Privacy Policy
Last Updated: October 2025
1. Introduction
Tony Rankin, Counselor, MA, LSPE (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it is protected, and the rights you have under applicable privacy laws — including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
By visiting our website (XX), contacting us, or receiving services from Tony Rankin Counseling, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Who We Are
Tony Rankin, Counselor, MA, LSPE is a private mental health counseling practice operated by Tony Rankin, MA, LSPE, providing therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in Tennessee.
Office Address: 7009 Lenox Village Drive, Suite E104, Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: 615-714-0840
Email: tonyrankin14@gmail.com
We comply with all applicable state and federal privacy and security laws, including HIPAA, to safeguard your health information.
3. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
A. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
Information you voluntarily provide:
Full name, address, email, and phone number
Appointment requests or messages submitted via forms or email
Insurance or payment information (if applicable)
Emergency contact details
B. Protected Health Information (PHI)
Information collected and maintained in connection with counseling services:
Health history, mental health symptoms, treatment notes
Diagnostic and billing information
Insurance or benefits information
Information shared during sessions or submitted through secure portals
C. Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
Browser type, IP address, device identifiers
Date/time of visits and referring websites
Basic usage statistics for analytics and security
Cookies and similar technologies may be used to improve site functionality and analyze traffic. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
4. How We Use Information
We use personal and health information only as permitted by law, including:
Treatment: To provide, coordinate, and manage your counseling and related services.
Payment: To process billing, payments, and insurance claims (if applicable).
Healthcare Operations: To improve quality, ensure compliance, and manage practice operations.
Communication: To contact you regarding appointments, scheduling, or treatment updates.
Website Improvement: To monitor and improve our website performance and user experience.
Legal Compliance: To fulfill obligations under law, respond to legal requests, or prevent fraud.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or health information to any third parties.
5. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose limited information to third parties only as required or permitted by law, including:
Authorized Treatment Providers involved in your care
Billing and Insurance Entities for payment processing
HIPAA-Compliant Business Associates (e.g., EHR vendors, telehealth platforms) under signed agreements ensuring protection of PHI
Law Enforcement or Courts, only when required by law (e.g., court orders, mandated reporting of abuse, threats of harm, etc.)
Emergency Contacts, if necessary to prevent serious harm
All disclosures comply with HIPAA’s “minimum necessary” standard.
6. Data Storage and Security
Your data is protected through physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards:
Encrypted storage of electronic health records
Secure passwords and multi-factor authentication for access
Regular system backups and monitoring
HIPAA-compliant telehealth and email systems (e.g., encrypted portals or services)
Limited access by authorized personnel only
No system is 100% secure, but we take every reasonable measure to protect your information against unauthorized access or disclosure.
7. Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the following rights regarding your Protected Health Information (PHI):
Access: Request to review or obtain a copy of your records.
Amend: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Restrictions: Request limits on how your information is used or disclosed.
Confidential Communications: Request that we contact you at alternative locations or methods.
Accounting of Disclosures: Receive a list of disclosures made, if applicable.
File a Complaint: If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact:
Privacy Officer: Tony Rankin, MA, LSPE
Email: tonyrankin14@gmail.com
Phone: 615-714-0840
8. Retention of Records
Client records are maintained in accordance with state law and professional ethical standards — typically for at least seven (7) years after the last date of service, or longer if required by law.
9. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Psychology Today, telehealth platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. Always review the privacy policy of any third-party service before providing personal information.
10. Children’s Privacy
We comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and only collect information from minors with verifiable parental or guardian consent when providing therapeutic services.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Revised” date.
Continued use of our website or services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Tony Rankin, MA, LSPE
Attn: Privacy Officer
7009 Lenox Village Drive, Suite E104
Nashville, TN 37211
tonyrankin14@gmail.com
615-714-0840