Website Disclaimer & Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 2026

Website Disclaimer

While Hearth Counseling & Consulting, PLLC ("HCC") provides licensed mental health counseling services in the State of North Carolina, the information contained on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy, counseling, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified professional.

Any resources, articles, blog posts, handouts, downloads, or other information provided through this website are designed to supplement, not replace professional mental health care. Individuals are encouraged to seek personalized treatment from a licensed mental health provider regarding their specific concerns.

In the event of a mental health crisis, medical emergency, or safety concern, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or seek emergency assistance immediately.

Although HCC providers are licensed mental health professionals, provisionally licensed clinicians, interns, or supervised associates, use of this website does not establish a therapist-client relationship with any HCC provider. A therapist-client relationship is only established after appropriate intake procedures have been completed, informed consent documents have been signed, and services have been formally initiated.

Please note that contacting HCC through this website, email, contact forms, social media, phone calls, or requesting information does not create a therapist-client relationship.

HCC makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of information on this website but does not guarantee that all content is current, complete, or free from errors. HCC is not responsible for any losses, damages, or injuries resulting from the use or misuse of information obtained through this website.

Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. HCC does not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for the content, policies, or practices of external websites.


Privacy Policy

Introduction

Hearth Counseling & Consulting, PLLC ("HCC," "we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us through our website.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it may be shared, and your rights regarding your personal information.

By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Voluntarily Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily submit, including:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Information submitted through contact forms

  • Appointment requests

  • Newsletter sign-ups

  • Other information you choose to provide

Please do not submit confidential clinical information through website contact forms or unsecured email.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Pages visited

  • Time spent on the website

  • Referral source

This information helps us improve website performance and user experience.

How We Use Your Information

We may use information collected through our website to:

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Schedule consultations or appointments

  • Provide requested information

  • Improve website functionality and user experience

  • Send newsletters or marketing communications (if you opt in)

  • Maintain website security

  • Comply with legal obligations

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and analyze website traffic.

You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Confidentiality and Electronic Communication

Communications through website forms, standard email, or social media are not guaranteed to be secure or confidential.

While HCC takes reasonable precautions to protect information, electronic communications may be vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Clients should use the secure client portal provided through our electronic health record system for confidential clinical communications whenever possible.

HIPAA Notice

Information submitted through this website is generally not considered protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA unless and until an individual becomes a client and clinical services begin.

Current clients should refer to HCC's Notice of Privacy Practices for information regarding the use and protection of PHI.

Third-Party Services

We may use third-party service providers to assist with website operations, scheduling, analytics, email communications, and other business functions.

These providers may have access to information only as necessary to perform their services and are expected to maintain appropriate privacy and security safeguards.

Information Sharing

HCC does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.

We may disclose information when:

  • Required by law

  • Necessary to protect the safety of individuals

  • Required to comply with legal processes

  • Necessary to protect the rights or property of HCC

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information.

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. Users submit information at their own risk.

Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website.

If we learn that information from a child under 13 has been collected without parental consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete that information.

Your Rights

You may request to:

  • Access personal information we maintain about you

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of certain information, subject to legal obligations

  • Opt out of marketing communications

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

HCC reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Information

Hearth Counseling & Consulting, PLLC

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or website practices, please contact us through the information provided on our website.

Website: hearthcc.com