Website Privacy Policy
Cypress Counseling, LLC, and Amy Spear, LPC, are committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. We respect your privacy and strive to be transparent about the information we collect, how it may be used, and the choices available to you when you interact with our website.
Cypress Counseling, LLC
WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: 09/22/2026
1. Scope of the Policy
This Website Privacy Policy explains how Cypress Counseling, LLC (“Cypress Counseling,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) may collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through cypresscounselingsc.com and related website interactions. It applies to information collected through website pages, contact and inquiry forms, booking-related forms, service-page forms, subscription or sign-up forms, and other online interactions with the website.
This Website Privacy Policy is focused on website and online activity. If you become a therapy client, the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) is addressed separately in Cypress Counseling’s HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, where HIPAA applies.
2. Information You Provide
Website forms may collect information such as your first and last name, email address, telephone number, how you heard about Cypress Counseling or your referral source, and information you voluntarily include in a message or inquiry. Depending on the form and its configuration, website interactions may also include information related to scheduling or the services you are seeking.
Please do not include sensitive health or mental-health information, detailed clinical history, diagnoses, trauma history, or other highly sensitive information in a website form unless Cypress Counseling specifically instructs you to do so. Website forms are intended primarily for general inquiries, scheduling, consultations, and related administrative communication.
Submitting a website form does not by itself establish a therapist-client relationship.
3. Website Forms and Scheduling
Information submitted through website forms may be used to respond to inquiries, evaluate general service fit, communicate about prospective services, schedule consultations or appointments, and administer the practice.
Cypress Counseling may use website information and information provided by prospective clients to coordinate inquiries and scheduling with authorized practice personnel or service providers whose responsibilities require access to that information. Access is intended to be limited to information reasonably necessary for the person’s authorized responsibilities.
Cypress Counseling generally aims to respond to website inquiries within approximately 24–48 hours. Website and email communications are checked during business hours, Monday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and are not continuously monitored.
If a website form includes an option to subscribe to communications, information provided for that purpose may be used to send the requested communications. Subscription preferences may be changed as described in the applicable communication or by contacting Cypress Counseling.
4. Clinical Information and HIPAA
The website is not intended to function as the primary system for clinical records or sensitive clinical communications. Once you become a client, clinical and protected health information may be handled through the practice’s HIPAA-related systems and procedures, including SimplePractice and its Client Portal, as applicable.
The HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices governs Cypress Counseling’s use and disclosure of PHI where HIPAA applies. This Website Privacy Policy should not be interpreted as limiting privacy protections that apply to PHI under HIPAA or other applicable law.
Information submitted through a website form should not be assumed to receive the same handling as information intentionally submitted through a secure clinical communication system. For non-urgent clinical communication, clients should use SimplePractice Secure Messaging through the Client Portal or mobile app when available.
5. Website Cookies and Similar Technologies
Website "cookies" are small pieces of information that a website saves in your web browser when you visit it. Cookies can be used for relatively ordinary things such as making the website function properly, remembering certain settings, or understanding how visitors use the site.
For example, cookies can help a website:
-
Remember your preferences, such as language or settings.
-
Keep you logged in as you move between pages.
-
Remember what's in your shopping cart.
-
Understand how people use the website, such as which pages are visited most often.
-
Help with website security and prevent certain types of misuse.
-
In some cases, track activity across websites or help deliver targeted advertising.
For Cypress Counseling's website currently displays a "cookie-consent notice" explaining that essential cookies are used for site security and functionality and that analytics cookies may be used, with permission from you, to improve the website and understand visitor needs. Third-party elements may be blocked until consent is provided, depending on the applicable configuration.
Cookie technologies, settings, and website functionality may change over time. You may manage available cookie preferences through the website’s consent or preference controls.
6. Analytics
Google Analytics is currently enabled on the website to help Cypress Counseling understand website traffic and how visitors interact with the site, improve website performance and content, and evaluate general website usage.
Analytics information may include technical or usage information such as pages viewed, approximate geographic information, device or browser information, referral information, and other information generated through website analytics, depending on the analytics configuration.
Cypress Counseling does not intentionally ask website visitors to submit sensitive health or mental-health information to Google Analytics. Website forms are separately intended for general inquiries and scheduling and include a warning not to submit sensitive health or mental-health information.
Other tracking or advertising technologies may be added or changed in the future. If material changes are made to the website’s tracking practices, this Privacy Policy and, where applicable, the website’s consent settings will be updated.
7. Wix, Website Service, and Contracted Professionals
The website is built and hosted using Wix. Wix and other service providers that support the operation of the website may process technical information, website usage information, form submissions, or other information as necessary to provide their services.
Cypress Counseling may use contractors and other service providers to support website administration, data organization, practice operations, analytics, marketing, development, or related functions. When a service provider’s responsibilities involve access to information protected by HIPAA, Cypress Counseling uses appropriate contractual safeguards as required by applicable law, including Business Associate Agreements (BAAs), where applicable.
Currently, Cypress Counseling has contracted with a data and practice analytics professional (“Analytics Professional”) and a website and marketing development professional (“Development Professional”).
The Analytics Professional’s responsibilities involve access to certain client-related and practice-management information. Their access is limited to information reasonably necessary to perform their authorized responsibilities and is governed by a BAA with Cypress Counseling. Their responsibilities and access may change if additional client-facing website functionality is implemented. The Analytics Professional will not have access to psychotherapy or session notes or mental health assessments.
The Development Professional provides website and marketing development, development analytics, and related services to Cypress Counseling. Their work may, in some circumstances, result in incidental exposure to PHI or other confidential information. Cypress Counseling has entered into a BAA with the Development Professional that requires appropriate safeguards and limits any use or disclosure of PHI to authorized purposes related to the services provided to Cypress Counseling.
These service providers’ own privacy policies and terms may also apply to information they process in connection with their services.
8. SimplePractice
Cypress Counseling uses SimplePractice for practice-management functions, including the Client Portal, Secure Messaging, appointment-related communications, and related administrative services.
Information intentionally provided through SimplePractice may be subject to Cypress Counseling’s applicable privacy practices and the privacy practices and terms of SimplePractice. The SimplePractice Client Portal and Secure Messaging are distinct from general website forms and are intended for appropriate client communication when available.
9. Email, Direct Text, and Automated SMS
You may contact Cypress Counseling by email. Email is not intended for emergencies or for sending highly sensitive clinical information. Clients should use SimplePractice Secure Messaging through the Client Portal or mobile app for non-urgent sensitive or detailed clinical communication when available.
Clients may contact Cypress Counseling/Amy by direct text for brief logistical matters, such as scheduling, cancellation or rescheduling, running late, or telehealth/access issues, or to notify her of an urgent concern.
Direct text messaging is not a secure messaging platform and may carry privacy and security risks. Clients should avoid sending sensitive or detailed health or mental-health information by direct text. Direct text is not continuously monitored and should not be relied upon for emergency assistance or an immediate response.
SimplePractice Secure Messaging is available through the Client Portal or mobile app and may be used for non-urgent communication, including sensitive or detailed clinical information, when appropriate.
SimplePractice may also send automated SMS notifications for appointments, telehealth reminders, document reminders, and cancellation notifications. Automated messages are sent through a SimplePractice number and are not continuously monitored. Clients should not reply to automated appointment messages and should contact Cypress Counseling directly when communication with the practice is needed. Clients may unsubscribe from SimplePractice text reminders by replying STOP. Re-enabling text notifications may require confirmation of renewed consent.
For immediate emergencies, do not rely on email, direct text, website forms, portal messages, or automated SMS. Call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department.
10. Third-Party Links and Amazon
The website may contain links to third-party websites, including Amazon and other external resources. Cypress Counseling does not control those websites and is not responsible for their privacy practices, security, content, or terms.
Cypress Counseling does not currently operate an Amazon business or affiliate program and does not currently receive commission or other affiliate compensation from Amazon links on the website. If this changes in the future, the website’s disclosures and this Privacy Policy will be updated as appropriate.
Cypress Counseling does not process or store payment information for purchases made directly through third-party websites. When you leave the Cypress Counseling website and provide information to a third party, that information is subject to the third party’s policies.
11. Information Sharing and Disclosure
Cypress Counseling does not sell client information.
Cypress Counseling may share website information with service providers, contractors, or other authorized parties when reasonably necessary to operate the website, respond to inquiries, provide requested services, maintain technology, support practice operations, or comply with law.
Where information constitutes PHI, applicable HIPAA requirements, authorizations, and BAAs or other required safeguards govern the use or disclosure as applicable. Website visitors should not submit sensitive health or mental-health information through general website forms.
Cypress Counseling does not use PHI for marketing purposes without the authorization required by applicable law.
12. Data Security
Cypress Counseling takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect information within its control. Access to information is intended to be limited based on the responsibilities of the individuals or service providers who need it.
No website, email system, messaging platform, or internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Visitors should consider this when deciding what information to submit through online forms, email, or other electronic communications.
13. Minors
Cypress Counseling provides therapy services to adults age 18 and older and does not intentionally solicit personal information from children for therapy services. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through the website, please contact the practice so the matter can be reviewed.
14. Emergency and Crisis Information
Website forms, email, direct text, SimplePractice Secure Messaging, and automated SMS are not continuously monitored and should not be used for emergencies.
If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You may also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. South Carolina crisis resources may also be used as appropriate.
15. Your Choices and Requests
You may contact Cypress Counseling with questions about this Website Privacy Policy or requests concerning information you submitted through the website.
You may also manage available cookie preferences through the website’s consent or preference controls. If you have questions about PHI or your HIPAA rights as a client, please refer to the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices or contact Cypress Counseling directly.
16. Contact Information
Amy Spear, LPC
Cypress Counseling, LLC
1 Carriage Lane,
Building E, Suite 206
Charleston, SC 29407
Amy@CypressCounselingSC.com
843-896-2692
17. Changes to This Policy & Last Update
This Privacy Policy may be updated as the website, services, technology, or applicable legal requirements change. The effective date at the top of this policy will be updated when material changes are made. Continued use of the website after an updated policy is posted means that the updated policy applies to future website interactions, subject to applicable law.
Last Update: 09/22/2026
Cypress Counseling, LLC. • Website Privacy Policy
Updated: 09/22/2026