Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

FamilyHealthGarden, located at 3811 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or receive our services. We comply with all applicable federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and New York State privacy regulations.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information:

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth and Social Security Number (when required for services)
• Emergency contact information
• Income and employment information
• Family composition and household information
• Immigration status (when relevant to services)
• Insurance information and benefits eligibility

Health and Service Information:

• Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
• Medical history and current health conditions
• Case management notes and service plans
• Assessment results and progress reports
• Crisis intervention records
• Educational and vocational history
• Housing and financial assistance records

Website and Technology Information:

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Website usage patterns and page views
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Online form submissions and communications

3. How We Collect Information

• Directly from you through intake forms, applications, and interviews
• From family members or authorized representatives
• From healthcare providers, schools, and other service agencies (with consent)
• Through our website and online portals
• From government agencies and funding sources
• Through program participation and service delivery

4. How We Use Your Information

• Service Delivery: To provide counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and other support services
• Assessment and Planning: To evaluate needs and develop individualized service plans
• Communication: To contact you about appointments, services, and program updates
• Eligibility Determination: To verify eligibility for programs and benefits
• Quality Improvement: To evaluate and improve our services and programs
• Compliance: To meet legal, regulatory, and funding requirements
• Safety: To ensure the safety of clients, staff, and the community
• Research: To conduct program evaluation and research (with de-identified data)

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We maintain strict confidentiality and only share information in the following circumstances:

With Your Written Consent:

• With family members or designated representatives
• With healthcare providers and other service agencies
• For insurance billing and benefits coordination
• For employment or housing applications

As Required by Law:

• Child abuse and neglect reporting to New York State Central Register
• Adult protective services reporting
• Imminent danger to self or others
• Court orders and subpoenas
• Public health reporting requirements
• Law enforcement investigations (with valid warrant)

For Program Administration:

• With funding agencies for compliance monitoring
• With contracted service providers (under confidentiality agreements)
• For quality assurance and accreditation purposes
• With our legal and financial advisors

6. Data Security and Protection

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

• Physical Security: Locked facilities, restricted access areas, and secure file storage
• Technical Security: Encrypted databases, secure networks, and access controls
• Administrative Security: Staff training, confidentiality agreements, and privacy policies
• Access Controls: Role-based access and regular audit of information systems
• Backup and Recovery: Secure data backup and disaster recovery procedures

7. Retention and Disposal

We retain your information according to legal and professional requirements:

• Clinical Records: 7 years after last service date (longer for minors)
• Financial Records: 7 years for audit and compliance purposes
• Administrative Records: As required by funding sources and regulations
• Secure Disposal: Confidential destruction of paper and electronic records

8. Your Privacy Rights

Under federal and state law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your records
• Amendment: Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Restriction: Request limits on how we use or share your information
• Confidential Communication: Request communication by alternative means
• Complaint: File complaints about privacy practices
• Notice: Receive notice of any breaches affecting your information

9. Minors and Special Populations

• Parent/guardian consent required for minors under 18
• Special protections for substance abuse treatment records
• Enhanced confidentiality for mental health services
• Cultural and linguistic accommodations available
• Accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities

10. Website Privacy

Our website uses:

• Cookies: For website functionality and analytics (you can disable these)
• SSL Encryption: To protect data transmission
• Google Analytics: For website improvement (anonymized data)
• No Third-Party Sales: We never sell website visitor information

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in:

• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Our services or programs
• Technology or security practices
• Organizational policies

Material changes will be communicated through posted notices, website updates, and direct client notification.

12. Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach affecting your information, we will:

• Investigate and contain the breach immediately
• Notify affected individuals within 60 days
• Report to appropriate authorities as required
• Provide information about protective steps you can take
• Implement additional safeguards to prevent future breaches