Privacy Policy
Your privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to our mission. Learn how we protect your personal information and maintain the highest standards of data security.
Last Updated: January 1, 2025
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Hope Recovery Center, we understand that seeking help for gambling addiction requires tremendous courage and trust. Your privacy is not just a legal obligation for us—it's a sacred commitment that underlies everything we do. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.
HIPAA Compliance
As a healthcare provider, we are fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and maintain the highest standards of medical confidentiality.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email address
- Demographic Information: Age, gender, occupation (when relevant to treatment)
- Health Information: Medical history, treatment records, assessment results
- Emergency Contacts: Information about family members or trusted individuals
- Insurance Information: Insurance provider details and coverage information
- Financial Information: Payment method details for billing purposes
Website Usage Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referring websites
- Cookies and Tracking: Small files stored on your device to improve user experience
- Form Submissions: Information you provide through contact forms or appointment requests
How We Use Your Information
Treatment and Care
- Providing counseling and therapy services
- Developing personalized treatment plans
- Monitoring your progress and adjusting treatment
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
Communication
- Responding to your inquiries and requests
- Sending appointment reminders and updates
- Providing important health and safety information
- Emergency contact when necessary
Administration
- Processing payments and insurance claims
- Maintaining accurate medical records
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Improving our services and operations
Website Improvement
- Analyzing website usage patterns
- Improving user experience and functionality
- Providing relevant content and resources
- Technical support and troubleshooting
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Limited Disclosure Policy
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties except in the specific circumstances outlined below. Your treatment information is especially protected and will only be shared with your explicit written consent or as required by law.
When We May Share Information
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
- Treatment Coordination: With other healthcare providers involved in your care
- Legal Requirements: When required by court order, subpoena, or law enforcement
- Emergency Situations: To prevent serious harm to you or others
- Insurance and Payment: For billing, claims processing, and coverage verification
- Business Associates: With vetted partners who assist in providing our services
Mandatory Reporting
As healthcare providers, we are legally required to report certain situations:
- Suspected child abuse or neglect
- Suspected abuse of elderly or disabled adults
- Serious threats of harm to yourself or others
- Certain communicable diseases as required by public health authorities
Data Security and Protection
Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest
- Access Controls: Strict limitations on who can access your information
- Secure Facilities: Physical security measures at all our locations
- Staff Training: Regular training on privacy and security protocols
- Regular Audits: Ongoing monitoring and assessment of security measures
- Secure Backup: Protected backup systems to prevent data loss
Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as necessary for:
- Providing ongoing treatment and care
- Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
- Protecting our legitimate business interests
- Resolving disputes and enforcing our agreements
Medical records are typically retained for at least seven years after your last visit, or longer if required by state law.
Your Rights and Choices
Access Rights
You have the right to request copies of your medical records and personal information we maintain about you.
Correction Rights
You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information in your records.
Restriction Rights
You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or operations.
Communication Rights
You can request to receive communications from us in a specific way or at a specific location.
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to your request within 30 days and may require verification of your identity for security purposes.
Cookies and Website Technologies
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
- Security Cookies: Protect against fraudulent activity and enhance security
Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete existing cookies
- Block cookies from specific sites
- Block all cookies from being set
- Receive notification when a cookie is set
Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Service Providers
We work with trusted service providers who assist us in delivering our services:
- Electronic health record systems
- Payment processing services
- Insurance verification services
- Website hosting and analytics services
All service providers are required to maintain appropriate safeguards and use your information only for the purposes we specify.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Providing direct notice for significant changes
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact Information
Privacy Officer
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Hope Recovery Center
Privacy Officer
1247 Broadway Ave
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and thoroughly. All privacy-related inquiries will be acknowledged within 48 hours and resolved within 30 days.
Your Trust Matters
Your decision to seek help for gambling addiction represents a significant step toward recovery. We are honored that you have chosen to trust us with your personal information, and we take that responsibility seriously. This Privacy Policy reflects our commitment to maintaining that trust through transparent, ethical, and secure handling of your information.
If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy rights or our privacy practices, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you throughout your recovery journey.
Additional Resources
If you need immediate help or want to explore more resources for gambling addiction recovery, visit our partner organization:
NY Problem Gambling Help