Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the website operated by Carissa Smith, LCSW of Pathway for Change (“Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using this website (“Site”), you agree to be bound by these Terms.
If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Site.
1. Purpose of This Website
1.1 The Site is provided solely for general informational, educational, and administrative purposes related to the services offered by the Practice.
1.2 The information on this Site does not constitute medical, psychological, or clinical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional care.
2. No Emergency or Crisis Services
2.1 The Site does not provide crisis intervention or emergency communication services.
2.2 If you are experiencing an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
3. HIPAA Notice & Protection of Personal Information
3.1 The Practice is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of personal health information (“PHI”) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) and applicable state privacy laws.
3.2 Any PHI transmitted to the Practice through secure, designated channels (such as encrypted client portals or HIPAA-compliant communication tools) will be handled in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).
3.3 Do not transmit PHI via unencrypted email, contact forms, or other unsecured features of this Site, unless specifically indicated as HIPAA-secure.
3.4 The Site may provide links to secure portals operated by HIPAA-compliant third-party vendors. Accessing and using those portals is governed by their respective terms and privacy policies.
3.5 Communications submitted through non-secure features of the Site (e.g., basic contact forms) are not considered secure for PHI, and users submit such information at their own discretion.
4. Use of the Site
4.1 You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes and in a manner consistent with these Terms.
4.2 You may not use the Site in a way that could damage, disable, impair, or interfere with its functionality or security.
5. Telehealth Services (If Offered)
5.1 Telehealth services are provided only through HIPAA-compliant, secure systems.
5.2 Telehealth services are governed by separate consent forms and policies provided to clients prior to treatment.
6. Third-Party Vendors and HIPAA Compliance
6.1 The Practice may use third-party providers for scheduling, messaging, telehealth, hosting, billing, or other operational needs.
6.2 Where required, the Practice maintains Business Associate Agreements (“BAAs”) with such vendors to ensure compliance with HIPAA security and privacy standards.
6.3 The Practice is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites linked to or from this Site.
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 All content on this Site—including text, images, graphics, logos, and design—is the property of the Practice and protected by applicable copyright laws.
7.2 You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify Site content without prior written permission.
8. No Warranties
8.1 The Site is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
8.2 The Practice does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Site or warrant that the Site or its servers are free from viruses or other harmful components.
9. Limitation of Liability
9.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Practice shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages arising out of or related to your use of the Site.
9.2 The Practice’s total liability for any claim arising from the Site shall not exceed the amount paid by you, if any, to access the Site.
10. User Submissions
10.1 Messages or information submitted through general website forms (non-secure) are not guaranteed confidential and should not contain PHI.
10.2 The Practice is not liable for disclosures resulting from user submission of PHI through non-secure methods.
11. Privacy Policy
11.1 Use of the Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how non-clinical personal data may be collected and used.
11.2 Clinical privacy rights and handling of PHI are governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) as required under HIPAA.
12. Changes to These Terms
12.1 The Practice may update these Terms at any time. The “Last Updated” date will reflect the most recent revision.
12.2 Continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
13. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Florida and Colorado, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles.
14. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, HIPAA practices, or privacy policies, 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 Privacy Policy, Website Disclaimer & HIPAA Notice and Good Faith Estimate Notice or contact us directly through secure communication channels.