Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 10, 2025

I, Morgan Betterton, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) operating Love Life Relationship Therapy in San Diego County, California, am committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable California laws. By using my website or engaging in my therapy services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information I Collect

I collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Health Information (PHI): As part of therapy services, I collect PHI, such as your name, contact information, medical and mental health history, treatment notes, and billing information. This information is protected under HIPAA and California confidentiality laws (e.g., California Business and Professions Code Section 4982).

  • Personal Information: When you interact with my website or contact me, I may collect personal information, such as your name, email address, phone number, and any information you voluntarily provide (e.g., through contact forms or scheduling inquiries).

  • Usage Data: My website may collect non-personal information, such as IP addresses, browser type, device information, and website usage patterns, to improve my services.

  • Telehealth Data: For telehealth sessions, I collect information necessary to facilitate secure video conferencing, such as your email address or device information.

2. How I Collect Information

  • Directly from You: I collect information when you schedule appointments, complete intake forms, participate in therapy sessions, or contact me via phone, email, or my website.

  • Automatically: My website may use cookies or similar technologies to collect usage data. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

  • Third Parties: I may receive information from third-party platforms (e.g., telehealth or payment processors) used to deliver my services, subject to their privacy policies.

3. How I Use Your Information

I use your information to:

  • Provide and manage therapy services, including scheduling, treatment planning, and billing.

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments, services, or inquiries.

  • Comply with legal obligations, such as reporting requirements under California law.

  • Improve my website and services through aggregated, anonymized data analysis.

  • Process payments securely through third-party payment processors.

4. How I Protect Your Information

  • HIPAA Compliance: I store PHI securely and protect it in accordance with HIPAA regulations and California confidentiality laws. I use encryption, secure servers, and access controls to safeguard your data.

  • Telehealth Security: I conduct telehealth sessions using HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure confidentiality.

  • Data Retention: I retain client records for a minimum of seven years, as required by California law, or longer for minors. I retain non-PHI data (e.g., website usage data) only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

  • Data Breach: In the unlikely event of a data breach, I will notify affected individuals in accordance with HIPAA and CCPA requirements.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

I do not sell or share your personal information for commercial purposes. I may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

  • Legal Requirements: I may disclose PHI or other information if required by law, such as in cases of suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, threats of harm to self or others, or court orders/subpoenas.

  • Business Operations: I may share information with third-party service providers (e.g., telehealth platforms, payment processors) who are contractually obligated to protect your data and comply with HIPAA and CCPA.

  • With Consent: I may share your information with other healthcare providers or individuals (e.g., for referrals) if you provide written consent.

  • De-Identified Data: I may use anonymized, aggregated data for research or practice improvement purposes.

6. Your Rights Under California Law

Under the CCPA and other California privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Right to Know: You may request details about the personal information I collect, use, or disclose.

  • Right to Delete: You may request deletion of certain personal information, subject to legal retention requirements (e.g., HIPAA mandates for client records).

  • Right to Opt-Out: I do not sell personal information, so no opt-out is necessary.

  • Right to Non-Discrimination: I will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, contact me using the information provided in Section 10. I will respond within the timeframes required by law (e.g., 45 days for CCPA requests).

7. HIPAA Privacy Rights

As a client, you have additional rights under HIPAA, including:

  • The right to access and receive a copy of your PHI.

  • The right to request amendments to your PHI.

  • The right to request restrictions on how your PHI is used or disclosed.

  • The right to receive a Notice of Privacy Practices, which I will provide to you before beginning therapy.

8. Third-Party Websites and Services

My website may contain links to third-party websites or use third-party services (e.g., telehealth platforms, payment processors). I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their privacy policies before engaging with their services.

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. I will post the updated policy on my website with the revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of my services or website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

Love Life Relationship Therapy
445 Marine View Ave, Suite 300, Del Mar, CA 92014
(619) 786-7724
morgan@loveliferelationshiptherapy.com
loveliferelationshiptherapy.com

For HIPAA-related inquiries or to request your Notice of Privacy Practices, please contact me directly.

11. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with me using the contact information above or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights or the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

By engaging with Love Life Relationship Therapy or using my website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.