PRIVACY POLICY & NOTICE TO CONSUMERS (last updated 5/2/25):

At Tella Psychology, your privacy is a top priority. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the California Board of Psychology, and applicable Texas regulations.

1. Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

When you receive services from us, we collect information about your health, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and other personal data related to your care. This is called Protected Health Information (PHI) and includes any identifiable health information created, received, or stored in the course of providing care.

2. How We Use and Disclose Your Information

We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

  • Treatment – Coordinating or managing your care with other healthcare providers.

  • Payment – Processing payments from you or your health plan (if applicable).

  • Healthcare Operations – Administrative tasks, quality improvement, training, and compliance.

We will never sell your data or use your information for marketing without your written authorization.

We may disclose your PHI without your consent only when required or permitted by law, including:

  • Reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect

  • Responding to court orders or legal requirements

  • Preventing or addressing serious threats to health or safety

Any other uses or disclosures require your written authorization.

3. Your Rights Regarding Your Information

As a client, you have the right to:

  • Access your treatment records

  • Request amendments to your records

  • Request restrictions on how your information is used or shared

  • Request confidential communications (e.g., email only, not phone)

  • Receive an accounting of certain disclosures

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

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us in writing.

4. How We Protect Your Information

We take your privacy seriously and use safeguards to protect your data, including:

  • A secure, HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) system

  • Encrypted email and client portal communication

  • Telehealth sessions conducted via a HIPAA-compliant platform

  • Access controls limiting data to authorized personnel only

We also comply with California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA), which offers protections beyond federal HIPAA rules.

5. Telehealth Services

If you receive services via telehealth, we confirm your identity and location at each session. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, and all sessions follow best practices to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

6. Website Forms and Communications

When you submit personal information via our website (e.g., scheduling a session or completing a contact form), we use secure platforms to protect that information. Please avoid including sensitive health information in contact forms or email.

7. State-Specific Consumer Notices

California Notice to Clients

As required by the California Board of Psychology, clients should be aware that:

  • Licensed psychologists are bound by legal and ethical standards of confidentiality.

  • Exceptions to confidentiality include mandated reporting, legal proceedings, and risk of harm.

  • If you have concerns about your treatment, you may contact the Board:

California Board of Psychology
1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite N-215
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (866) 503-3221
Website: www.psychology.ca.gov

Texas Notice to Consumers

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, and other licensed providers.

Not all complaints involve professional misconduct, but BHEC can provide guidance on how to file a complaint.

For more information, call: 1-800-821-3205

Contact BHEC at:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
333 Guadalupe St., Tower 3, Room 900
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7700
Website: https://bhec.texas.gov

8. Cookies and Website Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies on our website to enhance functionality, improve your experience, and understand how visitors use the site.

We use:

  • Google Analytics to gather anonymized data on website traffic

  • Squarespace's built-in performance and security features

  • Setmore and SimplePractice scheduling tools, which may set cookies to manage appointments

We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking, and we do not collect or store Protected Health Information (PHI) through cookies.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings. To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, visit: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

9. Questions or Complaints

If you have any questions about this policy or your privacy rights, you may contact us directly:

Tella Psychology
Email: Hello@TellaPsychology.com
Phone: 214-876-2203
Address: 3010 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75234

You may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.