Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Vicki Chiang Psychological Services ("I," "me," "my," or "the Practice") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit this website (the "Site"). By using this Site, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information I Collect

Information You Provide

You may voluntarily provide personal information when you:

  • Complete the website contact form

  • Request a free 15-minute consultation

  • Schedule an appointment through Squarespace Scheduling

  • Contact the Practice by email or telephone

The information you provide may include your name, email address, phone number, and any information you choose to include in your message.

Please do not submit confidential medical information, diagnoses, treatment information, or other sensitive health information through the contact form or email.

Information Collected Automatically

Like most websites, this Site may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device type

  • Operating system

  • Pages viewed

  • Date and time of your visit

  • Referring website

This information helps improve the performance, security, and usability of the Site and is generally collected in an aggregated or anonymized form.

2. How Your Information Is Used

Information collected through this Site may be used to:

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Schedule consultations or appointments

  • Communicate regarding requested services

  • Improve the content and functionality of the website

  • Maintain website security

  • Comply with applicable legal, ethical, and professional obligations

I do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes.

3. Online Scheduling

This website uses Squarespace Scheduling to allow prospective clients to request consultations or appointments.

Information submitted through the scheduling system is used solely for scheduling and communicating about requested services. Information collected through Squarespace Scheduling is also subject to Squarespace's Privacy Policy.

Submitting a scheduling request does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Services begin only after appropriate intake procedures have been completed and both parties agree to treatment.

4. Confidentiality and Protected Health Information (PHI)

This website is not intended to be a secure method of communicating confidential or sensitive mental health information.

Please do not include Protected Health Information (PHI), including diagnoses, medications, treatment history, or detailed descriptions of mental health concerns, when using the contact form, scheduling system, or email.

Once you become a client, information related to your treatment is protected in accordance with applicable federal and California privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), when applicable, as well as California laws governing the confidentiality of mental health records. Clients receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices and informed consent documents before services begin.

5. Third-Party Services

To operate this website and provide services, the Practice may use trusted third-party providers, including:

  • Squarespace for website hosting and website functionality

  • Squarespace Scheduling for appointment requests and scheduling

  • Email services for responding to inquiries submitted through the website

These third-party providers have their own privacy practices, and users are encouraged to review their respective privacy policies.

If additional third-party services (such as analytics, payment processors, or electronic health record systems) are added in the future, this Privacy Policy will be updated accordingly.

6. Cookies and Website Technologies

This Site may use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary for website functionality and security. Cookies may also be used by Squarespace to improve website performance and user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some portions of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

7. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have rights under the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), where applicable.

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Request information about the personal information collected about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate personal information

  • Request deletion of personal information, subject to applicable legal and professional obligations

  • Know how your information is used

  • Receive equal service regardless of whether you exercise your privacy rights

The Practice does not sell or share personal information for advertising purposes.

To submit a privacy-related request, please contact the Practice using the contact information listed below.

8. Children's Privacy

This website is intended for adults seeking therapy, consultation, or parenting support. It is not directed toward children under the age of 13.

The Practice does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children through this website. If information from a child under 13 is inadvertently received, reasonable steps will be taken to delete it.

9. Data Security

Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to help protect information submitted through this website.

While encrypted connections (HTTPS) help protect information transmitted between your browser and the Site, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

10. Data Retention

Information submitted through the website contact form or scheduling system is retained only as long as reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries, maintain appropriate business records, comply with legal and ethical obligations, or as otherwise required by law.

11. External Links

This Site may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. The Practice is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. Visitors are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they access.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or business practices.

Any revisions will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

13. Contact

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact Vicki Chiang Psychological Services.