Privacy policy & HIPAA Infornation

Your Privacy is Protected

LeMaster Counseling Services, LLC is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. This notice describes how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information.

HIPAA Compliance

We strictly comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable state and federal privacy laws. Your protected health information (PHI) is kept confidential and secure.

Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide you with quality mental health services, including:

  • Contact information (name, address, phone, email)

  • Health insurance information (if applicable)

  • Clinical information related to your mental health treatment

  • Payment and billing information

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for:

  • Providing mental health treatment and services

  • Processing payments and insurance claims

  • Scheduling appointments

  • Communicating with you about your care

  • Meeting legal and regulatory requirements

Information Sharing

Your information will NOT be shared without your written authorization, except in limited circumstances required by law:

  • When there is a serious threat to your safety or the safety of others

  • When required by court order or legal proceedings

  • For reporting suspected child or elder abuse

  • As required by public health authorities

Telehealth Privacy

All telehealth sessions are conducted through SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant platform that encrypts all communications. To protect your privacy during telehealth sessions:

  • Ensure you're in a private location where others cannot hear our conversation

  • Use headphones if others are nearby

  • Close other applications on your device during sessions

  • Use a secure internet connection (avoid public WiFi when possible)

Your Rights

Under HIPAA, you have the right to:

  • Request access to your health information

  • Request corrections to your health information

  • Request restrictions on how your information is used

  • Request confidential communications

  • File a complaint about privacy practices

  • Receive a copy of this privacy notice

Data Security

We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your information:

  • Secure, encrypted storage of all records

  • Password-protected systems

  • Regular security updates and monitoring

  • Limited access to authorized personnel only

Record Retention

Clinical records are maintained according to Louisiana state law and professional standards. Records are securely destroyed when no longer required by law.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this privacy policy or your rights, or if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact:

Lisa LeMaster, LPC
LeMaster Counseling Services, LLC
Email: lisa@lemastercounselingservices.org
Phone: 504-208-1993

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

Updates to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this privacy policy. Any changes will be posted on our website and will apply to information collected after the effective date of the change.

Last Updated: 7/20/25

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this privacy policy.