PRIVACY POLICY
Welcome to Sears Private Practice, operated by Richard Sears, Counselling Psychologist, based in Chandigarh, India ("we", "us", or "our"). We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information obtained via our website and through our counselling services (online and in-person).
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
- Personal Information: name, contact details (email, phone, address), date of birth, emergency contact details, and billing/payment information where applicable.
- Sensitive Personal Data or Information (SPDI): mental health history, therapy notes, presenting concerns and related clinical information that you provide during counselling. We collect this information only with your informed consent and to provide services.
- Technical & Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type and version, device information, pages visited and visit timestamps, and similar analytics data for site performance and improvement.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide, manage, and document counselling and psychological services.
- To schedule and confirm appointments and communicate with you about services.
- To process payments and invoices, when applicable.
- To comply with legal, regulatory, or professional obligations.
- To improve our website, content, and service delivery.
3. Legal Basis & Consent
By contacting us, using our website, or engaging in counselling services, you provide consent for the collection and processing of your personal and sensitive data as described in this policy. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us; withdrawal of consent may affect our ability to continue providing services to you.
4. Data Storage and Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction. Access to client records is restricted to Richard Sears and any authorised staff bound by confidentiality. Online sessions are conducted using secure, encrypted platforms when applicable.
5. Disclosure and Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Your information may be disclosed only in the following limited circumstances:
- With your explicit, written consent;
- To comply with a valid legal process, court order, or where required by applicable law;
- If there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or others, or there is reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect of a vulnerable person;
- To comply with professional regulatory or ethical obligations.
6. Retention of Records
Counselling records are retained for a period consistent with professional practice guidelines and legal requirements in India. After the retention period, records will be securely deleted or anonymized.
7. Your Rights
You may have the right to:
- Access and obtain a copy of personal information we hold about you;
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information;
- Withdraw consent to further processing (subject to legal and contractual limitations);
- Request deletion of personal information, where applicable under law.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below. We may request proof of identity before fulfilling requests.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; however, doing so may affect site functionality.
9. Third-Party Links
This website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review the privacy policies of any external site you visit.
10. Children and Minors
Our services are intended for individuals aged 18 and above. If counselling is sought for a minor, it must be initiated by a parent or legal guardian and appropriate consent will be obtained. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental consent.
11. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect legal or operational changes. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect the latest revision. Continued use of our website or services after updates constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or would like to exercise your data rights, please contact:
Richard Sears
Sears Private Practice
Chandigarh, India
Email: Richard@SearsPrivatePractice.com
Phone: 6284953043
WhatsApp: +1 404 642 5462