Privacy Policy, Security Policy & HIPAA Notice
Carolinas Psychiatric Institute
At Carolinas Psychiatric Institute, your privacy, confidentiality, and trust are extremely important to us. As a mental health provider, we understand the sensitive nature of psychiatric and behavioral health information. We are fully committed to protecting your personal information and Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
1. Our Commitment to Confidentiality
We maintain the highest standards of privacy and security to safeguard your personal and medical information. All information shared with our practice—whether through our website, phone, email, or clinical services—is handled with strict confidentiality and professional care.
2. Information We Collect
A. Personal Information
When you contact us or request services, we collect:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Insurance information
Information provided in appointment or inquiry forms
B. Website & Technical Information
When you visit our website, certain non-identifiable data may be automatically collected, including:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Pages visited
- Cookies and usage analytics
This information helps us improve website performance and user experience.
C. Protected Health Information (PHI)
If you become a patient, we collect health-related information necessary for:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Care coordination
- Billing and insurance processing
All PHI is handled in strict compliance with HIPAA regulations.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Schedule and manage appointments
- Provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Process insurance claims and billing
- Respond to inquiries
- Improve our services and website functionality
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
4. HIPAA Compliance & Patient Rights
As required by HIPAA, you have the right to:
- Access and receive a copy of your medical records
- Request corrections to your records
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
- Receive a list of disclosures
- Request confidential communication methods
- File a complaint without fear of retaliation
Our complete Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request and is provided to all patients receiving clinical services.
5. Information Sharing & Disclosure
We may share information only when:
- Required for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations
- Required by law (court orders, public health reporting, etc.)
- Necessary to prevent serious harm
- You provide written authorization
We ensure that any third-party service providers working with us maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.
6. Security Measures
We implement appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, including:
- Secure electronic health record systems
- Encrypted communication platforms when applicable
- Access controls and password protection
- Staff training on privacy practices
- Secure document storage and disposal procedures
While we take strong precautions, no method of internet transmission can be guaranteed 100% secure. However, we continuously monitor and update our security measures to maintain high standards of protection.
7. Website Policy & Cookies
Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to enhance functionality and improve user experience. You may adjust browser settings to refuse cookies if preferred.
Our website content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our website is not intended to collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent. If such information is identified, it will be promptly removed.
9. Policy Updates
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect changes in regulations or practice operations. Any updates will be posted on this page with the revised effective date.
10. Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact: