PRIVACY POLICY & NOTICE TO CONSUMERS (last updated 9/1/25):
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
Requesting Your Health Care Records (Texas Notice)
You have the right to request access to your health care records.
To request a copy of your records from Tella Psychology, please submit a written request by:
Emailing: admin@tellapsychology.com, or
Fax an Authorization for Release of Information form to (888) 388-1989
Requests are processed in accordance with Texas Health & Safety Code §181.105 and applicable law.
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
Texas Notice to Consumers
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) investigates and resolves complaints related to professional misconduct by licensed psychologists and other behavioral health providers.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
333 Guadalupe St., Tower 3, Room 900
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7700
Website: https://bhec.texas.gov
Consumer Phone Line: 1-800-821-3205
Texas Health Services Council – Consumer Information
Texas law requires health care providers to provide information on how to contact the Texas Health Services Council regarding health care records and privacy rights.
You may contact the Texas Health Services Council via the Contact Us page:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/contact-us
Texas Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Complaints
If you wish to file a consumer complaint regarding health care records or privacy matters, you may contact:
Texas Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint
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
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.