THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. (Updated 2/25/26)
Life Worth Living Counseling
1112 2nd St. SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
540-339-7727
whitney@lifeworthlivingcounseling.com
We are committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (PHI). “PHI” includes any information we collect or create that can identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, the health care you receive, or payment for that care. We understand that information about your mental health and counseling is particularly sensitive. We are required by federal law (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – HIPAA) and Virginia state law to maintain the privacy of your PHI, to provide you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and to notify you following a breach of your unsecured PHI.
We may change our practices and this Notice at any time. The revised Notice will apply to PHI we already have about you as well as any we receive in the future. We will post the current Notice in our office and on our website (if applicable), with the effective date on the first page.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Protected Health Information
We may use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization in the following situations:
For Treatment. We may use and disclose PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care. For example, we may consult with another provider or share information with a specialist if we refer you.
For Payment. We may use and disclose PHI so we (or others) can bill and receive payment for services we provide. For example, we may send PHI to your insurance company to obtain reimbursement.
For Health Care Operations. We may use and disclose PHI for our operational activities, such as quality assessment, business management, training, accreditation, or compliance activities.
Appointment Reminders, Treatment Alternatives, and Health-Related Benefits/Services. We may contact you to remind you of appointments, provide refill reminders (if applicable), or inform you about treatment options or health-related services.
As Required by Law. We will disclose PHI when required to do so by federal, state, or local law.
To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety. We may disclose PHI to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public (e.g., Virginia's duty to protect third parties under Va. Code § 54.1-2400.1 when a client communicates a specific threat of violence).
Victims of Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Violence. We may disclose PHI to appropriate authorities if we reasonably believe you are a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence (required in many cases under Virginia law).
Child/Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting. Virginia law requires us to report suspected child abuse or neglect (Va. Code § 63.2-1509) or abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or incapacitated adults (Va. Code § 63.2-1606) to the appropriate authorities.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings. We may disclose PHI in response to a court order, subpoena, or other legal process, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Law Enforcement. We may disclose PHI to law enforcement for specific purposes (e.g., to identify a suspect, fugitive, or material witness, or in emergencies).
Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors. We may disclose PHI to coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors as authorized by law.
Research. We may use or disclose PHI for research under limited circumstances and protections.
Workers' Compensation. We may disclose PHI as authorized by Virginia workers' compensation laws.
Special Rules for Psychotherapy Notes. Psychotherapy notes (detailed notes documenting or analyzing counseling session content that are kept separate from the rest of your record) receive special protection. We will obtain your written authorization before disclosing psychotherapy notes, except as required by law or in very limited circumstances (e.g., to defend against legal action you bring).
Special Rules for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Records (if applicable). If your records include information from federally assisted SUD treatment programs (42 CFR Part 2), they have heightened protections. We may not disclose these records without your written consent except in narrow circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, court order with notice to you, research under strict safeguards). Such records generally may not be used or disclosed in civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings against you without your consent or a specific court order (after notice and opportunity to be heard). We will handle these records in compliance with both HIPAA and Part 2 rules.
Your Rights Regarding Your Protected Health Information
You have the following rights regarding your PHI (subject to certain limitations and conditions):
Right to Inspect and Copy. You may inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI (except psychotherapy notes in most cases) for as long as we maintain it.
Right to Amend. You may request that we amend PHI you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You may request a list of disclosures we made of your PHI for six years prior to your request (with some exceptions).
Right to Request Restrictions. You may request restrictions on uses/disclosures of your PHI (we are not required to agree except in limited cases, such as self-pay restrictions for certain disclosures).
Right to Request Confidential Communications. You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location (e.g., by email or to an alternate address).
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice. You may obtain a paper copy at any time. To exercise these rights, contact us in writing at the address above.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Contact information for OCR is available at www.hhs.gov/ocr. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Notice or our privacy practices, contact Whitney Artutis using the contact information above.
We reserve the right to change this Notice and our practices. We will post revisions and make them available upon request.