Notice of Privacy Practices

Nova Clinical Family Therapy, Inc.

DBA Nova Psychotherapy

Effective Date: Feb 3rd,2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Nova Psychotherapy is committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (“PHI”). This notice explains how your information may be used, your rights under federal HIPAA law and applicable California privacy laws, and our legal responsibilities.

Our Legal Duties

We are required by law to:

  • Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.

  • Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices.

  • Follow the terms currently in effect.

  • Notify you if a breach occurs that may compromise the privacy or security of your information.

We reserve the right to revise this notice. Updated versions will be posted on our website with a new effective date.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

Treatment

We may use and disclose information to provide psychotherapy services, coordinate care, or consult with other healthcare professionals when clinically appropriate.

Payment

If you choose to use insurance or submit claims for reimbursement, information may be disclosed for billing purposes.

Healthcare Operations

We may use information for practice operations such as supervision, licensing requirements, quality improvement, training, or legal compliance.

Psychotherapy Notes

Psychotherapy notes receive special protection under HIPAA.

We will not disclose psychotherapy notes without your written authorization except in limited circumstances permitted by law, such as:

  • Use by the therapist for treatment purposes

  • Required legal disclosures


Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization

Federal and California law allow certain disclosures without written permission, including:

  • Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect

  • Reporting elder or dependent adult abuse

  • Preventing serious threats to health or safety

  • Compliance with court orders or legal proceedings

  • Public health reporting when required

  • Workers’ compensation claims

Electronic Communication and Telehealth

Nova Psychotherapy may use electronic systems to communicate or provide services, including telehealth platforms.

While reasonable safeguards are used, electronic communication (email, text messaging, telehealth platforms) may carry privacy risks. By engaging in these services, you acknowledge understanding of these potential risks.

Clients are encouraged to discuss preferred communication methods and confidentiality concerns directly with the therapist.

Minors and Parent/Guardian Access

For clients under age 18, parents or legal guardians may have rights to access records unless restricted by law or clinical judgment.

Certain services provided to minors under California law may allow confidential treatment without parental access. These situations will be discussed individually.

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the right to:

  • Request access to or copies of your records (with legal exceptions)

  • Request amendments to your records

  • Request confidential communication methods or locations

  • Request limits on certain uses or disclosures

  • Receive an accounting of certain disclosures

  • Receive a paper or electronic copy of this notice

Requests must be submitted in writing.

Confidentiality and California Law

California law may provide additional privacy protections beyond federal HIPAA standards. When state law is more protective, Nova Psychotherapy will follow California privacy requirements.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint without retaliation.

Contact:

Nova Psychotherapy

P.O Box 80254

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688

Phone: 424.420.3551

Email: Shaghayegh.mzhr@gmail.com

You may also file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Civil Rights

www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this Notice of Privacy Practices. Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.