Privacy Policy:
At Maine Child Therapy Center, your privacy—and your child’s privacy—are at the heart of our work. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of all personal and health information shared with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, contact our office, or participate in our clinical or telehealth services.
When we handle personal data of individuals in:
The United States (including Maine), we comply with HIPAA and applicable U.S./Maine privacy laws.
Hong Kong, we comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) (“PDPO”) and the Six Data Protection Principles issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD)
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information in the following ways:
Information you provide directly: When you complete intake forms, request an appointment, or contact us, we collect details such as your name, contact information, and any relevant information about your child or family for clinical purposes.
Health information: Information shared during evaluation or therapy is protected as health information under HIPAA and applicable state laws.
Automatically collected information: When visiting our website, technical data (such as IP address, device type, or browsing behavior) may be collected for basic analytics and performance improvement.
For Hong Kong residents, we only collect personal data that is necessary, adequate and not excessive for the purposes described in this policy, and we collect it by lawful and fair means in line with PDPO Data Protection Principle 1.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your and your child’s information to:
Provide psychological assessment, therapy, consultation, and follow‑up care.
Schedule, manage and document appointments, including telehealth sessions.
Communicate with you about clinical care, reports, billing, and clinic updates.
Maintain internal records, quality improvement, supervision and training (with identifying details minimized where appropriate).
Operate, secure, and improve our website and practice administration systems.
We do not sell or rent your personal data to third‑party marketers, whether you are in the U.S. or Hong Kong.
If we ever wish to use your data for a new purpose that is not directly related to the original purpose you were told about, we will obtain your explicit consent first, as required by PDPO Data Protection Principle 3 for Hong Kong residents.
4. Legal Bases and Conflicts of Law
Depending on your location and the context of services, our legal bases for processing your data include:
Provision of healthcare and performance of a contract (when you engage us for services).
Compliance with legal obligations (e.g., mandatory reporting, record‑keeping).
Your consent, where required (for example, some marketing communications or specific cross‑border transfers).
If there is any conflict between this policy and mandatory local law, we will follow the law that provides stronger protection for your personal data (for example, PDPO requirements for Hong Kong residents or HIPAA/Maine protections for U.S. clients).
3. Data Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data from unauthorized or accidental access, processing, loss, use, or disclosure. This includes:
Encrypted, password‑protected, HIPAA-compliant electronic health record systems.
Restricted access to personal data only for staff who need it to perform their duties.
Secure storage (locked cabinets) for any paper files.
For Hong Kong data subjects, we take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure security of personal data under PDPO Data Protection Principle 4, including appropriate contracts with any data processors that handle data on our behalf.
4. Data Retention
We keep personal and health records only for as long as necessary to:
Provide clinical services and maintain accurate treatment records.
Comply with professional, legal, and regulatory requirements in the jurisdiction where the service is provided.
For Hong Kong personal data, we will not retain information for longer than is necessary for the fulfillment of the purpose(s) for which it was collected, in accordance with PDPO Data Protection Principle 2.
5. Confidentiality and Legal Exceptions
We treat clinical information as confidential and will not disclose it without your authorization, except where permitted or required by law. This includes:
Treatment and care: Sharing limited information with other healthcare or educational professionals involved in your child’s care (with appropriate consent, unless an emergency or legal exception applies).
Payment and operations: Sharing with insurers, billing providers, or IT vendors as needed for claims, payments, or practice management, under strict confidentiality obligations.
Legal and safety requirements: Disclosures required by law or professional standards, such as mandatory reports for suspected child abuse, serious risk of harm to self or others, or court orders.
We may also provide de‑identified or aggregated information (which does not identify you or your child) for training, supervision, quality improvement, research, or educational purposes.
5. Telehealth and Online Forms
If you participate in telehealth sessions or complete forms electronically, your information is transmitted and stored using secure, encrypted platforms that meet HIPAA standards. We take additional steps to protect confidentiality during virtual sessions.
6. Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies or analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand general visitor behavior and improve user experience. We do not collect any personal health information through these tools. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.
9. Cross‑Border Transfers (U.S. ↔ Hong Kong)
Because our practice and clients may be in different locations, your personal data may be stored on secure servers or accessed from the United States and from Hong Kong.
When we transfer personal data collected in Hong Kong to locations outside Hong Kong, we take reasonable precautions to ensure the recipient provides a level of protection that is comparable to the PDPO, including contractual safeguards where appropriate
10. Your Rights – U.S. (Maine) Clients
If you receive services in Maine or elsewhere in the U.S., you have rights under HIPAA and Maine law, including the right to:
Access and request copies of your or your child’s health records.
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures (we will inform you if we can or cannot agree).
Request confidential communications (for example, to a different address or email).
Receive a notice in the event of a breach of unsecured protected health information.
File a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services without fear of retaliation.
Details are further described in our Notice of Privacy Practices.
11. Your Rights – Hong Kong Data Subjects
If the PDPO applies to your personal data (for example, you are in Hong Kong when you use our website or contact us), you have rights including:
Right of access: To request confirmation of whether we hold your personal data and to obtain a copy.
Right of correction: To request that inaccurate personal data be corrected.
Right to be informed: To be told the purposes for which your data will be used, the classes of persons to whom it may be transferred, and whether provision of data is voluntary or mandatory.
Right to opt out of direct marketing: If we ever use your personal data for direct marketing (which we currently do not), we will obtain your consent and give you a clear opportunity to opt out at any time.
Requests can be made in writing using the contact details below. We may need to verify your identity and may charge a reasonable fee permitted under PDPO for data access requests.
12. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are directed to parents, guardians, and caregivers. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 via the website.
For minors receiving clinical services:
We follow applicable U.S., Maine, and Hong Kong laws on minors’ consent, confidentiality, and parental access to records, including situations where minor consent or safety considerations limit what can be disclosed to parents or guardians.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, professional standards, or our practice operations. The “Last Updated” date at the top will change, and the current version will always be available on our website. Where required by law, we will notify you of significant changes.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:
Maine Child Therapy Center
Email: drmelissa@mainechildtherapycenter
Notice of Privacy Practices:
Effective Date: March 12, 2026
Maine Child Therapy Center is committed to protecting the privacy of your and your child’s health information. This notice explains how we use and share your information, and what rights you have under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Maine law.
Our Privacy Commitment
We treat all personal and health information with the highest level of confidentiality. We follow federal and state laws that protect your privacy and only share information when legally permitted or with your written consent.
How We Use Your Health Information
We may use or share your information for:
Treatment: Coordinating care and communicating with other professionals involved in your child’s treatment.
Payment: Submitting insurance claims or billing for services.
Clinic operations: Internal management, staff training, and quality improvement.
We may also share information if required by law—for example, in cases of suspected abuse or serious risk of harm.
When We Need Your Permission
We’ll ask for your written authorization before using your information for anything beyond treatment, payment, or operations. This includes sharing psychotherapy notes, or using your details for marketing or research. You can revoke authorization at any time by notifying us in writing.
Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
Access your records and request copies.
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Ask for limits on how your information is used or shared.
Request confidential communication (e.g., by email, phone, or mail).
Receive a record of disclosures made outside of treatment, payment, or operations.
Get a paper copy of this notice on request.
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
Security and Breach Notification
We use secure, HIPAA‑compliant systems to protect your data. If your information is ever compromised, we’ll notify you promptly as required by law.
Updates to This Notice
We may update this notice to reflect legal or clinic changes. The latest version will always be available on our website and in our office.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy
1‑800‑368‑1019
We will never retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Terms of Use:
Last Updated: March 12, 2026
1. Acceptance of These Terms
By accessing or using the website of Maine Child Therapy Center (the “Site”), you agree to these Terms of Use (“Terms”). If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
2. No Emergency or Crisis Services
The Site is not for emergencies or crisis support. If you or your child is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call your local emergency number (911 in the U.S. & 999 in Hong Kong) or go to the nearest emergency room. The Site and any contact forms are not monitored for crisis situations.
3. Not Medical or Psychological Advice
Content on the Site (including articles, blog posts, videos, downloads, and any other materials) is provided for general educational and informational purposes only.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, assessment, or treatment.
Viewing the Site or contacting us through the Site does not create a psychologist–patient or therapist–client relationship. You should always consult a qualified professional for individualized advice about your or your child’s mental health.
4. Eligibility and Appropriate Use
You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not:
Violate any applicable local, state, national, or international law or regulation.
Infringe on the rights of others or interfere with others’ use of the Site.
Involve attempts to gain unauthorized access to the Site, servers, or networks.
We may restrict or terminate access to the Site at our discretion if we believe these Terms have been violated.
5. Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, all content on the Site—including text, images, graphics, logos, audio, video, downloads, and design—is owned by Maine Child Therapy Center or used under license.
You may view, download, or print materials for your personal, non‑commercial use only.
You may not modify, reproduce, distribute, publish, or create derivative works from any content without our prior written permission.
If you wish to use our materials for teaching, training, or publication, please contact us for written permission.
6. Links to Other Sites
The Site may contain links to third‑party websites or resources. These are provided for convenience and informational purposes only.
We do not endorse and are not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of third‑party sites.
Accessing any linked site is at your own risk.
7. Privacy and Personal Information
Our use of personal information collected through the Site is governed by our Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices (for clinical information). By using the Site, you acknowledge that you have reviewed those documents and understand how we handle data.
8. Disclaimers
The Site is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we make no warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied, about:
The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on the Site.
The availability, security, or error‑free operation of the Site.
Your use of the Site and reliance on any information is solely at your own risk.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent allowed by law, Maine Child Therapy Center, its clinicians, employees, and affiliates will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with:
Your access to or use of the Site.
Your inability to use the Site.
Any decisions or actions you take based on information from the Site.
Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability; in such cases, our liability will be limited to the minimum extent permitted by applicable law.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Maine Child Therapy Center, its clinicians, employees, and affiliates from any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:
Your use or misuse of the Site.
Your violation of these Terms.
Your violation of any rights of a third party.
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and your use of the Site are governed by the laws of the State of Maine, USA, without regard to its conflict of laws rules.
Any disputes arising from or related to the Site or these Terms shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Maine, and you consent to the jurisdiction of those courts.
12. Changes to These Terms
We may update or modify these Terms from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top indicates the latest version. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted means you accept the revised Terms.