Privacy Policy – AO-Counseling PLLC

Effective Date: 7/1/2025

AO-Counseling PLLC is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information in the context of our counseling services, offered both virtually and in person across Texas, including Houston and the Houston Heights area.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personally identifiable information when you:

  • Complete contact forms or intake documents
  • Schedule sessions or communicate through our client portal
  • Engage in telehealth services

Collected data may include your name, contact details, health information, and session-related history.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information solely to provide effective, ethical care, including:

  • Delivering therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and bipolar disorder
  • Supporting relationship growth through couples counseling
  • Serving diverse populations and communities, including LGBTQ+ clients
  • Utilizing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and harm reduction strategies for substance use

We do not sell or share your information for marketing purposes.

3. Confidentiality & Legal Compliance

AO-Counseling PLLC adheres to HIPAA and Texas state regulations regarding client confidentiality. Information may be disclosed only:

  • With your written consent
  • When legally required (e.g., court orders, threats of harm)

All records are securely stored and accessed only for clinical or administrative purposes.

4. Third-Party Services

We may use services like Google Analytics to understand general website usage trends (e.g., how Houston-area users find our practice). These tools do not collect personal or session data.

5. Your Rights

You may request to access, update, or delete your personal data by contacting us at info@ao-counseling.com.

6. Updates

We may revise this policy as needed. The most current version will be posted on this page.