Privacy Policy

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Effective Date: 4/7/26
Practice Name: Cox Counseling
Provider: Brittany Cox, LCSW
Location: Mississippi

SECTION 1: PRIVACY POLICY (HIPAA + MISSISSIPPI COMPLIANT)

1.1 Purpose

This document explains how Cox Counseling protects your personal and health information and outlines your rights under federal law and Mississippi regulations.

1.2 Protected Health Information (PHI)

Under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, your PHI includes:

  • Identifying information (name, DOB, contact info)
  • Mental health and medical history
  • Therapy session content and clinical notes
  • Diagnoses and treatment plans
  • Billing and insurance records

1.3 How Your Information Is Used

Your information may be used for:

  • Treatment (therapy services)
  • Payment (billing, insurance claims)
  • Healthcare operations (documentation, supervision, compliance)

We do NOT sell or share your information for marketing purposes.

1.4 Mississippi-Specific Privacy Considerations

In Mississippi:

  • Mental health records are protected under both HIPAA and state confidentiality laws
  • Disclosure without consent is limited to specific legal exceptions
  • Records must be retained according to Mississippi record retention guidelines (typically minimum 7 years, longer for minors)

1.5 When Information May Be Disclosed (WITHOUT Consent)

By law, confidentiality may be broken in the following situations:

  • Abuse or Neglect Reporting
    • Child abuse (mandatory reporting)
    • Vulnerable adult/elder abuse
  • Threat of Harm
    • Serious risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Legal Requirements
    • Court orders or subpoenas
  • Medical Emergencies

1.6 Telehealth & Electronic Communication

If you use telehealth services:

  • Sessions are conducted via HIPAA-compliant platforms when possible
  • Risks include potential breaches despite safeguards
  • Email/text communication is not guaranteed to be secure

1.7 Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your records
  • Request corrections
  • Request limits on disclosures
  • Receive a record of disclosures
  • File a complaint without retaliation

1.8 Data Security

We protect your data through:

  • Secure electronic systems
  • Limited access to records
  • Confidentiality protocols

SECTION 2: INFORMED CONSENT FOR THERAPY SERVICES

2.1 Nature of Therapy

Therapy is a collaborative process that may involve:

  • Discussing difficult emotions and experiences
  • Learning coping strategies and behavioral tools
  • Exploring thoughts, patterns, and relationships

Results vary, and no guarantees can be made regarding outcomes.

2.2 Risks & Benefits

Potential Benefits

  • Improved emotional well-being
  • Better coping skills
  • Increased self-awareness

Potential Risks

  • Temporary emotional discomfort
  • Increased awareness of difficult feelings
  • Relationship changes

2.3 Therapist Credentials

Services are provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Mississippi.

2.4 Session Structure

  • Typical sessions last 45–60 minutes
  • Frequency is determined collaboratively
  • You may end therapy at any time

2.5 Fees & Payment

  • Fees: 
  • Payment due at time of service unless otherwise arranged
  • Insurance: [Some accepted]

2.6 Cancellation Policy

  • Minimum 24-hour notice required
  • Late cancellations/no-shows may result in a fee

2.7 Emergencies

Cox Counseling is not a crisis service.

If you are in crisis:

  • Call 911
  • Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)

2.8 Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Participate actively in therapy
  • Provide accurate information
  • Communicate needs and concerns

SECTION 3: CONFIDENTIALITY & ITS LIMITS

Everything shared in therapy is confidential except when:

  • You give written permission
  • There is risk of harm
  • Abuse/neglect must be reported
  • Required by law

SECTION 4: TELEHEALTH INFORMED CONSENT (MISSISSIPPI COMPLIANT)

By participating in telehealth, you acknowledge:

  • You understand the risks and benefits
  • You consent to remote treatment
  • You are physically located in a state where the therapist is licensed (Mississippi unless otherwise permitted)
  • You will ensure privacy during sessions

SECTION 5: RECORD RETENTION (MISSISSIPPI)

  • Adult records retained minimum 7 years
  • Minor records retained until age of majority + retention period
  • Records are securely destroyed after retention period