Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
VenTherapy ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mental health platform.
2. Data Protection Compliance
VenTherapy complies with Indian data protection laws including the Information Technology Act 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules 2011, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 and other applicable privacy laws. Your Protected Health Information (PHI) is handled with the utmost care and security.
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Personal Information
- Name, contact information, and demographic data
- Payment and billing information
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance information (if applicable)
3.2 Health Information
- Mental health symptoms and conditions
- Treatment history and medications
- Assessment results and therapy notes
- Crisis safety plans and risk assessments
3.3 Technical Information
- Device information and IP addresses
- Session recordings (with consent)
- Platform usage analytics
- Communication logs and timestamps
4. How We Use Your Information
4.1 Treatment Purposes
- Providing therapy and mental health services
- Coordinating care between providers
- Emergency interventions and safety planning
- Treatment planning and progress monitoring
4.2 Payment and Operations
- Processing payments and insurance claims
- Platform administration and technical support
- Quality assurance and service improvement
- Legal compliance and regulatory reporting
4.3 Communication
- Appointment reminders and scheduling
- Treatment recommendations and follow-ups
- Platform updates and service notifications
- Crisis intervention and safety communications
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Authorized Disclosures
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- With your written consent for specific purposes
- Between your care team (therapist, psychiatrist, etc.)
- For payment processing with insurance or billing services
- With family members you've authorized to receive information
5.2 Required Disclosures
We may be required to disclose information without consent in these situations:
- Imminent danger to yourself or others
- Child or elder abuse reporting requirements
- Court orders or legal proceedings
- Public health emergencies as required by law
6. Data Security Measures
6.1 Technical Safeguards
- End-to-end encryption for all communications
- Secure data centers with 24/7 monitoring
- Multi-factor authentication for access
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
6.2 Administrative Safeguards
- Comprehensive staff training on privacy practices
- Role-based access controls and permissions
- Incident response and breach notification procedures
- Regular policy reviews and updates
6.3 Physical Safeguards
- Secure server facilities with restricted access
- Encrypted storage for all data at rest
- Secure disposal of physical and electronic media
- Workstation security and access controls
7. Your Privacy Rights
7.1 Access and Review
You have the right to:
- Access your personal health information
- Request copies of your records
- Review therapy notes and assessments
- Obtain an accounting of disclosures
7.2 Amendment and Correction
You may request to:
- Correct inaccurate information
- Add missing information to your records
- Update contact or emergency information
- Modify communication preferences
7.3 Restriction and Objection
You can request:
- Restrictions on how we use your information
- Alternative communication methods
- Opt-out of certain communications
- Limitation of information sharing
8. Data Retention
We retain your information in accordance with legal and professional requirements:
- Active records: During treatment and as long as clinically necessary
- Completed treatment: Minimum 7 years after last service
- Minor clients: Until age of majority plus additional years as required
- Billing records: As required for audit and legal purposes
9. International Data Transfers
If you access our services from outside India, your information may be transferred to and processed in India where our servers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.
10. Third-Party Services
10.1 Service Providers
We work with trusted third-party vendors who may have access to your information:
- Payment processors and billing services
- Cloud hosting and security providers
- Communication and video conferencing platforms
- Analytics and performance monitoring tools
10.2 Business Associates
All third-party vendors sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) ensuring they maintain the same level of privacy protection for your information.
11. Minors' Privacy
For clients under 18, we balance minor privacy rights with parental involvement:
- Parental consent required for treatment initiation
- Age-appropriate privacy protections in therapy
- Emergency notification procedures for parents/guardians
- Transition planning for adult services
12. Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your information, we will:
- Notify you within 60 days of discovery
- Report to appropriate regulatory authorities
- Provide details about what information was involved
- Offer steps you can take to protect yourself
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes and post the updated policy on our website.
14. Contact Information
For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact our Privacy Officer:
Email: privacy@ventherapy.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
Address: [Privacy Officer Address]
Questions About Your Privacy Rights?
You have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate data protection authorities if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Data Protection Contact: You may contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@venthrapy.com