Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Plain‑English Summary

Your privacy matters to us. This website collects only limited information so we can respond to inquiries and improve the site. It is not a secure way to share personal or mental health information, and using this website does not make you a therapy client. Confidentiality and HIPAA protections apply only after a formal therapeutic relationship has been established.

This Privacy Policy describes how the Practice of Susan Goryeb Simms, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PC (Positive Therapy 4U) (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, safeguards, and discloses information obtained through this website (PositiveTherapy4u.com). Our psychotherapy practice is located in New York State. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling information in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the New York SHIELD Act, and applicable state confidentiality laws.

1. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through this website. It does not apply to information collected during psychotherapy, counseling, assessment, or other clinical services.

Information shared in therapy is governed by separate informed consent documents and our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, in accordance with New York State mental health confidentiality laws.

2. Information We Collect

a. Information You Voluntarily Provide

When you use this website, you may voluntarily provide limited personal information, including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • General information submitted through contact or appointment request forms

You are not required to provide personal information to browse this website.

b. Automatically Collected Information

Like most websites, we may automatically collect limited technical information, such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Operating system
  • Device type
  • Pages viewed and time spent on the site
  • Referring website or search engine

This information is used solely for website administration, analytics, and performance improvement.

3. How We Use Website Information

Information collected through this website may be used to:

  • Respond to inquiries or appointment requests
  • Communicate about services, availability, or administrative matters
  • Improve website usability and content
  • Protect the security and integrity of the website

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information, and we do not use website data for advertising based on sensitive health information.

4. No Therapist–Client Relationship Created

Contacting us through this website, submitting a form, or sending an email does not establish a therapist–client relationship. A professional relationship is formed only after completion of intake procedures and execution of informed consent documents.

5. HIPAA, Confidentiality, and Website Communications

Website communications are not a substitute for secure, HIPAA‑compliant clinical communication. Please do not submit sensitive personal, medical, or mental health information through website forms or standard email.

Protected Health Information (PHI) disclosed during treatment is handled in accordance with HIPAA and New York State law and is detailed in our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

6. Cookies and Analytics

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to:

  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
  • Improve site functionality and performance

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website features.

7. Third‑Party Services

We may use trusted third‑party service providers for website hosting, analytics, scheduling, or forms. These providers receive only the information necessary to perform their services and are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites linked from this site.

8. Data Security and the NY SHIELD Act

In compliance with the New York SHIELD Act, we maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information collected through this website.

Despite these safeguards, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Data Retention

Personal information submitted through the website is retained only as long as necessary to respond to inquiries, provide requested information, or as required by law. Information that is no longer needed is periodically deleted.

10. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through this website.

11. Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Request access to personal information we maintain
  • Request correction or deletion of your information
  • Withdraw consent for non‑essential communications

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

The Practice of Susan Goryeb Simms, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PC
Susan Goryeb Simms, LCSW‑R
Port Jefferson, NY
516‑946‑3495
susan@PositiveTherapy4U.com

This Privacy Policy is designed to align with HIPAA requirements, the New York SHIELD Act, and commonly recommended risk‑management guidance from professional liability insurers such as American Professional Agency, Inc. It is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.