Gray Area Therapy

Samaria Gray, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Last Updated: December 10, 2025

At Gray Area Therapy, protecting your privacy and safeguarding your Protected Health Information (PHI) is a top priority. My practice adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and all applicable state and federal privacy laws. This statement explains how your information is collected, used, and protected when you engage in psychotherapy services or visit this website.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

“Protected Health Information” (PHI) includes any information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future mental or physical health, the services you receive, or payment for those services.

How Your Information Is Used and Protected

At Gray Area Therapy, I utilize a combination of secure, HIPAA-compliant tools and platforms to maintain confidentiality and safeguard PHI. These include, but are not limited to:

• Encrypted Electronic Health Records (EHR)

• Secure telehealth platforms

• HIPAA-compliant email or messaging tools

• Secure scheduling and billing systems

All third-party vendors and platforms used for clinical communication, documentation, billing, or telehealth are selected for their adherence to HIPAA privacy and security standards. Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) are established when required to ensure compliance.

Your PHI is used only for purposes related to your treatment, obtaining payment for services, practice operations, or as otherwise permitted or required by law.

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

Under HIPAA, you have the right to:

• Access your health information and request copies

• Request amendments to your records

• Receive an accounting of disclosures

• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

• Request confidential communication methods

• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

For questions or to exercise any of these rights, contact:
samaria.gray@icloud.com

Limitations of Electronic Communication

While I take every reasonable step to protect your information, no electronic communication method is entirely risk-free. Clients are encouraged to use designated secure platforms for sharing personal or clinical information. I do not use text messaging, social media platforms, or other non-secure channels for clinical communication unless a written agreement is in place.

Telehealth Policy

Gray Area Therapy provides telehealth services through secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms. To ensure privacy, safety, and quality of care:

Technology and Security

• Telehealth sessions are conducted only through encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms.

• Sessions are never recorded by the clinician. Clients may not record sessions without written consent.

• If the primary platform fails, a secure backup method (such as phone) may be used.

Client Environment

Clients are responsible for choosing a private, quiet, secure environment for their sessions. Please:

• Do not join sessions while driving.

• Avoid public spaces and open Wi-Fi networks when possible.

Risks and Limitations

Telehealth may involve technical issues, interruptions, or unauthorized access despite security measures. While every reasonable safeguard is taken, security cannot be absolutely guaranteed.

Emergency Situations

Telehealth is not appropriate for crisis situations. If you are in crisis, call 911, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact your local crisis hotline immediately.

Website Use and Non-Clinical Communication

This website is intended for informational purposes only. Please avoid sharing personal or sensitive health information through the website contact form unless you are directed to use a secure portal.

This website is not monitored for emergencies.