Website Privacy & HIPAA Notice
Your privacy is important to us. This notice explains how information is handled when you visit and interact with this website and how protected health information (PHI) is managed in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and applicable state law.
Informational Use of This Website
This website is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not establish a therapist–client relationship. A therapeutic relationship is established only after a formal intake process, informed consent, and confirmation of services.
Website Communications & Security
While this practice uses HIPAA-compliant systems for client communications once services begin, information submitted through this website or via unsolicited email or phone messages prior to the start of services may not be secure or appropriate for transmitting protected health information (PHI). Please limit initial messages to general inquiries and avoid sharing sensitive or clinical details until secure communication methods are established.
If you wish to communicate confidential information, secure communication options will be provided after services begin.
Information Collected Through the Website
This website may collect limited personal information such as:
Name
Email address
General inquiry information voluntarily submitted by you
This information is used solely to respond to inquiries, provide requested information, or assist with scheduling. Information submitted through the website is not used for treatment, diagnosis, or therapy purposes.
Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information
Once you become a client, your protected health information is handled in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state laws. PHI is used and disclosed only as permitted or required for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or legal and regulatory obligations.
This practice complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable Maryland laws governing the confidentiality and privacy of mental health records, which may afford greater protection than federal law.
A full Notice of Privacy Practices outlining your rights and our obligations regarding PHI is available upon request and will be provided as part of the intake process.
Third-Party Services
This website may use third-party services (such as website hosting, scheduling platforms, or analytics tools). These services may collect limited technical data (such as browser type or general usage statistics) but do not have access to therapy records or protected health information.
No Emergency Services
This website is not monitored continuously and is not appropriate for emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.
Your Privacy Rights
Clients have the right to:
Request access to their health records
Request corrections to their records
Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
Receive a copy of the full Notice of Privacy Practices
Details regarding these rights are provided in the formal Notice of Privacy Practices.
Privacy Questions & Contact Information
If you have questions about this notice, your privacy rights, or how your information is handled, you may contact:
Privacy Officer: Sharon Pieczenik
Practice Name: Spire Counseling
Email: info@spirecounseling.com
Phone: +1(301)276-5273
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Filing a complaint will not affect your access to services.
Changes to This Notice
This notice may be updated periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Effective Date: 12 February 2026