Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 10/28/25

Introduction

Dr. Shelle Welty ("I," "me," or "my") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit my website www.phoenixpsych.org and use my services.

This policy applies to information collected through my website and during the course of providing professional psychological services.

HIPAA Compliance

As a licensed healthcare provider, I am required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Protected Health Information (PHI) collected in the context of providing healthcare services is governed by my Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided separately to clients. This Privacy Policy addresses information collected through my website.

Information I Collect

Information You Provide Directly:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and state of residence when you submit a consultation request

  • Any information you voluntarily provide in forms or communications

  • Information provided during therapy sessions (governed separately by HIPAA)

Information Collected Automatically:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Pages visited and time spent on pages

  • Referring website

  • Device information

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How I Use Your Information

I use the information I collect to:

  • Respond to consultation requests and schedule appointments

  • Provide professional psychological services

  • Send appointment reminders and administrative communications

  • Improve my website and services

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect against fraud and security threats

Legal Basis for Processing (California Residents)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), I process your information based on:

  • Your consent

  • Performance of services you requested

  • Compliance with legal obligations

  • Legitimate business interests

How I Share Your Information

I do not sell your personal information. I may share your information only in the following circumstances:

With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize me to share information

Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist with:

  • Website hosting

  • Email communications

  • Scheduling systems

  • Payment processing

  • These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and may only use information as necessary to perform services

Legal Requirements: When required by law, such as:

  • Court orders or subpoenas

  • Mandatory reporting requirements

  • Protection against harm to self or others

Business Transfers: In the event of a sale or transfer of my practice

Telehealth Privacy

When providing services via telehealth, I use HIPAA-compliant video platforms. However, please be aware that:

  • You are responsible for ensuring your environment is private

  • I cannot guarantee the security of your internet connection

  • You should use a secure, private internet connection for sessions

Data Security

I implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

  • Secure, encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)

  • Regular security assessments

  • Limited access to personal information

  • Secure storage of client records

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

I retain your information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services to you

  • Comply with legal obligations (typically 7 years after last service for clinical records)

  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Your Privacy Rights

All Users:

  • Access: Request access to your personal information

  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)

California Residents (CCPA Rights):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected

  • Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed

  • Right to say no to the sale of personal information

  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

  • Right to deletion (subject to exceptions)

To Exercise Your Rights: Contact me at drshelle@phoenixpsych.org or (805) 338-8921

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences

  • Understand how you use the website

  • Improve website functionality

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Analytics: I may use analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand website usage. These services may collect information about your visit.

Third-Party Links

My website may contain links to third-party websites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. I encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Children's Privacy

My services are not directed to individuals under 18, and I do not knowingly collect information from minors without parental consent.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The "Effective Date" will reflect when changes were made. Continued use of my website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

Dr. Shelle Welty
drshelle@phoenixpsych.org
(805) 338-8921