).
Service
The public website of Hinman Counseling Services.
Service Provider
Any third-party company or individual contracted by Hinman Counseling Services to facilitate, maintain, or analyze this website.
Usage Data
Data collected automatically, such as IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time and date of visit, time spent on pages, and device identifiers.
You
The individual accessing or using the service, or the company/legal entity on whose behalf the individual is accessing or using the service.
Types of Data Collected
Personal Data
When using this website, you may be asked to provide personally identifiable information, which can include:
First and last name
Email address
Phone number
Website (if applicable)
General questions or concerns
Consent to communicate
Usage data
Other embedded forms may collect additional information according to their own terms of service.
Forms and Questionnaires
Hinman Counseling Services uses online forms to collect information. The native WordPress contact form may be used for initial inquiries but is not HIPAA-compliant and should not be used to share personal health information.
HIPAA-compliant forms (available on the Contact and Client Forms pages) may be used to securely share PHI. These include contact, consent, feedback, therapy, authorization, assessment, and related forms necessary for clinical and administrative purposes.
Usage Data
Collected automatically during website visits, including IP address, device type, browser, and activity on the site. This data helps improve website performance and security.
Tracking Technologies and Cookies
This site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to track your activity on our service and store certain information. Tracking technologies may include beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze the service. You can set your browser not to accept cookies, but please note that some website features may not function as a result. When you visit this website Google Analytics will provide usage information automatically and limit access and terms of usage of that information You can prevent Google Analytics from recording any data by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. You can also control the security settings for your Google account using their privacy tools.
Use of Personal Data
Hinman Counseling Services does not sell, rent, or lease personal data. Information may be used for:
Providing and maintaining website functionality.
Managing user accounts.
Fulfilling contracts and agreements.
Contacting you via email, phone, or secure forms.
Continuity of care and HIPAA-compliant communication.
Meeting legal, regulatory, or licensure requirements.
Responding to user requests.
Providing relevant updates, resources, and service information (unless you opt out).
Business transfers such as restructuring or succession planning.
Facilitating HIPAA-compliant group therapy and video conferencing.
Complying with legal obligations, audits, or investigations.
Improving website functionality and security.
Retention of Personal Data
Personal data collected through this website will be retained only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. PHI is stored and retained according to company records policies.
Transfer of Data
Data may be stored or processed in locations outside your state or country. By using this site, you consent to such transfers, provided that adequate protections are in place.
Security of Data
While reasonable measures are taken to protect your personal data, no method of online transmission or storage is 100% secure. In the event of a breach, affected individuals will be notified in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable laws.
Children’s Privacy
Hinman Counseling Services provides services to both adults and minors. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring children’s use of this public website.
Links to Other Websites
This website may contain links to external sites. Hinman Counseling Services is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of third-party websites.
Intellectual Property
All content on this website — including text, forms, images, and materials created by Hinman Counseling Services — is protected by copyright and intellectual property law.
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically. Please review it regularly. The effective date of the most recent version is listed in the footer.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please visit the Contact Page on this website or call our office. For third-party services linked through this site, please contact those providers directly.