Website Privacy Policy

If you have any concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis or treatments, please consult with your health care provider.

Couples Counseling Chicago (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.couplescounselingchicago.net.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using this website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

Fill out contact forms or inquiry forms on our website
Subscribe to our newsletter or blog updates
Send us emails or other communications
Schedule appointments or consultations
Participate in surveys or provide feedback

This information may include:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Mailing address
Information about your inquiry or interest in our services
Any other information you choose to provide

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain information about your device and browsing actions may be collected automatically, including:

Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, time spent on pages, and other diagnostic data
Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website and store certain information (see Section 4 for more details)
Analytics Data: Information about how you interact with our website, gathered through analytics services

1.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not:

Collect sensitive medical or health information through this website
Require registration or account creation to view content
Collect payment information through our website (payments are processed separately through secure third-party processors)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

To Respond to Your Inquiries: Processing and responding to your questions, comments, or requests for information
To Provide Services: Scheduling appointments and providing information about our counseling services
To Send Communications: Sending newsletters, updates, and other information you have requested (you can opt out at any time)
To Improve Our Website: Understanding how visitors use our website and making improvements
To Analyze Trends: Conducting analytics and research to better understand our audience
To Comply with Legal Obligations: Meeting legal requirements and protecting our rights
To Prevent Fraud: Detecting, preventing, and addressing security issues or fraudulent activity

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your personal information depends on the data involved and the context in which we collect it:

Consent: You have given us explicit consent to process your information for a specific purpose
Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (such as improving our services) and does not override your rights
Legal Obligation: We need to process your information to comply with the law

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.

4.2 Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website (e.g., Google Analytics)
Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and choices
Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track ad campaign performance

4.3 Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set cookies on your device, including:

Google Analytics: To analyze website traffic and user behavior
Social Media Platforms: If you interact with social media buttons on our site
Advertising Networks: To deliver targeted advertisements
Amazon Associates: For affiliate tracking purposes

4.4 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

View what cookies are stored on your device
Delete all cookies or specific cookies
Block third-party cookies
Block cookies from particular sites
Accept all cookies

Please note that if you disable cookies, some features of our website may not function properly.

To opt out of Google Analytics, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:

Website hosting and maintenance
Email service providers
Analytics services
Customer relationship management systems

These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only to provide services to us and to protect your information.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency), including to meet national security or law enforcement requirements.

5.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when we have your explicit consent to do so.

6. Amazon Associates Program

Couples Counseling Chicago is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

When you click on Amazon product links on our website and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Amazon may use cookies to track these referrals.

We only recommend products that we believe may be genuinely helpful to our visitors. Our participation in this program does not influence the content or recommendations on our website.

7. Advertising and Third-Party Ads

We may display advertisements on our website and work with third-party advertising networks. These networks may collect information about your visits to this and other websites to provide advertisements about goods and services that may interest you.

7.1 Interest-Based Advertising

Third-party vendors, including Google, may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting:

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure.

However, please note that:

No Internet transmission is completely secure: Despite our efforts, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted over the Internet
Email is not confidential: Email and other electronic communications over the Internet are not secure or confidential. We cannot guarantee the security of communications sent via email

For confidential communications or to discuss clinical matters, please contact us by phone or schedule an in-person appointment.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Contact form submissions and email communications are retained for:

Active correspondence and follow-up purposes
Compliance with legal obligations
Resolution of disputes and enforcement of our agreements

Analytics and website usage data are typically retained according to our analytics service provider’s policies (e.g., Google Analytics retains data for a specific period as outlined in their terms).

10. Your Privacy Rights

10.1 General Rights

You have the right to:

Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time

10.2 European Economic Area (EEA) Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the EEA, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your personal data
Right to Restriction of Processing: Request that we restrict processing of your data
Right to Data Portability: Receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used format
Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal data
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

10.3 California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):

Right to Know: Request information about personal data we’ve collected, used, disclosed, or sold
Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information we have collected
Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights
Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
Right to Limit Use: Limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information

10.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided below. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically 30-45 days).

We may need to verify your identity before processing your request. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Do Not Track Signals

Some web browsers have a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals or similar mechanisms.

13. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those of your country.

If we transfer your information outside of your jurisdiction, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

14. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

Amazon.com (through our affiliate links)
Social media platforms
Professional organizations
Resource websites

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any website you visit.

15. Confidentiality in Counseling Services

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website only. It does not govern information shared during counseling sessions or clinical services.

Clinical confidentiality is governed by:

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations
State of Illinois mental health confidentiality laws
Professional ethical codes
Our Notice of Privacy Practices (provided to clients)

Information shared in counseling sessions is subject to strict confidentiality protections, with limited exceptions as required by law (such as imminent danger to self or others, child abuse, elder abuse, or court orders).

16. 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 “Effective Date” at the top of this policy
Sending an email notification (if we have your email address)

Your continued use of our website after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Couples Counseling Chicago
655 W. Irving Park Rd Ste 203, Chicago, IL 60613
Website: www.couplescounselingchicago.net

Phone: [Available on our Contact page]

18. Consent

By using our website, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website.

Summary of Key Points

We collect minimal personal information, primarily what you voluntarily provide
We use your information to respond to inquiries and improve our website
We do not sell your personal information to third parties
We use cookies and analytics to improve user experience
We are Amazon Associates and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases
You have rights to access, correct, and delete your personal information
Email communications are not confidential—use phone for sensitive matters
Clinical confidentiality is governed separately under HIPAA and state law