Privacy policy
PRIVACY POLICY
Valora Counseling
A registered trade name of Siouxland Counseling Services, PLLC
Effective Date: October 25, 2026
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Valora Counseling, a registered trade name of Siouxland Counseling Services, PLLC, is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal and health information.
We provide mental health and substance use disorder services in Iowa and comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Iowa Code Chapter 228, and applicable confidentiality requirements under 42 CFR Part 2.
This Privacy Policy explains how information collected through our website may be used, stored, protected, and disclosed.
2. Information We Collect
When you visit our website, contact our practice, or request services, we may collect:
Name, telephone number, and email address.
Appointment requests and scheduling information.
Information voluntarily submitted through website forms.
Information necessary to respond to inquiries.
Technical information necessary for website functionality and security.
Clinical records, including mental health assessments, substance use evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment information, are subject to additional confidentiality protections.
3. How We Use Your Information
Information collected through our website may be used to:
Respond to inquiries regarding our services.
Schedule appointments and coordinate care.
Communicate with prospective and existing clients.
Support administrative and operational activities.
Maintain website security and functionality.
Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
We do not sell protected health information or use it for third-party advertising without legally required authorization.
4. HIPAA and Patient Confidentiality
Valora Counseling maintains the confidentiality of protected health information in accordance with applicable HIPAA regulations.
Patient information may be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and other purposes permitted or required by law, subject to any additional restrictions imposed by Iowa law or federal substance use disorder confidentiality regulations.
Patients have rights concerning their health information, including the right to request access, corrections, confidential communications, and certain restrictions.
Additional information is provided in our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
5. Substance Use Disorder Confidentiality
Valora Counseling recognizes the sensitive nature of substance use disorder assessments and treatment records.
When applicable, records are protected under federal confidentiality regulations found in 42 CFR Part 2.
Information identifying an individual as receiving substance use disorder services will not be disclosed except as authorized by the individual or otherwise permitted by applicable law.
Additional restrictions apply to the use of protected substance use disorder records in legal proceedings.
Valora Counseling is committed to maintaining confidentiality in accordance with applicable federal and Iowa requirements.
6. Website Forms and Electronic Communications
Information submitted through our website will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and security requirements.
General website contact forms and ordinary email may not provide the same protections as secure healthcare communication systems.
Visitors should avoid submitting sensitive medical information, diagnoses, substance use histories, or other confidential treatment details through general website forms.
Existing clients are encouraged to use our designated secure patient portal for confidential communications.
7. Telehealth Services
Valora Counseling may provide mental health and substance use disorder services through secure telehealth platforms.
We use electronic systems intended to support confidential healthcare communications and comply with applicable privacy and security requirements.
Clients receiving telehealth services will be informed of applicable confidentiality protections, informed consent requirements, and potential technology-related limitations.
8. Third-Party Services
Our website may provide access to third-party services, including appointment scheduling, patient portals, electronic forms, payment processing, and telehealth platforms.
These services may maintain separate privacy policies.
When vendors handle protected health information on our behalf, we require appropriate safeguards and agreements as mandated by applicable law.
9. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support functionality, security, and performance.
Any analytics or tracking technologies will be evaluated and used in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.
We do not authorize third-party tracking technologies to collect or disclose protected health information for advertising purposes without legally required authorization.
10. Information Security
Valora Counseling uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal and confidential information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Access to confidential patient information is restricted to authorized individuals who require it for legitimate professional or operational purposes.
Although reasonable security measures are implemented, no electronic transmission or internet-based system can guarantee absolute security.
11. Patient Privacy Rights
Under applicable law, patients may have the right to:
Access and obtain copies of their health records.
Request corrections to inaccurate information.
Request confidential communications.
Request certain restrictions on disclosures.
Obtain an accounting of certain disclosures.
Receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices.
File a privacy complaint without retaliation.
Additional protections may apply to substance use disorder treatment records.
12. Confidentiality of Minors
Valora Counseling respects the confidentiality rights of minors in accordance with applicable Iowa and federal laws.
Certain mental health and substance use disorder services may be subject to special consent and confidentiality requirements.
Information concerning minors will be handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
13. Disclosures Required by Law
Valora Counseling may disclose confidential information when required or permitted by applicable law, including certain circumstances involving mandatory reporting, emergencies, or other legally authorized situations.
Disclosures involving mental health or substance use disorder information will be evaluated under applicable federal and Iowa confidentiality requirements.
14. Emergency Situations
Our website, general email, and online contact forms are not intended for emergencies or crisis intervention.
If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
For immediate mental health crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Valora Counseling reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, website operations, or applicable laws.
Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
16. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Valora Counseling
A registered trade name of Siouxland Counseling Services, PLLC
Iowa, United States
Phone: [712-740-9775]
Email: [dianacastro@valoracenter.com]
Website: [Valoracenter.com]
For additional information regarding your healthcare privacy rights, please review our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
© 2026 Valora Counseling. All Rights Reserved.
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dianacastro@valoracenter.com
(712) 740-9775