Privacy Policy
Introduction
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services, including in-person therapy, teletherapy, and our website (https://samanabudhathoki.com). By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Includes your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and insurance information.
Health Information: Includes information related to your mental and physical health history, treatment plans, session notes, and other health-related details necessary for providing therapy services.
Payment Information: Includes credit card details, billing address, and other financial information required for payment processing.
Website Usage Information: Includes IP address, browser type, pages visited, and other usage data collected through cookies and similar technologies.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Provide and manage therapy services, including scheduling and delivering sessions.
Communicate with you regarding appointments, billing, and treatment plans.
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA and California-specific laws.
Improve our website and services through analytics and user feedback.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
For individuals located in California, we process your information under the following legal bases:
Consent: When you voluntarily provide information to receive services.
Legal Obligation: To comply with federal and state laws, including HIPAA regulations.
Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and ensure the quality of care.
4. Sharing Your Information
We may share your information under the following circumstances:
With Your Consent: To coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
With Business Associates: Such as billing companies or electronic health record providers, under signed agreements to ensure HIPAA compliance.
As Required by Law: To comply with subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes.
In Emergencies: To protect your life or the lives of others in situations involving imminent danger.
5. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access: Request a copy of your records.
Amend: Request corrections to your records if they are inaccurate.
Restrict: Request limitations on how your information is used or shared.
Confidential Communications: Request alternative means of communication (e.g., email instead of phone).
File a Complaint: Contact us or the California Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated.
6. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Despite our efforts, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Retention of Information
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations. Once retention periods expire, we securely dispose of or anonymize your data.
8. Teletherapy Services
For clients receiving teletherapy services, we utilize HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure the confidentiality of your sessions. You are responsible for ensuring a private setting during your sessions.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be effective upon posting to our website. We encourage you to review this page regularly for updates.
10. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Samana Budhathoki, LMFT 149860
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services
info AT samanabudhathoki dot com
Acknowledgment
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services is dedicated to providing high-quality care while safeguarding your privacy and complying with all applicable California laws and regulations.
Disclaimer
General Information
The information provided on the website of Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services ("we," "us," or "our") at https://samanabudhathoki.com is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or therapy.
1. No Emergency Services
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services does not provide emergency mental health services. If you are in crisis or require immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For mental health emergencies, you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
2. No Guarantees
While we strive to provide high-quality therapy services, we do not guarantee specific outcomes. The effectiveness of therapy depends on various factors, including client engagement and individual circumstances.
3. No Client-Therapist Relationship Through Website Use
Use of this website does not establish a client-therapist relationship between you and Samana Budhathoki or Samana Budhathoki Therapy Services.
To become a client, you must undergo an intake process, including an assessment and signed consent forms.
4. Accuracy of Information
Although we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our website, we do not guarantee its completeness, reliability, or suitability for any purpose.
5. Liability Disclaimer
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services shall not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use or misuse of information provided on this website.
Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.
6. Changes to This Disclaimer
We reserve the right to update or change this Disclaimer at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the website. Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated Disclaimer.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Disclaimer, please contact us:
Samana Budhathoki, LMFT 149860
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services
info AT samanabudhathoki dot com
Terms of Use
Introduction
Welcome to the website of Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website (https://samanabudhathoki.com) and services. By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with these Terms.
1. Website Use
You agree to use the website for lawful purposes only. You may not engage in any activity that violates applicable laws or regulations.
You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website or its related systems.
2. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and other materials, is the property of Samana Budhathoki Therapy Services and is protected by copyright laws.
Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of the website content is strictly prohibited.
3. Links to Third-Party Websites
This website may include links to third-party websites for your convenience. We are not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of these websites.
4. Disclaimer of Warranties
This website and its content are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information on the website.
5. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Samana Budhathoki Therapy Services is not liable for any damages arising from the use of our website or services, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
6. Email and Other Electronic Communications
By providing your email address or engaging with us electronically, you consent to receive communications from us electronically, including but not limited to appointment confirmations, reminders, invoices, and updates about our services.
Privacy of Communications: We take reasonable measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of electronic communications. However, email and other forms of electronic communication may not be completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information sent electronically.
Appropriate Use: You agree not to use email or other electronic communications to send sensitive, confidential, or emergency information. For urgent matters, please contact us directly via phone.
Opt-Out Option: You may opt out of receiving non-essential electronic communications by contacting us at [email protected]. Note that this may limit your access to some of our services or information.
7. Changes to Terms of Use
We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the website. Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:
Samana Budhathoki, LMFT 149860
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services
info AT samanabudhathoki dot com
No Surprises Act
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
At Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services ("we," "us," or "our"), we are committed to transparency in billing and ensuring you are aware of your rights under the No Surprises Act, applicable in California. This notice explains how the No Surprises Act protects you from unexpected medical bills and your options.
1. What is the No Surprises Act?
The No Surprises Act is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unexpected medical bills, especially for services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities or for emergency services. While therapy services typically do not fall under emergency medical care, we are committed to adhering to its principles of transparency and fairness.
2. Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) explaining how much your care will cost. This estimate will outline the expected charges for therapy services.
The GFE will be provided in writing and will include:
- The type of service(s) you will receive.
- An estimate of the total cost of services.
- Details about how to request updates or changes to the GFE.
3. When You Will Receive a GFE
If you are an uninsured or self-pay client, you will receive a GFE before your first session or within three business days of scheduling a session.
For ongoing therapy, you may request updated GFEs at any time.
4. Your Rights Under the No Surprises Act
You are protected from being billed for more than the amount stated in the GFE unless you agree to additional services and charges in writing.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE, you have the right to dispute the charges.
5. Dispute Resolution Process
If you believe you were charged more than your GFE, you can file a dispute.
To initiate the dispute process, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call their helpline at 1-800-985-3059.
You must file your dispute within 120 days of receiving the bill.
6. Additional Protections in California
In addition to federal protections, California law ensures:
- Transparency in provider fees for services.
- Protection from surprise bills for out-of-network care in emergency situations.
7. Contact Information for Questions
If you have questions about the No Surprises Act, your GFE, or your rights, please contact us:
Samana Budhathoki, LMFT 149860
Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services
info AT samanabudhathoki dot com
Acknowledgment
By scheduling and receiving services at Samana Budhathoki Psychotherapy Services, you acknowledge that you have received this No Surprises Act notice and understand your rights and protections.
We are committed to providing clear and accurate information to ensure a positive therapeutic experience while safeguarding your financial and legal rights.
Effective Date: December 22, 2024