Privacy Policy
​Last Updated: April 16, 2026
Introduction
Your privacy is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. This Privacy Policy explains how Anchored Counseling and Consulting collects, uses, and protects your personal and health information when you visit this website or engage with our services. By using this website, you agree to the practices described below.
Information We Collect
Information you provide directly:
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Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details submitted through intake forms or contact inquiries
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Health and mental health information shared during the intake process or in communications
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Payment and billing information
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Communications you send via email, contact forms, or other channels
Information collected automatically:
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Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, referring URLs)
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Device and browser information
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IP address and general location data (via cookies or analytics tools)
How We Use Your Information
We use the information collected to:
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Schedule and provide therapy services
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Communicate with you regarding appointments, billing, and care
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Maintain clinical records as required by Maryland law and professional licensing standards
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Process payments
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Improve the website and client experience
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Comply with legal, ethical, and licensing obligations
Confidentiality & HIPAA
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensed in the state of Maryland, Melanie Stargell is bound by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), the Maryland Confidentiality of Medical Records Act, and the ethical standards of the counseling profession. Your protected health information (PHI) will not be shared with third parties without your written consent, except as required or permitted by law, including:
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Mandatory reporting obligations (e.g., risk of harm to self or others, suspected child or elder abuse)
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A valid court order or subpoena
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Coordination of care with other treating providers (with your authorization)
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Billing and payment processing (limited to necessary information)
A full Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) will be provided at the start of services.
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Website Communications
Please be aware that email and website contact forms are not fully secure or confidential channels. Avoid sharing sensitive clinical information through these means. For confidential matters, please contact the office directly by phone at (202) 573-0163.
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Cookies & Analytics
This website may use cookies and third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some site functionality may be affected.
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Third-Party Services
Anchored Counseling and Consulting uses SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform, for scheduling, clinical documentation, telehealth, and payment processing. SimplePractice is bound by a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in accordance with HIPAA requirements. You can review SimplePractice's privacy practices at www.simplepractice.com.
We do not sell your personal information to any third party.
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Data Retention
Clinical records are retained in accordance with Maryland state law and the licensing requirements governing Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors. Website data is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy.
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Your Rights
You have the right to:
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Access your personal health information
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Request corrections to inaccurate records
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Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
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Receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices
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File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated — without fear of retaliation
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us directly.
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Minors
This website is not directed at children under the age of 13. If you are seeking services for a minor, additional consent and privacy considerations will be addressed during the intake process in accordance with Maryland law.
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Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised date. Continued use of this website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact:
Melanie Stargell, LCPC
Anchored Counseling and Consulting
(202) 573-0163