How we protect your health information
Last Updated: January 7, 2026
Effective Date: January 7, 2026
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how Mark Heeringa Counseling may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) to carry out treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your protected health information.
Mark Heeringa Counseling is required by law to maintain the privacy of PHI and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to PHI.
Your PHI may be used and disclosed by those who are involved in your care for the purpose of providing, coordinating, or managing your healthcare treatment and related services. This includes consultation with clinical supervisors or other treatment team professionals.
Your PHI may be used and disclosed to obtain payment for services. This may include certain communications to health insurance companies, such as verification of benefits, pre-authorization, or claims processing.
Your PHI may be used as necessary to support the day-to-day activities and management of Mark Heeringa Counseling. These activities include, but are not limited to, quality assessment activities, employee review activities, licensing, and conducting or arranging for other business activities.
While your privacy is of utmost importance, there are specific situations where confidentiality must be broken as required by law:
You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of PHI. However, we are not required to agree to a restriction you request.
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of PHI that may be used to make decisions about your care for as long as the PHI is maintained in the record.
You have the right to request an amendment of PHI for as long as the PHI is maintained in the record. We may deny your request under certain circumstances.
You have the right to request an accounting of disclosures of your PHI made by this office for certain purposes.
You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this notice from us upon request, even if you have agreed to accept this notice electronically.
This website does not create a therapist-client relationship. Any information submitted through contact forms is transmitted securely but should not contain detailed health information. For secure communication regarding your care, please contact us by phone or during scheduled appointments.
If you have any questions about this Notice of Privacy Practices, please contact: