ĒMA Therapy Privacy Policy
Effective Date: February 23, 2026
Provider: Ellie Messinger-Adams, LPCC #14196
Practice: ēma therapy
At ēma therapy, your privacy is a top priority. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health information, as well as your rights under federal and California law.
Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide quality therapy services.
This may include:
Name, contact information, and date of birth
Health and mental health history relevant to treatment
Session notes, treatment plans, and progress records
Communications related to scheduling or care
If you contact us through our website, we may collect:
Name and email address
Phone number (if provided)
Information you include in your message
Basic website usage data (such as IP address or analytics)
How Your Information Is Used
Your information may be used to:
Provide, coordinate, and improve therapy services
Communicate with you regarding appointments or care
Maintain practice operations and legal compliance
Respond to website inquiries
Your health information is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and is handled in accordance with federal HIPAA regulations and California confidentiality laws.
Information Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell or rent your information.
We only share information in the following situations:
With your written consent (for example, if you request coordination of care or reimbursement support services)
For practice operations with secure service providers who agree to protect your information
When required by law, such as:
risk of serious harm to yourself or others
suspected abuse or neglect
court orders or legal requirements
California law provides additional protections for mental health records and limits disclosure without your written authorization.
Use of Technology & AI Tools
ēma therapy may use secure digital tools to support practice operations, such as scheduling, documentation, or administrative support.
If any technology tools that include automation or artificial intelligence are used:
They are selected with privacy and security in mind.
Protected health information is only included when the tool meets HIPAA and confidentiality standards.
AI tools are not used to replace clinical judgment or decision-making.
Your information is never sold or used to train public AI systems.
You may ask questions at any time about the technology used in your care.
Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
Access and receive a copy of your records
Request corrections to your records
Request limits on how information is shared
Request confidential communication methods
Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights were violated
You may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services without fear of retaliation.
Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information, including:
Secure electronic record systems
Encrypted email and secure telehealth platforms
Limited access to authorized personnel only
Use of HIPAA-compliant service providers
While we use safeguards to protect your information, no system can guarantee absolute security.
Website Privacy & Communications
If you submit information through our website:
We use it only to respond to your inquiry or provide requested information.
We do not sell or share your personal data for marketing.
You may request deletion of your information at any time.
If you choose to receive emails from us in the future, you may unsubscribe at any time.
Breach Notification
If a breach of unsecured protected health information occurs, you will be notified as required by HIPAA and California law.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The most current version will always be posted on our website with the effective date.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this policy or your privacy rights, please contact:
Ellie Messinger-Adams, LPCC #14196
ēma therapy
ellie@ematherpy.com
760-428-1239