Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 4/1/2026
Business Name: RiseCouneling, PLLC
Location: Montana, United States

1. Introduction

At WholeDads, your privacy matters. This work is personal, and we treat it that way.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website or engage in therapy or coaching services.

This policy is designed to align with applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and relevant Montana state laws.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only what is necessary to provide services and operate responsibly.

Personal Information

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Name
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Email address
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Phone number
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Information you submit through forms, email, or scheduling tools

Protected Health Information (PHI)

If you engage in therapy services, we may collect Protected Health Information (PHI), including:

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Mental health history
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Session notes
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Treatment plans
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Any information relevant to your care
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This information is protected under HIPAA.

Website Usage Data

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IP address
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Browser type
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Pages visited
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Time spent on the site
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3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

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Communicate with you
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Schedule and manage appointments
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Provide therapy and coaching services
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Maintain clinical records (when applicable)

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Improve website functionality
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We do not sell or share your personal or health information for marketing purposes.

4. HIPAA Compliance & Use of PHI

If you are a therapy client:

Your PHI is used only for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, as permitted under HIPAA.

We may disclose information:

To coordinate care (with your consent when required)

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For billing and payment processing
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As required by law
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We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your PHI.

You will receive a full Notice of Privacy Practices before beginning therapy services.

5. Confidentiality & Legal Limits (Montana Law)

We follow strict confidentiality standards under professional ethics, HIPAA, and Montana law.

Confidentiality may be broken only when legally required, including:

Risk of serious harm to yourself or others

Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult (mandatory reporting under Montana law)

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Court order or subpoena
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Montana law may also allow or require disclosure in specific circumstances related to public safety.

6. Telehealth & Electronic Communication

If you participate in telehealth services:

We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms whenever possible

However, all electronic communication (email, text, video) carries some risk

By using these services, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

7. Cookies & Tracking

We use basic cookies and analytics tools to understand website usage and improve user experience.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings.

8. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party providers for:

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Scheduling
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Payment processing
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Electronic health records (EHR)
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Email communication
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When required, we enter into Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with these providers to ensure HIPAA compliance.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your information, including:

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SSL encryption
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Secure data storage systems
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Access controls and password protection
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Use of HIPAA-compliant platforms where applicable

Despite these efforts, no system can guarantee complete security.

10. Your Rights (HIPAA)

If you are a therapy client, you have the right to:

Access and obtain a copy of your records

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Request corrections to your records
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Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

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Request confidential communications
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Receive an accounting of disclosures
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File a complaint without retaliation
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To exercise these rights, contact us at: [Insert Email]

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

11. Data Retention (Montana Considerations)

We retain clinical records in accordance with Montana law and professional guidelines.

For adult clients, records are typically retained for at least 7 years after the last date of service (or longer if required).
For minors, records may be retained longer based on age and legal requirements.

12. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information without appropriate parental consent.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as needed. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

14. Contact Information

WholeDads
Email: risecounselingmt@gmail.com
Phone: 406-219-8019
Location: Montana, United States

15. Notice of Privacy Practices

If you become a therapy client, you will receive a full Notice of Privacy Practices, which provides detailed information about:

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How your PHI is used and disclosed
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Your rights under HIPAA
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Our legal responsibilities
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Coaching Disclaimer

Coaching Is Not Therapy

Coaching services offered through WholeDads are not therapy, mental health treatment, or healthcare services.

Coaching is focused on:

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Personal growth
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Goal-setting
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Accountability
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Life and parenting support
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It does not involve diagnosis, treatment of mental health conditions, or clinical intervention.

Not a Substitute for Therapy or Medical Care

Coaching is not a substitute for:

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Licensed mental health therapy
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Psychological treatment
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Medical or psychiatric care
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If you are experiencing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or other clinical issues, you should seek services from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

No Therapist-Client Relationship

Participation in coaching services does not establish a therapist-client relationship, even if the coach is also a licensed therapist.

A therapist-client relationship is only established through:

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A formal intake process
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Signed informed consent documents
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Agreement to receive therapy services
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Limits of Confidentiality in Coaching

While we respect your privacy, coaching services may not be protected under HIPAA in the same way therapy services are.

However, WholeDads still aims to handle your information with care and discretion.

Scope of Services

WholeDads may offer both therapy and coaching. It is your responsibility to understand which service you are engaging in.

Therapy services follow clinical, legal, and HIPAA standards

Coaching services are non-clinical and educational in nature

If you are unsure, please ask for clarification before beginning services.

Crisis & Emergency Situations

Coaching services are not appropriate for crisis situations.

If you are in crisis or need immediate support:

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Call 911
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Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 in the U.S.)

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Go to your nearest emergency room
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Acknowledgment

By engaging in coaching services, you acknowledge that:

You understand the difference between coaching and therapy

You are voluntarily participating in coaching

You accept full responsibility for your decisions and actions