Privacy Policy

for OceanicCounseling.com
Effective Date: 5/1/2025

Oceanic Counseling Group LLC values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website: OceanicCounseling.com.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you use our website:

Personal Information

  • Name, phone number, email address, and other contact information you voluntarily provide through contact forms or scheduling tools.

Health Information (Protected Health Information or PHI)

  • If you use our scheduling or intake forms, or message us through secure platforms, we may collect health-related information that is considered PHI under HIPAA.

Automatically Collected Data

  • IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing behavior through cookies or analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Respond to inquiries or appointment requests.

  • Provide you with mental health services.

  • Improve website functionality and user experience.

  • Communicate with you securely regarding your care (only through HIPAA-compliant tools).

  • Send you appointment reminders or company updates via text message. These messages will never include personal health information unless sent through a HIPAA-compliant platform and with your prior consent. You may opt out of non-essential text messages at any time by replying “STOP.”

We do not use your PHI for marketing purposes without your explicit written authorization.

3. HIPAA Compliance & Safeguards

Oceanic Counseling Group LLC uses administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your PHI, including:

  • Secure communication tools (e.g., HIPAA-compliant EHR and messaging systems).

  • Encrypted data storage and secure servers.

  • Access controls for staff and clinicians.

We do not store PHI directly on this website. All submissions are routed through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.

4. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell or rent your information. We may disclose information only in the following cases:

  • With your written authorization.

  • To provide treatment, coordinate care, or submit billing through our secure systems.

  • When required by law (e.g., court orders, threats of harm).

  • To business associates under HIPAA-compliant agreements.

5. Third-Party Services and Cookies

We may use third-party services (such as analytics or scheduling tools) that collect non-identifiable browsing data. We ensure that any vendor handling PHI signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with us, as required by HIPAA.

6. Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the right to:

  • Access and receive a copy of your records.

  • Request corrections to your health information.

  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures.

  • File a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

7. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or your privacy, please contact:

Oceanic Counseling Group LLC
P.O. Box 16091
Myrtle Beach, SC 29587
Phone: (843) 894-0000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.OceanicCounseling.com

8. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.