Privacy Policy
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Carissa Smith, LCSW of Pathway for Change (“Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects information obtained through this website (“Site”). Your use of this Site indicates your acceptance of this Privacy Policy.
This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through the Site for general and administrative purposes. Information collected in the context of therapy services is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Non-Protected Personal Information (Website Use)
When you interact with this Site, we may collect information such as:
Name
Email address
Phone number
General inquiries submitted via contact forms
Please do not submit personal health information through this website.
IP address, browser type, device information
Website usage data (pages viewed, time on page, etc.)
This information is used solely for administrative and communication purposes.
1.2 Protected Health Information (“PHI”)
This Site does not request or collect PHI through general contact forms, email links, or other non-secure features.
If you submit PHI via unencrypted or non-secure channels, you do so at your own discretion.
PHI is only collected through HIPAA-compliant, secure platforms, such as:
Encrypted client portals
HIPAA-secure messaging systems
Secure online scheduling tools
Telehealth platforms
Handling of PHI is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), not by this Privacy Policy.
2. How We Use Your Information
We may use non-PHI information collected from this Site to:
Respond to inquiries
Schedule appointments
Provide general information about services
Improve website performance and user experience
Maintain internal records
Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell or rent personal information.
Submitting a contact form does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
3. How We Share Information
We may share information with:
HIPAA-compliant service providers, such as secure scheduling or telehealth platforms
Website hosting or analytics providers
Professional advisors (legal, financial, compliance)
Authorities, when required by law (e.g., court order, safety concerns)
We do not share PHI except as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) or as required by law
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
This website may use basic analytics tools to understand website traffic and improve functionality such as:
Cookies (session or persistent)
Analytics tools (e.g., privacy-mode configurations of Google Analytics or other HIPAA-aligned tracking setups)
Log files and server data
These tools help us understand how the Site is used.
Tracking tools are configured not to collect PHI.
You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some site features may not function properly.
5. HIPAA Compliance
While this Privacy Policy describes general website practices, the confidentiality and security of PHI are governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).
Key points:
PHI is only collected through secure, encrypted platforms.
We maintain appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.
We have Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with vendors who handle PHI when required.
6. Communication Policy
Email and website contact forms are intended for scheduling and general inquiries only and should not be used for therapeutic communication.
Pathway for Change LLC does not provide therapy services through social media messaging or text messaging unless otherwise agreed upon through established client communication channels.
7. Security Measures
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect information collected through the Site, including:
SSL/TLS encryption
Secure hosting environments
Access controls and password protections
Limited authorized personnel access
Reasonable measures are used to protect information transmitted through this website. However, no internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure. No online system is 100% secure; users submit information at their own risk.
Third-Party Services
This website may utilize third-party services including:
website hosting through Squarespace
email services through Google Workspace
These services have their own privacy policies governing data handling.
8. Links to Third-Party Websites
This Site may contain links to external websites or services.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.
Please review their policies before submitting personal information.
9. Children’s Privacy
This Site is not intended for children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect information from children through the website.
10. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights regarding personal information collected through this Site, such as:
Access
Correction
Deletion
Limitation of use
Withdrawal of consent (where applicable)
PHI rights are governed separately by our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any changes.
12. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Pathway for Change
Carissa Smith, LCSW
Phone
Email
If you are a client and have questions about your PHI, please refer to our Terms & Conditions, Website Disclaimer & HIPAA Notice and Good Faith Estimate Notice or contact us directly through secure communication channels.
CRISIS STATEMENT
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, contact your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.