Who We Are

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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 15, 2022

Meraki Life Counseling LLC

Email: MerakiLifeCounseling@gmail.com

Location: Hollywood, Florida

1. Introduction

Meraki Life Counseling LLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of all

clients we serve, ranging from adolescents to older adults (ages 13–100+). We recognize the

sensitive nature of mental health services and are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality and

security of your personal information in compliance with Florida law and federal privacy

regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the

Florida Statutes Chapter 456, 491, and other applicable rules governing mental health

practitioners.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email

address, and emergency contact.

Health Information: Mental health history, current and past treatment records, diagnoses,

medications, assessments, and therapy session notes.

Payment Information: Insurance details, billing address, and payment method (if applicable).

Electronic Communications: Emails and messages sent via our contact email

(MerakiLifeCounseling@gmail.com).

3. How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used to:

Provide therapeutic and counseling services.

Maintain accurate treatment and billing records.

Communicate with you regarding appointments, treatment plans, or follow-up care.

Comply with legal and ethical obligations set forth by Florida law and professional licensure

requirements.

4. Confidentiality and Disclosure

We are bound by strict confidentiality requirements under Florida Statutes §491.0147. Your

mental health records and any disclosures made during therapy sessions are confidential except

under the following circumstances:

Risk of harm: If you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or others.

Abuse or neglect: If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child,

elderly person, or vulnerable adult (Florida Statutes §§39.201 and 415.1034).

Court orders: When ordered by a court of law.

Consent: When you provide written authorization to release your information.

Clinical Supervision or Consultation: Limited information may be discussed in a supervisory

context, ensuring privacy is maintained and identities are protected.

5. Clients Under the Age of 18

Per Florida law (F.S. §394.4784), minors ages 13 and older may consent to mental health

treatment without parental involvement in certain cases. However, we encourage family

involvement when clinically appropriate. We protect the confidentiality of adolescent clients in

accordance with state law and clinical best practices.

6. Data Storage and Security

We implement appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your

personal health information (PHI) from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or

destruction. Electronic records are stored on secure, encrypted platforms in compliance with

HIPAA Security Rule standards.

7. Your Rights

Under both HIPAA and Florida law, you have the right to:

Access and request a copy of your medical records.

Request an amendment to your records if you believe they are inaccurate.

Receive an accounting of disclosures.

Request communication through alternative means or at alternative locations.

File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

Requests must be submitted in writing. Please email us at MerakiLifeCounseling@gmail.com to

initiate any privacy-related requests.

8. Use of Email and Electronic Communication

While we allow email communication for scheduling and basic inquiries, please be aware that

email is not a secure form of communication. We advise against using email to share sensitive or

urgent clinical information. For secure communication, we may use a HIPAA-compliant

platform if clinically appropriate.

9. Third-Party Service Providers

If we use electronic health records (EHR) systems, billing services, or other third-party

platforms, these services are vetted for HIPAA compliance. We enter into Business Associate

Agreements (BAAs) to ensure your information is protected.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in laws or services. We will notify

clients of significant updates via email or through posted notices in our office or website.

11. Legal and Ethical Compliance

All clinicians at Meraki Life Counseling LLC are either:

• Licensed mental health professionals in the State of Florida, or

• Registered interns actively working under the supervision of a qualified licensed

supervisor, in full compliance with Florida Statutes Chapter 491.

Florida Statutes §491.005 and §491.0147 outline the licensure and supervision requirements for

clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists.

Supervision is provided only by licensed professionals approved by the Florida Board of Clinical

Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.

All services are delivered in adherence to legal mandates and the ethical codes established by:

• The Florida Department of Health,

• The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and

Mental Health Counseling, and

• The applicable national professional organizations, including the American Counseling

Association (ACA), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, your records, or your rights,

please contact:

Meraki Life Counseling LLC

📍 Hollywood, Florida

📧 Email: MerakiLifeCounseling@gmail.com

We are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the delivery of mental health

care.