WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY
If you have concerns about any medical condition or potential medical condition, diagnosis or treatment approach, please contact your health care provider.
This Privacy Policy describes how 2nd Story Counseling Chicago, PLLC (“2nd Story Counseling,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects information when you visit our website at www.mychicagotherapist.com (the “Website”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information responsibly.
By using this Website, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Website.
1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:
• Contact information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Information submitted through contact forms, appointment requests, or newsletter subscriptions
• Blog comments and feedback
• Information included in emails or other communications you send to us
• Information provided when you create an account on our Website
• Any other information you choose to provide
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including:
• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of your visit
• Device identifiers
• General geographic location (city, state, country)
1.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our Website.
Types of cookies we may use include:
• Essential cookies: Necessary for the Website to function properly
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our Website
• Advertising cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign performance
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our Website.
2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We may use the information we collect for the following purposes:
2.1 Providing and Improving Our Services
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Scheduling appointments and managing client relationships
• Providing information about our counseling services
• Improving our Website functionality and user experience
• Developing new services and features
2.2 Communication
• Sending you requested information about our services
• Providing newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• Responding to your comments, questions, and feedback
• Sending administrative information, such as changes to our policies
2.3 Analytics and Research
• Analyzing Website usage patterns and trends
• Understanding visitor demographics and interests
• Conducting research to improve our services
• Measuring the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
2.4 Legal and Security Purposes
• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting the rights, property, or safety of 2nd Story Counseling, our clients, or others
• Preventing, detecting, and addressing fraud or security issues
• Enforcing our Terms and Conditions
3. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION
3.1 General Principle
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personally identifiable information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
3.2 Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Website, conducting our business, or providing services to you. These providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information and may use it only for the specific purposes we authorize.
Examples include:
• Website hosting and maintenance providers
• Email service providers
• Analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Payment processors
• IT and security providers
3.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:
• Valid legal processes (such as subpoenas, court orders, or search warrants)
• Legitimate requests from law enforcement or government agencies
• National security or law enforcement requirements
• Legal rights protection (to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims)
3.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.
3.5 With Your Consent
We may share your information with third parties when we have your explicit consent to do so.
4. THIRD-PARTY ADVERTISING AND ANALYTICS
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our Website. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit the Website, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our Website. We use this information to improve our Website and services.
Google Analytics collects only the IP address assigned to you on the date you visit our Website, not your name or other identifying information. For more information about how Google uses data, visit www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/.
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
4.2 Interest-Based Advertising
This Website and third-party advertising partners may collect and use information about your visits to this Website and other websites to provide advertisements about goods and services that may interest you. This practice is known as interest-based or behavioral advertising.
Third-party advertisers may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about your browsing activities across different websites over time. We do not control these third-party tracking technologies.
To learn more about interest-based advertising and your choices, visit:
• Digital Advertising Alliance: www.aboutads.info/choices
• Network Advertising Initiative: www.networkadvertising.org/choices
4.3 Social Media Features
Our Website may include social media features, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram buttons. These features may collect information about your IP address and the pages you visit on our Website, and may set cookies to enable the feature to function properly. Social media features are either hosted by a third party or hosted directly on our Website. Your interactions with these features are governed by the privacy policies of the companies providing them.
5. AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
2nd Story Counseling is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
When you click on certain Amazon product links on our Website and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This affiliate relationship does not influence our therapeutic recommendations or the clinical content we provide. Any product recommendations are based on professional judgment, not financial considerations.
Amazon may use cookies to track referrals from our Website. For more information about Amazon’s privacy practices, please review Amazon’s Privacy Notice at www.amazon.com/privacy.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY IN THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS
6.1 Distinction Between Website Visitors and Therapy Clients
The privacy practices described in this Privacy Policy apply to Website visitors and general web-based communications. These practices are separate and distinct from the confidentiality protections provided to therapy clients.
6.2 HIPAA Compliance for Therapy Clients
For individuals who establish a formal therapist-client relationship with 2nd Story Counseling, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state privacy laws. Protected health information (PHI) of therapy clients is governed by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided separately at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.
6.3 Blog Content and Clinical Examples
Any clinical anecdotes, case studies, or examples used in blog posts or educational content on this Website have been sufficiently modified to protect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations. No actual client information is disclosed without proper written authorization. Composite examples are created from multiple sources to illustrate clinical concepts while maintaining confidentiality.
7. SECURITY OF YOUR INFORMATION
7.1 Security Measures
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure. These measures include:
• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Employee training on data protection and confidentiality
7.2 Limitations of Internet Security
However, please understand that no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7.3 Email and Web Forms Are Not Confidential
Email and web-based communications are not secure or confidential means of communication. If you communicate with us via email, contact forms, or other electronic means available through this Website, you acknowledge that such communications may not be secure and confidential.
We cannot guarantee the privacy or security of information transmitted through email or web forms, as these communications may be intercepted, accessed by unauthorized parties, or subject to technical failures. If you have sensitive information to share, we encourage you to discuss it during a scheduled therapy session in a secure, confidential environment.
8. YOUR PRIVACY CHOICES AND RIGHTS
8.1 Email Communications
If you have subscribed to our newsletter or marketing emails, you may opt out at any time by:
• Clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email
• Contacting us directly at the contact information provided below
• Updating your email preferences if you have an account on our Website
Even if you opt out of marketing emails, we may still send you non-promotional communications, such as appointment confirmations or responses to your inquiries.
8.2 Cookie Preferences
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
• View what cookies are stored on your device
• Delete cookies from your device
• Block cookies from being stored on your device
• Configure your browser to notify you when cookies are being set
Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may impact your ability to use certain features of our Website.
8.3 Do Not Track Signals
Some web browsers incorporate a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals due to lack of industry-wide standards for interpreting and implementing these signals.
8.4 Access and Correction
You have the right to access and update your personal information. If you would like to:
• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Object to or restrict certain processing of your information
Please contact us using the contact information provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.
9. DATA RETENTION
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.
Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected:
• Contact form submissions and general inquiries: Typically retained for 2-3 years
• Newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe
• Blog comments: Retained indefinitely unless you request deletion
• Therapy client records: Retained in accordance with Illinois state law and HIPAA requirements (typically 7 years after last contact for adults, longer for minors)
When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
10. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
Our Website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information as soon as possible.
If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at the contact information provided below.
While we do provide therapy services to adolescents and minors, the privacy protections for therapy clients are governed separately by HIPAA and state laws regarding minors’ health information, as outlined in our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
11. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other California privacy laws. These rights may include:
• The right to know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell
• The right to request deletion of your personal information
• The right to opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided below. We will verify your identity before processing your request.
12. INTERNATIONAL USERS
Our Website is operated from the United States and is intended primarily for users located in the United States. If you are accessing our Website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
By using our Website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and processing in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
13. LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms, professional organizations, mental health resources, and other sites we believe may be of interest to our visitors. These links are provided for your convenience and information.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any website you visit through links on our Website. This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected through our Website.
14. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this Privacy Policy. If we make material changes to how we collect, use, or share your personal information, we will notify you by:
• Posting a prominent notice on our Website
• Sending you an email notification (if we have your email address)
• Other appropriate means of communication
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of the Website after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of those changes.
15. DISCLAIMERS
15.1 Website Visitor Information
We do not actively collect personally identifiable information about casual visitors to our Website unless you voluntarily provide it (for example, through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or blog comments).
15.2 Return Email Addresses
We use return email addresses solely to respond to the emails we receive. Email addresses provided to us are not used for any other purpose and are not shared with outside parties unless required by law.
15.3 Third-Party Cookies
While we do not use cookies to track individual visitors across the Internet or to discover where you have been on the Internet, third-party advertising and analytics services may use cookies for these purposes. Please refer to Section 4 of this Privacy Policy for more information.
16. CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
2nd Story Counseling Chicago, PLLC
655 W. Irving Park Road, Suite 204
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-528-1777
Website: www.mychicagotherapist.com
We will make every effort to respond to your inquiry promptly and address your concerns.
17. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT
By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, you should not use our Website. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes to this Privacy Policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.