Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
🌿 Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Effective Date: May 15, 2025
At Nature’s Path Therapy, your privacy is treated as part of your safety. While we do not currently operate as a licensed clinical provider, our commitment to ethical, trauma-informed practice means your information is held with the highest degree of respect and discretion.
🤝 Our Approach to Confidentiality
Non-Clinical, But Deeply Respectful
Nature’s Path Therapy provides non-clinical, trauma-informed, and psychoeducational support services. As such, our services are not regulated under HIPAA. However, all efforts are made to handle your information with care and privacy aligned with ethical standards.
🔒 What We Collect and How We Use It
Information We Collect:
Your name, contact information, and appointment preferences
Any details you voluntarily provide when booking, emailing, or completing a form
Payment details processed through third-party systems (we do not store them ourselves)
How We Use It:
To schedule services and maintain communication
To customize offerings and ensure continuity of care
For internal analytics to improve service quality (anonymized where possible)
Never for sale, marketing abuse, or external sharing without explicit permission
🛡️ Data Storage & Protection
All digital files are password-protected and stored securely by the practice owner, Joseph Atkins.
Email and scheduling platforms are hosted by reputable third-party vendors (e.g., GoDaddy), which may not be HIPAA-compliant.
No sensitive information (e.g., diagnostic, financial, or personal trauma content) should be shared electronically without discussion.
📱 Virtual Sessions & Communication
Platforms Used:
We utilize secure video platforms reviewed for privacy settings. While not guaranteed HIPAA-compliant, they are selected for safety and discretion.
No Recording Policy:
Sessions are never recorded unless you explicitly request and consent in writing. Any approved recording is deleted immediately after its intended use.
📄 Access & Consent Rights
You have the right to:
✔️ Request access to your stored information
✔️ Correct or request deletion of your information
✔️ Revoke your consent to communication at any time
Contact:
🧩 Use of Third-Party Services
Our systems may rely on platforms such as GoDaddy (website hosting), Calendly or equivalent (scheduling), and Square/Stripe (payment). While selected for reliability, these services may not meet HIPAA compliance and should not be used to submit sensitive content.
🔄 Policy Updates
This policy reflects our current non-clinical service structure. It will be updated if licensing, HIPAA-covered services, or clinical offerings are introduced.
🌿 Terms of Service
By using this website, submitting forms, or scheduling services, you agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Nature of Services
Nature’s Path Therapy offers non-clinical, trauma-informed, and psychoeducational support. We are not a licensed mental health provider. Services are grounded in behavioral science, lived experience, academic training, and ethical practice — but do not constitute psychotherapy, diagnosis, or treatment.
⚠️ These services are not a substitute for clinical therapy, medical care, or crisis intervention.
2. Website Content Disclaimer
The information shared on this website — including blog posts, downloadable materials, and session descriptions — is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as clinical advice or a treatment plan.
3. Emergency Services Disclaimer
Nature’s Path Therapy does not offer crisis intervention.
If you are in distress or immediate danger, please contact:
📞 911
📞 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Or visit your nearest emergency facility.
4. Eligibility for Services
To work with Nature’s Path Therapy, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age
Or have verifiable guardian consent if under 18
5. Intellectual Property Rights
All content — including session titles, service names, curriculum, and downloadable tools — is the intellectual property of Nature’s Path Therapy and may not be reproduced, shared, or modified without written permission.
Facilitator licenses are available for professional or institutional use of curriculum materials.
6. Virtual Services & Limitations
a. Privacy and Confidentiality
We use secure platforms to protect session integrity, but full HIPAA compliance is not guaranteed. Clients are encouraged to use private devices and safe environments during sessions.
b. Technology Interruptions
In the event of tech issues, we will attempt to reconnect or reschedule your session at no additional cost.
c. Not Appropriate for Crisis
Virtual services are not suitable for emergency support or psychiatric stabilization.
d. Scope of Practice
Because Nature’s Path Therapy is non-clinical, we are not bound by state licensure boundaries but we always operate within our educational, experiential, and ethical scope.
7. Limitation of Liability
By choosing to engage with Nature’s Path Therapy, you accept full responsibility for your participation. We are not liable for any perceived harm, injury, or loss that results from using the website, services, or resources provided.
8. Policy & Terms Updates
These terms may be updated as the practice grows or transitions toward licensure or clinical services. Continued use of the website or engagement with services implies acceptance of updated terms.
9. Questions or Contact
We welcome transparency and dialogue.
