Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 2026
Overview
Welcome to The Life Counseling. We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who visit our website and use our services. This privacy policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it. By using our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
Who We Are
The Life Counseling is a licensed counseling practice located in South Dakota. We provide mental health counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. For questions about this policy, you may contact us at:
The Life Counseling * 1930 North Ave. Ste 3, Spearfish, SD, 57783 * (605) 639-5641 * lifecounselingoffice@gmail.com
INFORMATION WE COLLECT
Information You Provide to Us We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you contact us through our website, including your name, email address, phone number, and any message content you submit through our contact form. We do not collect sensitive health information through our website — any clinical information is collected and maintained separately through our secure client portal and is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices.
Automatically Collected Information When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including your IP address, browser type, the pages you visit, and the amount of time you spend on each page. This information is collected through standard web analytics tools such as Google Analytics and is used to help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it. This information is not linked to any personally identifiable information.
Cookies Our website may use cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve your browsing experience. You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, though doing so may affect the functionality of certain parts of our website.
HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
To respond to inquiries and schedule appointments, to improve the content and functionality of our website, to send administrative communications such as appointment reminders if you have opted in to receive them, and to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
HIPAA AND PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
As a mental health provider, The Life Counseling is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Any protected health information (PHI) collected in the context of providing clinical services is handled in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided to all clients at the start of treatment. Our Notice of Privacy Practices describes in detail how we use and disclose your health information and outlines your rights as a patient. A copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices is available upon request.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We take the confidentiality of your mental health information extremely seriously. Information shared in the context of therapy is kept strictly confidential in accordance with South Dakota state law, HIPAA, and the ethical guidelines of our licensing boards. There are limited exceptions to confidentiality required by law, including situations involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, or when required by a court order. These exceptions are explained in detail in your informed consent documentation at the start of treatment.
THIRD PARTY SERVICES
Our website may contain links to third party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies independently. We may use third party service providers such as website hosting platforms, analytics services, and scheduling or client portal software. These providers are selected carefully and are required to handle your information in a manner consistent with this policy.
DATA SECURITY
We take reasonable technical and administrative measures to protect the information collected through our website from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Our client portal uses encrypted, HIPAA-compliant technology to protect clinical information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
Our website is not directed toward children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website. Services for minors are provided only with appropriate parental or guardian consent as required by South Dakota law.
YOUR RIGHTS
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, request that inaccurate information be corrected, request that your information be deleted, subject to any legal obligations we have to retain it, and opt out of any non-essential communications from us. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the information provided above.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE LAW
This privacy policy is governed by the laws of the State of South Dakota. Mental health records in South Dakota are protected under South Dakota Codified Laws and applicable federal regulations. We comply with all applicable state and federal laws governing the privacy and confidentiality of mental health information.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
We reserve the right to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please contact us at:
The Life Counseling * 1930 North Ave. Ste 3, Spearfish, SD, 57783 * (605) 639-5641 * lifecounselingoffice@gmail.com