At Sound Mind Counseling, the safety and confidentiality of our clients is our highest priority.

In light of recent alarming statements and concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) regarding potential threats to protected health information (PHI), we are taking additional proactive measures to safeguard the records of our neurodivergent clients.

Sound Mind is committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of every client. Here are the steps we are taking to ensure your information remains secure:

• Clients with Medicaid: Due to the heightened risks posed to those with Medicaid, we are implementing specific precautions to further protect your information. If you have Medicaid and are concerned, please reach out to discuss your options for additional security.

• Self-Pay Assessments and Sessions: If you are a self-pay client, we do not need to include a diagnosis in your electronic health record. Additionally, if a diagnosis is recorded, it is not shared with insurance companies, government agencies, or any third parties — except in the case of a subpoena or similar legal requirement. If desired, clients can sign a HIPAA restriction form to further limit access to their records. 

• Paper-Based Assessments: Certain assessments are documented on paper rather than through the electronic health records system to reduce the risk associated with digital storage of sensitive information.

• Information in Documentation: I continue to ensure that my clinical notes remain minimal and general, sharing only what is essential for your care. This approach will continue as part of our commitment to your privacy.

• Advocacy & Education: Sound Mind is following the news closely and joining advocacy efforts to promote the right to safety and privacy for every client.

• HIPAA Minimum Use Forms are available at request. (What “Minimum Necessary” Means: We will make reasonable efforts to: Limit the use and disclosure of your PHI to only what is essential for treatment, billing, and clinic operations; Avoid including diagnostic labels or sensitive identity information (such as neurotype, gender identity, or disability status) in documentation unless absolutely necessary; Use non-specific clinical language in records when appropriate and consistent with ethical care; Refrain from disclosing PHI for any government or third-party database without a legally binding order.) Reach out to have this added to your chart.