Privacy Policy

Dr. Sofya Vasilyeva, Licensed Psychologist
CA License PSY 36024
📧 Email: miserytomastery@gmail.com
📞 Phone: (917) 355-1448

1. Who We Are

This policy describes how we collect, use, share, and protect your information, including:

Protected Health Information (PHI): Information received or created during psychotherapy, assessments, or consultations, as defined by HIPAA and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA).
Personal Information: Data collected through this website, scheduling tools, emails, phone calls, or social media.

2. How We Collect Information

Context Examples of Data Collected

Clinical Intake & Treatment Demographics, medical and mental health history, session notes, insurance information

Website & Scheduling Name, email, phone number, preferred appointment times, IP address, browser type

Payment Processing Last four digits of your credit card, billing ZIP code (processed via secure platforms; full card numbers are never stored)

Analytics & Cookies Non-identifiable usage data such as page views and time on site (via Google Analytics 4 or Plausible). You may disable cookies in your browser without affecting access to treatment.

3. How We Use and Share Your PHI

PHI may be used or disclosed without additional written authorization for:

Treatment: Coordination with other healthcare providers
Payment: Preparing superbills, verifying insurance, collections
Healthcare Operations: Quality improvement, supervision, audits, licensure requirements

All other uses—such as disclosures to third parties, for marketing, or research—require your signed authorization unless legally exempt (e.g., court order, danger to self/others, mandated reporting).

4. Your Privacy Rights

Right How to Exercise

Access & Copy Records Submit a written request. Copies provided within 15 working days (per PAHRA).

Request Amendments Submit a written request with the reason for amendment. Response within 60 days.

Restrict Disclosures Reasonable written requests will be honored unless otherwise required by law.

Confidential Communications You may request alternate addresses, phone numbers, or secure communication.

Accounting of Disclosures You may request one free accounting within a 12-month period.

File a Complaint See Section 10. No retaliation will occur.

5. Data Security

HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) and encrypted telehealth platforms (e.g., Simple Practice, Doxy.me)
Device encryption, strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
PHI is never sent via unencrypted email or SMS
Secure, off-site backups maintained in compliance with California record retention laws (7 years after the final session or until the client turns 25, whichever is later)

6. Website & Marketing Privacy (CalOPPA / CCPA)

Category Examples Purpose

Identifiers Name, email, IP address Scheduling, responding to inquiries

Internet Activity Page interactions, cookies Site analytics, improving user experience

Sensitive Data None collected for marketing—

We do not sell or share your personal information for advertising purposes.
California residents may request (1) a list of personal data collected or (2) deletion of website-collected data. Email miserytomastery@gmail.com with subject line “California Privacy Request.”

7. Minors

This website is not directed to individuals under 13 years old. Clinical services for minors are provided only with proper legal consent in accordance with California law.

8. Changes to This Policy

Any material changes will be posted here and reflected by an updated "Last revised" date. Significant updates will also be communicated directly to current clients via session or the client portal.

9. Questions or Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact:

Dr. Sofya Vasilyeva
Email: miserytomastery@gmail.com
Phone: (917) 355-1448

You may also file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
www.hhs.gov/ocr | (800) 368-1019
California Board of Psychology
www.psychology.ca.gov | (866) 503-3221

No retaliation will occur for filing a complaint.