Privacy policy

Last Update:
August 9, 2024 

This Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) sets out how Dixon Psychology Services (referred to as the “Company”) uses and protects any information that you (referred to as “you” or “your”) book an appointment, access, register, browse, or use our website https://www.dixonpsychologicalservices.com/ (the “Website”). 

Company is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. You can be assured that any personal identifying information (hereinafter referred to as “Personal Information” and defined below) you provide when using the Website will only be used in accordance with this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy describes the type of information Company may collect from you or that you may provide when using the Website and/or Services (as defined below), as well as its practices for collecting, using, keeping, protecting, and/or disclosing any Personal Information. 

PERSONAL INFORMATION

What Personal Information is Collected? 

When browsing, entering, or otherwise accessing the Website; contacting or engaging with Company for its Services such as mental health services, therapy sessions, consulting sessions, testing cases, or psychological assessments; or conducting any other activity on the Website, you may be asked to enter or disclose various types of Personal Information, which may include, but is not limited to: 

Contact Information: name, e-mail, postal address, telephone number, personal contact information, or any other similar information. 
Identification and Demographics: date of birth, gender, nationality, ethnicity, interests, lifestyle information, photos, social media credentials, contacts, or referrals.
Patient Medical History and Information: relevant health information including medical diagnosis, health needs, current and previous use of certain medications, health insurance information, family history, and any other similar information you may provide us.
Transactional: payment information, billing address, and registration information. 
Customer Content: photos, videos, reviews, and other information you may submit, such as comments on the Website, other online forums, and social media platforms.

Research and Feedback: reviews and comments that you send through the Website and social media Websites; by e-mail, over the phone or by mail. 
Device Information and Identifiers: IP addresses, cookie IDs, browser types and language, operating systems, Website type, and device type.
Connection and Usage: domain names, browsing activity, scrolling and keystroke activity, advertisements viewed, forms or fields you complete or partially complete, search terms, whether you open an e-mail, content you view and duration, quality of the service, and interaction with the content, logs, and other similar information. If these events occur while you are offline, they may be logged and uploaded when you next connect.
Geolocation: city, state, and ZIP code associated with your IP address or derived through Wi-Fi triangulation. Company will ask for your permission before using your precise location from GPS-based functionality on your mobile devices.
Social Media Information: if you interact through a Third Party Platform or social media website using your social media credentials, depending on your social media settings, Company may have access to your information from that social network such as your name, e-mail address, friend list, age, gender, location, birthday, social networking ID, current city, your photos, your comments, and the people and other accounts you follow.
Additional Information: any additional information you provide either directly through the Website or through your participation, social media interaction, or any other communication.

When is Personal Information Collected? 

Generally, you are not under any statutory or contractual obligation to provide Company any Personal Information; however, certain Personal Information may be automatically collected in order for you to use the Website and/or Services. 

Company collects information from you when you browse or otherwise use the Website; contact or engage Company for its Services; book an appointment, fill out an online form; or otherwise enter any information on the Website or our social media platforms which may include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Google, or other third party applications (together the “Third Party Platforms”). 

How do you get my Consent?

When you provide any Personal Information on the Website, book an appointment, verify, or change your transactional details, complete a contact form, comment on a forum, or anything of the like, you are automatically consenting to collecting, storing, and using that information for your benefit and to improve Company’ offerings and your experience. 

If Company asks for your Personal Information for any other reason, it will either: (a) ask directly for your express consent; or (b) provide you with an opportunity to say no or otherwise decline by contacting Company directly. 

How do I withdraw my consent?

If you change your mind, you may withdraw your consent for the continued collection, use, or disclosure of your Personal Information at any time by contacting Company directly. Company reserves the right to retain any information previously collected for the purposes of resolving any disputes, as well as for obtaining and/or analyzing its aggregated data analytics. 

How is your Personal Information used?

Company may use such Personal Information in any of the following ways:

To personalize your experience on the Website. 
To provide and implement the Services.
To maintain and improve the Website to better serve you and provide a more seamless experience across all devices.
To allow better response to your service requests or other health related queries.
To quickly process your contact forms and consultation call requests. 
To send periodic e-mails regarding Services events, blog posts, therapy and counseling sessions, and other mental-health related information as they become available.
To investigate and help prevent security issues, abuse, or violations of law or the Terms.
To display content you generate, such as videos, audio, and comments on the Website or on Third Party Platforms.
To comply with all laws, regulations, and ethical business conduct. 

How is your Personal Information Protected? 

Company takes the security of your Personal Information very seriously and implements a variety of security measures when you use the Website, engage Company for the Services, or otherwise provide your Personal Information. Your Personal Information is accessible only to a limited number of persons who have the authority to access it, including but not limited to, contractors or agents that Company may employ to perform tasks, fix bugs, and/or monitor the Website on its behalf.

Does Company Collect Information from Minors?

Company does not want to, and does not knowingly, collect any data from individuals under the age of eighteen (18). If Company learns that it has collected any such data without the supervision of a parent or legal guardian, Company will take all reasonable measures to delete such information and will not use it for any purposes. If you become aware of any Personal Information that Company has collected from a child under the age of eighteen (18) without the supervision of a parent or legal guardian, please contact Company immediately. 

How Do I Opt-Out, Remove, or Modify any Personal Information I have Provided?

You can request to have your Personal Information removed by contacting Company directly. Please note that Company may retain information about individual appointments and payment information in order to complete such transactions and for record keeping purposes.

Acceptance of Terms

Through the use of the Website, you are hereby accepting this Privacy Policy and each of the terms and conditions stipulated herein. If you are not in agreement with this Privacy Policy, you should refrain from any further use of the Website and Services. Your continued use of the Website and Services, following the posting of any updates or changes to this Privacy Policy, shall indicate that you agree with and accept such changes. 

Limitation of Liability 

You acknowledge and agree that to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, under no circumstances will you hold Company liable for consequential, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive, or enhanced damages, that are caused or alleged to be caused in connection with your use of the Website, or any Services. For clarity, under no circumstances will you hold Company liable for any damages caused by or related to the Website and Services. 

Does the Website use 'Cookies'? 

Yes. Company and its service providers, advertisers, and other third parties use cookies and similar technologies (e.g., HTTP cookies, HTML 5, flash local storage cookies, web beacons, GIFs, embedded scripts, ETags/cache browsers, and software development kits) to recognize you on, off, and across your devices. Cookies are small files that Company, or its service providers transfer to your computer's hard drive through your web browser (if you allow) and/or your device that enables Company or its service provider's systems to recognize your browser or device to capture and remember certain information. They are also used to help Company understand your preferences based on previous or current Website activity, which enables Company to provide you with improved services. The Website also uses cookies to help Company compile aggregate data about Website traffic and interaction so that Company can offer better experiences and services in the future.

Company and its third party partners and vendors may use tracking technologies, such as cookies, pixels, and web beacons and collect and store information about you when you use or interact with the Website, marketing communications, advertising content and/or third party websites, in order to provide you with targeted advertising based on your browsing activities and interests. These third parties automatically receive your IP address or mobile device identifier when you access the Website or third party websites. They may also use Tracking Technologies to measure the effectiveness of advertisements, to personalize the advertising content, and to serve you advertisements that are relevant to your regional location. Company may also use information collected using third party cookies and beacons in its e-mails to deliver advertising when you visit third party websites.

You can opt-out of targeted advertising by visiting the following pages: 

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads 
GOOGLE - https://www.google.com/settings/ads/anonymous 

Cookies are used to:

Understand and save your preferences for future visits; and
Compile aggregate data about traffic and interactions in order to offer better experiences in the future. Company may also use trusted third party service providers that track this information on its behalf.

You can choose to have your computer or device warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You can do this through your browser or device settings. 

If you disable cookies, some features on the Website may be disabled. Disabling cookies may also affect your experience by decreasing the Website’s efficiency or causing it to not function properly.

Third Party and Other Disclosures of your Personal Information

Company may share your non-private or Personal Information with other companies, advertisers, partners, social networks, service providers, research and management companies, search engines, law enforcement, hosting partners, and other parties who assist in operating the Website, conducting its business, or otherwise servicing you. Similarly, if Company is involved in a merger, collaboration, or acquisition, your Personal Information may be transferred. However, Company will provide you with notice before your Personal Information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

Company may also release your Personal Information under certain circumstances where Company believes release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce its policies, and/or protect Company or others' rights, property, or safety. Company may also be required to disclose your Personal Information if required by law or in response to a valid request by a public authority (e.g., a court or governmental agency).

How is your Personal Information Shared and Disclosed? 

Company may share and disclose your Personal Information for the following reasons: 

Customer Instructions: You can determine your own policy for the sharing and disclosure of your Personal Information and Company does not control how you choose to share or disclose your Personal Information. Company will share and disclose your Personal Information in accordance with your instructions and in compliance with applicable law.  

Compliance with applicable law: If Company receives a request for information, Company may disclose Personal Information if it reasonably believes disclosure is in accordance with or required by any applicable law, regulation, or legal process. 

To enforce our rights, prevent Fraud, and for safety: To protect and defend the rights, property, or safety of Company or third parties, including enforcing contracts or policies, or in connection with investigating and preventing fraud or security issues. 

Third Party and other disclosures of your Personal Information: Company may share your non-Personal Information with related Third Party Websites, companies, advertisers, social networks, service providers, research companies, search engines, law enforcement, hosting partners, and other parties who assist Company in operating the Website, conducting business, or otherwise servicing you. 

Company may also release your Personal Information under certain circumstances when Company believes it is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce its policies, and/or protect Company or others' rights, property, or safety. Company may also be required to disclose your Personal Information if required by law or in response to a valid request by a public authority (e.g., a court or governmental agency).

With Consent: Company may share Personal Information with third parties when it has consent to do so. 

Retention of your Personal Information

Company will retain your Personal Information only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. Company will retain and use your Personal Information to the extent necessary to comply with its legal obligations (for example, if it is required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, complete audits, and/or enforce its legal agreements and policies. 

Wireless and Location-Based Features; Social Media Plug-ins
Data Sharing. By using the Website, you affirmatively consent that Company may use and share your video and image viewing data with third parties until consent is withdrawn. It may track your use for research, analytics, or ad serving purposes. It may share the above information with companies that display ads to you, collect and analyze information, or to social networks.  
Wireless Features. Our Website may offer certain features that are available to you via your wireless device. These features may include the ability to access our Website, upload content, and receive messages on your wireless device (collectively, “Wireless Features”). Your carrier may prohibit or restrict certain Wireless Features and certain Wireless Features may be incompatible with your carrier or wireless device. In addition, your carrier may charge you for standard messaging, data, and other fees to participate in Wireless Features. We have no responsibility or liability for any fees or charges you incur when using Wireless Features.
Terms of Wireless Features. If you register for any Wireless Features then you agree that, in connection with those Wireless Features, we may send communications to your wireless device regarding us or other parties. Further, we may collect information related to your use of the Wireless Features in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you have registered via our Website for Wireless Features, then you agree to notify us of any changes to your wireless contact information (including phone number). 
Location-Based Features. When you use one of our location-enabled features, we may collect and process information about your actual location. If you have enabled GPS, geo-location, or other location-based features on a device, you acknowledge that your device location may be tracked and may be shared with others consistent with this Privacy Policy. 
In addition, where the Website collects precise information about the location of your device, it may be used to provide requested location services, and it may be used, amongst other uses, to allow tagging or to check-in.
Your browser features should allow for you to disable the location-based features or manage preferences related to them. The location-based services offered in connection with our Website are for individual use only and should not be used or relied on as an emergency locator system, used while driving or operating vehicles, or used in connection with any hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, or any other situation in which the failure or inaccuracy of use of the location-based services could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or property damage. The location-based services are not suited or intended for family finding purposes, fleet tracking, or any other type of business or enterprise use.
Social Media Plug-Ins. Social media plug-ins of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google (among others) may be integrated on our Website. If you choose to click on one of these links on our Website, your browser will connect directly to the servers of the relevant social network. The social network directly transmits the content of the plugin to your browser. If you are registered on the relevant social network, the social network receives the information that the web page was used by you. If you are not registered with the social network, there is the possibility that at least your IP address will be submitted to and stored by the social network. If you interact with us through a social media Website, plug-in, etc., then you may be enabling us to have ongoing access to certain information from your social network profile (such as your name, social networking id page, e-mail address, photo, gender, location, the people/websites you follow, etc.).
If you don’t want a social network to collect the information described above, or to share it with us and other third parties, please review the privacy policy of the relevant social network and/or log out of the relevant social network before you use our Website. As with other websites, you may be able to delete any existing cookies placed on your computer by the social network via your browser.
Compliance with HIPPA and Related Health Regulations 

HIPPA Privacy Rule- 45 CFR §164.500-534 
Company is committed to complying with HIPPA regulations and will take the necessary steps to properly protect PHI. provided to us. As mentioned above, Company collects relevant health information including medical diagnosis, health needs, current and previous use of certain medications, health insurance information, family history, and any other similar information you may provide us. 

Under HIPPA Privacy Rule-45 CFR § 164.502(e)(1)(i), “a covered entity may disclose protected health information to a business associate and may allow a business associate to create, receive, maintain or transmit protected health information on its behalf, if the covered entity obtains satisfactory assurances that the business associate will appropriately safeguard the information.” A satisfactory assurance must be documented through a written contract, written agreement, or other arrangement with the business associate, often referred to as a business associate agreement. 

Company will enter into a Business Associate Contractor Agreement with anyone with which we transmit PHI. A “business associate” is a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities that involve the use or disclosure of protected health information (“PHI”) on behalf of, or provides services to, a covered entity. A member of the covered entity’s workforce is not a business associate. The types of functions or activities that may make a person or entity a business associate include health care operations and business management or general administration activities. 

Third Party Links

Occasionally, at its discretion, Company may include or offer third party advertisements or services on the Website. These third parties have separate and independent privacy policies. Therefore, Company has no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these third parties. Nonetheless, Company seeks to protect the integrity of the Website and welcomes any feedback about these other third party links.

Behavioral Advertising 

As described above, Company may use your Personal Information to provide you with targeted advertisements or marketing communications Company believes may be of interest to you.  For more information about how targeted advertising works, you can visit the Network Advertising Initiative’s page at: http://www.networkadvertising.org/understanding-online-advertising/how-does-it-work. 

Communications To You; SMS, E-mails, and Calls

You consent to receiving communications, including but not limited to, e-mails, text messages, and/or calls regarding the Website and/or Services, updates to the Website, marketing, advertisements, and any other relevant information. You agree to provide true, accurate, and current personal information. Your engagement with the Website may be shared with others in accordance with our Privacy Policy and these Terms.

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS

Company is located in the United States; however, Company may transfer your information to service providers and other third parties located outside of your country of residence, including in the United States. This may be necessary to provide its Services and for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Data privacy laws vary from country to country and may not be equivalent to, or as protective as, the laws in your home country. Company takes steps to ensure that reasonable safeguards are in place with the aim to ensure an appropriate level of protection for your Personal Information, in accordance with applicable law. These measures include data transfer agreements. By providing Company with your Personal Information, you acknowledge and agree to any such transfer, storage, or use.

Some Services and Website functions can only be provided if Company has your Personal Information, therefore deletion of your Personal Information may result in termination of such Services or functions. Company will take reasonable steps to verify your identity, including authenticating you through your e-mail address. Company may require further documentation before granting access to your information.

STATE SPECIFIC DATA POLICIES

Special Notice for California Residents 

Company shall not market or advertise to minors specified products or services that minors are legally prohibited from buying. Company shall not market or advertise any products based on the Personal Information provided that is specific to any minor, nor shall it knowingly use, disclose, compile, or allow a third party to do so. Under California's Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World Act, any minor may request and obtain removal of Personal Information posted on the Website. 

Your California Privacy Rights. California residents are entitled once a year, free of charge, to request and obtain information regarding Company’s disclosure, if any, of certain categories of Personal Information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes in the preceding calendar year. To obtain this information, please contact Company directly. 

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) 

The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) provides California residents with rights to receive certain disclosures regarding the collection, use, and sharing of Personal Information, as well as the right to access, delete, and limit sharing of Personal Information. The CCPA defines “Personal Information” to mean “information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular consumer or household.”

“Do Not Sell My Personal Information” (California Residents only)

California residents may opt-out of the “sale” of their Personal Information. California law broadly defines “sale” in a way that may include allowing third parties to receive certain information such as cookies, IP address and/or browsing behavior to add to a profile about your mobile device, browser, or you. 

Depending on how you use the Website, Company may share the following categories of information for such advertising which may be considered a sale (as defined by California law):

Identification and demographics; device information and identifiers, such as IP address, and unique advertising identifiers and cookies; connection and usage information, such as browsing history; geolocation information, such as city; and inference data.

If you would like to opt-out of the use of your Personal Information for such purposes (to the extent this is considered a sale), you may do so as by contacting Company directly. 

Third Parties’ List – Shine the Light (California Residents only)

California residents can also request a list of all the third parties to which Company has disclosed certain Personal Information (as defined by California’s Shine the Light law) during the preceding year for those third parties’ direct marketing purposes. You will need to attest to the fact that you are a California resident. Company will not accept requests by telephone, e-mail, or facsimile, and Company is not responsible for notices that are not labeled or sent properly, or that do not have complete information.

Special Notice for Nevada Residents

Nevada law requires Company to post the following: certain Nevada consumers may opt-out of the sale of Covered Information for monetary consideration to a person for that person to license or sell such information. “Covered Information” includes first and last name, address, e-mail address, phone number, Social Security Number, or an identifier that allows a specific person to be contacted either physically or online. 

Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (Effective January 1, 2023) 

Under the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (“VCDPA”), certain businesses must give consumers the ability to access, control, and delete personal data that the business collects about them, or that consumers have otherwise provided. Consumers have the right to obtain a copy of data the consumer has previously provided, in a usable format “to the extent technically feasible.” 

Virginia consumers can opt out of targeted advertising, the sale of their personal data, or profiling those results in the business providing or denying “financial and lending services, housing, insurance, education enrollment, criminal justice, employment opportunities, health care services, or access to basic necessities, such as food and water.” 

Utah Consumer Privacy Act (Effective December 31, 2023) 

The Utah Consumer Privacy Act (“UCPA”) provides Utah residents with the right to (a) confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and to access that personal data; (b) delete the consumer’s personal data that the consumer provided to the controller; and (c) obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller. 

The UCPA defines “Personal Data” as information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable individual. Data that cannot be linked to a consumer and publicly available information and the processing of personal data for purely personal or household purposes are excluded from the UCPA. Data controllers must provide consumers with reasonable, accessible, and clear privacy notice. Controllers must establish and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical data security practices to protect the confidentiality and integrity of personal data and reduce reasonably foreseeable risks of harm to consumers relating to the processing of personal data. 

Connecticut Data Privacy Act (Effective July 1, 2023)

The Connecticut Data Privacy Act (“CTDPA”) defines “Consumer” as a Connecticut resident and excludes persons acting in a commercial or employment context. The “Sale of Personal Data” refers to the exchange of personal data for monetary or other consideration by the controller to a third party. 

Personal data excludes any deidentified data or publicly available information, where publicly available information means information that is lawfully made available through government records or widely distributed media and a controller has a reasonable basis to believe a consumer has lawfully made available to the general public. 

Under the CTDPA, Connecticut consumers are provided with (a) the right to access; (b) right to correct; (c) right to delete; (d) right to data portability; and (e) right to opt out of the sharing of any Personal Data.

Colorado Privacy Act (Effective July 1, 2023)

Under the Colorado Privacy Act (“CPA”), “Consumers” are defined as residents acting in their individual or household contexts and excludes individuals acting in a commercial or employment capacity, job applicants, and beneficiaries of someone acting in an employment context from its definition of “consumer.” “Personal Data” is defined to mean information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable individual. The CPA does not extend to deidentified data or publicly available information. data for targeted advertising or for the sale of personal data and provides a “user-selected universal opt-out mechanism.” 

Changes to this Privacy Policy

Company is constantly aiming to improve its Website and Services, so it may update or change this Privacy Policy from time to time. Company reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please review it frequently. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting to the Website. If Company makes any material changes to this Privacy Policy, Company will notify you here. 

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or if you want to verify, modify, receive, suspend, or delete your Personal Information, you can reach Company directly using the contact information provided below: 

Dixon Psychological Services 

drdixon@dps-act.com