Last Updated: October 30, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Ginkgo Tree Counseling (“I,” “me,” or “my”) collects, uses, and protects information when you visit the Ginkgo Tree Counseling website (the “Site”). Your privacy matters deeply, and I am committed to handling your information with care, transparency, and respect.
Please note: This Privacy Policy addresses information collected through your use of this website. It does not describe how I handle Protected Health Information (PHI) created or received during the course of therapy. Once you become a client, your PHI is governed by HIPAA and my separate Notice of Privacy Practices, which I will provide to you at intake.
1. Who I Am
Liz Gibbons is a therapy intern providing mental health services. If you have questions about this policy, you may contact me at:
Email: lizgibbons13@gmail.com
2. Information I Collect Through This Website
I collect only the information reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries and operate the Site.
Information you provide voluntarily:
When you submit a contact form, send an email, or request a consultation, you may provide your name, email address, phone number, and the content of your message. Please do not submit sensitive health information, clinical history, or crisis details through general website contact forms. Those forms are not intended for clinical communication, and I cannot guarantee their security in the same way as a HIPAA-compliant client portal.
Information collected automatically:
Like most websites, the Site may collect certain technical data automatically, including your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referring URLs. This data is used to understand how the Site is used and to improve its performance and accessibility. If I use cookies or analytics tools, they are limited to essential functionality and aggregate usage analysis. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some Site features may not function as intended.
3. How I Use Your Information
I use the information collected through the Site only for the following purposes:
- To respond to your inquiries and consultation requests;
- To schedule appointments and communicate with you about logistics;
- To maintain the security and functionality of the Site;
- To comply with legal obligations.
I do not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes. I do not use website tracking pixels or analytics tools that disclose identifiable therapy-seeking behavior to advertising networks.
4. Third-Party Services
The Site may rely on third-party providers for essential functions, such as website hosting, scheduling, or email delivery. These providers access information only as necessary to perform their services and are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards. Where a third-party service handles PHI (for example, a client portal or telehealth platform), I use only HIPAA-compliant vendors with executed Business Associate Agreements in place.
If you choose to use a third-party scheduling or payment tool linked from this Site, that provider’s own privacy policy and terms apply.
5. Data Security
I take reasonable technical and administrative measures to protect information submitted through the Site from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These measures include secure hosting, access controls, and encrypted transmission where appropriate. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security of information submitted through general website channels.
For confidential clinical communication, please use the secure client portal or contact me directly to arrange a HIPAA-compliant method of communication.
6. Data Retention
Inquiry and contact form information is retained only as long as necessary to respond to your message and manage any resulting scheduling. If you become a client, clinical records are retained in accordance with applicable law and professional ethics requirements, as described in my Notice of Privacy Practices.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of information you have submitted through the Site. To make such a request, please contact me using the information in Section 1. I will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Please note that requests related to clinical records are handled under HIPAA and my Notice of Privacy Practices, not this website policy.
8. Children’s Privacy
The Site is not directed to individuals under the age of 18. I do not knowingly collect personal information through the Site from minors. If you believe a minor has submitted information through the Site, please contact me so that I can address it.
9. Crisis and Emergency Disclaimer
The Site is not monitored for emergencies. Contact forms, email, and voicemail are not appropriate channels for urgent or crisis situations. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Do not use this website to seek immediate help.
10. Changes to This Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in practices, technology, or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled through the Site, please contact:
Liz Gibbons
lizgibbons13@gmail.com