Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
1. Introduction
Sakinah Mental Health (“MySakinah,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information, including sensitive health-related information. While MySakinah may not be a “covered entity” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) in all circumstances, we apply HIPAA-informed privacy and security practices consistent with professional mental health and ethical standards.
This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, disclosed, and protected when you engage with our services, website, communications, or programs.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
Personal and Health-Related Information:
Information you voluntarily provide, which may include your name, email address, phone number, demographic details, and information shared during counseling, support services, intake forms, or communications that may relate to mental health or well-being.
Non-Identifiable Information:
Information that does not directly identify you, such as aggregated usage data, anonymized statistics, browser type, or general website interaction data.
We collect only the minimum information reasonably necessary to provide services or respond to inquiries.
3. How We Use Your Information
Information may be used for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide counseling services, psychoeducation, community outreach, or respond to support requests.
- Care Coordination & Communication: To schedule appointments, respond to messages, and communicate service-related information.
- Operational Purposes: To maintain records, improve service quality, and ensure continuity of care.
- Quality Improvement & Analytics: To analyze anonymized or aggregated data for internal evaluation, reporting, and program improvement.
We do not use personal or health-related information for marketing purposes without explicit consent.
4. Confidentiality, Safeguards, and Data Security
We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal and health-related information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, including:
- Access Controls: Information is accessible only to authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know.
- Secure Systems: Data is stored using secure platforms and reasonable security measures appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.
- Confidentiality Obligations: Staff, volunteers, and contractors are bound by confidentiality and ethical standards.
Despite reasonable safeguards, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
5. Permitted Disclosures of Information
We do not sell, rent, or share personal information for marketing purposes. Information may be disclosed only under the following circumstances:
- With Your Authorization: When you provide explicit consent.
- Legal or Ethical Obligations: When disclosure is required by law, court order, subpoena, or to comply with mandatory reporting obligations.
- Risk of Harm: When disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others, consistent with ethical and legal duties.
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operations and are required to maintain confidentiality.
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information, subject to applicable limitations.
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information, when permitted by law.
- Request limitations on certain disclosures, where feasible.
Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.
7. Messaging, Communications, and Third-Party Platforms
Our services may involve the use of third-party platforms (e.g., email, messaging, scheduling tools). While we take steps to select reputable providers, we cannot guarantee the privacy practices of external platforms.
Text Messaging Privacy:
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.
Users may opt out of messages by replying STOP, or request assistance by replying HELP. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental or legal guardian involvement. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without authorization. If such information is identified, we will take reasonable steps to delete it promptly.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, services, or operational practices. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Email: info@mysakinah.org
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Privacy Policy.