Website Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 14, 2025

Anderson Counseling Services is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who visit our website https://www.andersoncounselingservices.com. This Website Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information obtained through our website in compliance with the privacy and ethical standards established by:

  • The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

  • The Virginia Board of Counseling

  • Applicable Virginia and federal privacy laws

1. Scope

This policy applies to all visitors of our website. It does not govern how we handle client health or treatment information, which is addressed in our Notice of Privacy Practices in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and DBHDS privacy regulations.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you visit our website:

a. Non-Personal Information (Automatically Collected)

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Operating system

  • Referring website

  • Pages visited and time spent

  • Date and time of access

This information is used to monitor website performance, security, and usability, and does not personally identify you.

b. Personal Information (Voluntarily Provided)

When you voluntarily submit information through contact forms, appointment requests, feedback forms, we may collect:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • General nature of your inquiry or message

We do not request or collect confidential mental health, medical, or treatment-related information through unsecured forms. Please use secure communication channels (such as our client portal) for any health-related or sensitive communications.

3. Use of Information

We use the information collected to:

  • Respond to inquiries or requests

  • Improve website functionality and content

  • Communicate general updates (with your consent)

  • Comply with applicable laws and professional standards

We do not sell, rent, or share personal information for commercial marketing purposes.

4. Confidentiality and Security

We follow reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information collected through our website, in accordance with:

  • DBHDS security standards

  • HIPAA security requirements

  • State privacy and ethical guidelines

However, please be aware that electronic communication and online data transmission are not entirely secure. For your protection, do not include sensitive personal or health information in emails or unsecured web forms.

5. Use of Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand usage patterns and improve user experience. These tools may collect:

  • Device and browser information

  • Usage and navigation data

You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings.

6. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as partner organizations, government agencies, or community resources. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these external websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

7. Children's Privacy

This website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without verifiable parental or legal guardian consent, in accordance with applicable laws.

8. Your Rights

If you are a client of Anderson Counseling Services, your privacy rights regarding your mental health records and personal health information are detailed in our Notice of Privacy Practices. This includes rights to:

  • Access and request copies of your records

  • Request corrections

  • File a privacy complaint

To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer listed below.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or organizational practices. The updated policy will be posted with a revised effective date.

10. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Website Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Anderson Counseling Services
434 Graves Mill Rd. Bldg 100
Lynchburg, VA, 24502
Phone: 434-239-2004
Email: info@andersonva.com

Notice to Virginia Residents

As a licensed provider of behavioral health services in Virginia, we adhere to:

  • DBHDS privacy and security requirements

  • Ethical standards set by the Virginia Board of Counseling

  • Virginia Code Title 37.2 and applicable mental health privacy protections