Privacy Policy

Stafford Counseling and Consulting

Effective Date: May 23, 2026

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This Privacy Policy is intended to provide general information about how Stafford Counseling and Consulting collects, uses, and protects your information. This document does not replace or supersede your Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) provided at intake, which governs the use and disclosure of your Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA. Please consult a licensed attorney to ensure this policy meets all applicable legal requirements for your practice.

1. About This Policy

Stafford Counseling and Consulting (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a licensed clinical social work practice located in the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas, operated by Ashley Stafford, LCSW-S, EMDR-C. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect information you share with us through our website, social media pages, and other digital channels.

This policy applies to our Facebook business page, website at staffordhealing.com, and any other online platforms we maintain. It does not apply to information shared within the context of a therapeutic relationship, which is governed separately by our Notice of Privacy Practices provided to clients at intake.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you interact with our online platforms:

Information You Provide Voluntarily

Your name, email address, and phone number when you contact us through a contact form, email, or direct message
Messages or inquiries you send through Facebook Messenger or other social media platforms
Information you share when scheduling a consultation or requesting services

Information Collected Automatically

Basic usage data collected by Meta (Facebook/Instagram) when you visit or interact with our business page, subject to Meta’s own Privacy Policy
Website analytics data such as page visits, time on site, and referral sources, collected through tools such as Google Analytics
Cookies and similar tracking technologies used by our website platform

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To respond to your inquiries and schedule consultations
To provide information about our services, training events, and continuing education offerings
To communicate with you about appointments, billing, or administrative matters
To improve our website, social media content, and service offerings
To comply with applicable legal and professional obligations

We will never use your information for purposes unrelated to our practice without your explicit consent.

4. HIPAA and Protected Health Information

Stafford Counseling and Consulting is a HIPAA-covered entity. As such, your Protected Health Information (PHI) — including any information related to your health, mental health treatment, or payment for healthcare services — is governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and our Notice of Privacy Practices.

We strongly advise that you do not share sensitive personal health information through Facebook Messenger, email, or any other unsecured digital channel. These channels are not HIPAA-compliant. If you need to communicate sensitive information, please contact our office directly by phone.

Our Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request and is provided to all clients at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

With your written authorization and consent
As required by law, including mandatory reporting obligations under Texas law
With third-party service providers who assist in operating our website or practice management systems, under confidentiality agreements
In response to lawful requests by public authorities, including to meet national security or law enforcement requirements

Please be aware that Meta (Facebook/Instagram) collects and processes data from interactions with our business page in accordance with their own privacy policy, which is independent of this policy. We encourage you to review Meta’s Privacy Policy at facebook.com/privacy/policy.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information transmitted through social media platforms or unsecured email.

If you believe your information has been compromised, please contact us immediately.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

The right to access the personal information we hold about you
The right to request correction of inaccurate information
The right to request deletion of your information, subject to our legal and professional obligations
The right to opt out of any marketing communications
The right to file a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 10 below.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our online platforms are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately so we can take appropriate action.

If you are a parent or guardian seeking services for a minor, please contact us directly by phone to discuss how we handle information in those circumstances.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Your continued use of our website or social media pages after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Ashley Stafford, LCSW-S, EMDR-C

Stafford Counseling and Consulting

Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas

Phone: 214-764-0798

Email: ashleystafford@staffordhealing.com

Website: staffordhealing.com

Good Faith Estimate & Notice to Consumers

You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

Notice to Consumers

In accordance with Texas law (House Bill 4224 and Section 181.105 of the Texas Health and Safety Code), the following information is provided to help consumers understand their rights and available resources.

Requesting Your Health Care Records

You have the right to request a copy of your mental health records.
To request your records, please submit a written request to your treating clinician or to the practice directly. Requests may be made via email, secure client portal, or in writing. Records will be provided in accordance with Texas law and applicable privacy regulations.
If you have questions about accessing your records, please contact our office for assistance.

Contacting the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council regulates licensed mental health professionals in Texas.
If you have questions about licensure or professional standards, you may contact BHEC directly:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council – https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/

Filing a Consumer Complaint

If you wish to file a consumer complaint regarding mental health services, you may do so with the Texas Office of the Attorney General:
Office of the Attorney General – https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection