A Quick Overview
Your privacy matters to us.
This page explains how your health information may be used, how it’s protected, and your rights when it comes to your personal information.
We know this type of information can feel overwhelming, so here’s a simple overview:
Your information is kept private and protected
You have the right to access and request changes to your records
You can ask how your information is shared and used
You can request limits on how your information is disclosed
If you have any questions, our team is always here to help.
What This Notice Covers
This Notice of Privacy Practices explains:
How your health information may be used and shared
Your rights regarding your information
Our responsibilities to protect your privacy
Full Notice of Privacy Practices
Unity Counseling, LLC (the “Practice”) is committed to protecting your privacy. The Practice is required by federal law to maintain the privacy of Protected Health Information (“PHI”), which is information that identifies or could be used to identify you. The Practice is required to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices (this “Notice”), which explains the Practice's legal duties and privacy practices and your rights regarding PHI that we collect and maintain.
Your Rights
Your rights regarding PHI are explained below. To exercise these rights, please submit a written request to the Practice at the address noted below.
To inspect and copy PHI
You can ask for an electronic or paper copy of PHI. The Practice may charge you a reasonable fee.
The Practice may deny your request if it believes the disclosure will endanger your life or another person's life. You may have a right to have this decision reviewed.
To amend PHI
You can ask to correct PHI you believe is incorrect or incomplete. The Practice may require you to make your request in writing and provide a reason for the request.
The Practice may deny your request. The Practice will send a written explanation for the denial and allow you to submit a written statement of disagreement.
To request confidential communications
You can ask the Practice to contact you in a specific way. The Practice will say “yes” to all reasonable requests.
To limit what is used or shared
You can ask the Practice not to use or share PHI for treatment, payment, or business operations. The Practice is not required to agree if it would affect your care.
If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, you can ask the Practice not to share PHI with your health insurer.
You can ask for the Practice not to share your PHI with family members or friends by stating the specific restriction requested and to whom you want the restriction to apply.
To obtain a list of disclosures
You can ask for a list, called an accounting, of the times your health information has been shared. You can receive one accounting every 12 months at no charge, but you may be charged a reasonable fee if you ask for one more frequently.
To receive a copy of this Notice
You can ask for a paper copy of this Notice, even if you agreed to receive the Notice electronically.
To choose someone to act for you
If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights.
To file a complaint
You can file a complaint by contacting the Practice.
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/.
The Practice will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
To opt out of fundraising communications
The Practice may contact you for fundraising efforts, but you can ask not to be contacted again.
Contact Information
To file a complaint or exercise your rights, contact the Practice:
Unity Counseling, LLC5020 E Beltline Ave NE, Suite 202, Grand Rapids, MI 49525Randi DeSonier, Practice Manager616-439-1866
Uses and Disclosures of PHI
1. Routine Uses and Disclosures
The Practice is permitted under federal law to use and disclose PHI, without your written authorization, for certain routine uses and disclosures, such as those made for treatment, payment, and the operation of our business.
To treat you
The Practice can use and share PHI with other professionals who are treating you.
Example: Your primary care doctor asks about your mental health treatment.
To run healthcare operations
The Practice can use and share PHI to run the business, improve your care, and contact you.
Example: The Practice uses PHI to send you appointment reminders if you choose.
To bill for your services
The Practice can use and share PHI to bill and get payment from health plans or other entities.
Example: The Practice gives PHI to your health insurance plan so it will pay for your services.
2. Uses Without Authorization
The Practice may use or disclose PHI without your authorization in the following situations:
Public health and safety
To prevent the spread of disease
Assist in product recalls
Report adverse reactions
Government and oversight
To the Secretary of Health and Human Services
For audits, investigations, and inspections
Safety and protection
To prevent serious threats
To report abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
Legal and law enforcement
Required by law
Court orders or subpoenas
Law enforcement requests
Specialized government functions
Military or national security
Protective services
Other uses
Workers’ compensation
Coroners and funeral directors
Organ donation
Research
Inmates
Business associates
3. Uses With Opportunity to Object
Unless you object, PHI may be shared:
With family or others involved in your care
If it is in your best interest
4. Uses Requiring Written Authorization
The Practice must obtain your written authorization for:
Marketing
Sale of PHI
Psychotherapy notes
5. Substance Use Disorder Records (42 CFR Part 2)
(A) If applicable, your substance use disorder records are protected under federal law and require separate consent.
Exceptions include:
Medical emergencies
Reporting crimes
Child abuse reporting
Fundraising (with opt-out option)
You may revoke consent at any time.
(B) Prohibitions on Use
SUD records cannot be used in legal proceedings without written consent or court order.
Our Responsibilities
The Practice is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of PHI.
The Practice must follow the terms of this Notice.
The Practice may update this Notice, and changes apply to all records.
You may request a revised copy at any time.
The Practice will notify you if a breach occurs.
Effective Date
This Notice is effective on February 5, 2026.