Notice of Privacy Practices

Your privacy and health information

This notice describes how health information about you—or about your child if you are seeking treatment on your child’s behalf—may be used and disclosed, and how you may access this information.

Alison Newcomer, PhD is required by law to protect the privacy of protected health information (PHI), provide patients with notice of privacy practices, and follow the terms of the notice currently in effect. privacy

How Health Information May Be Used

Health information may be used or disclosed as permitted by law for purposes related to treatment, payment, and health care operations. This may include consultation with another licensed health care provider involved in care, providing information needed for insurance reimbursement, and activities necessary to operate the practice. privacy

Certain other disclosures may be permitted or required by law, including circumstances involving suspected abuse or neglect, serious threats to health or safety, health oversight activities, judicial or administrative proceedings, and other legally required disclosures. privacy

Except where permitted or required by law, health information will not be used or disclosed without appropriate authorization.

Psychotherapy Notes

Psychotherapy notes receive additional protection under HIPAA. Their use or disclosure generally requires written authorization, with limited exceptions permitted by law.

Your Privacy Rights

As a patient—or, when applicable, as the parent or legal representative of a minor patient—you may have rights regarding health information maintained by the practice. These include rights to request certain restrictions or confidential communications, inspect or obtain copies of records as permitted by law, request corrections to records, receive an accounting of certain disclosures, and obtain a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices. privacy privacy

The application of these rights may differ when treatment involves a minor, depending on applicable law and the circumstances of treatment.

Electronic Communication

Reasonable precautions are taken to protect privacy when communicating electronically, including through email, telehealth, and the Client Portal. Electronic communication nevertheless carries inherent confidentiality risks. privacy

Treatment inquiries submitted through this website should be made using the secure consultation inquiry form rather than ordinary email.

Questions or Privacy Concerns

Questions about privacy practices or concerns about the handling of health information may be directed to:

Alison Newcomer, PhD, MHS
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(443) 267-4045
hello@alisonnewcomerphd.com

Patients may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, without fear of retaliation. privacy

Learn more about filing a HIPAA privacy complaint →

Formal Notice

Current patients receive the practice’s complete Notice of Privacy Practices as part of the intake and consent process. The formal notice contains additional information regarding uses and disclosures of protected health information and patient rights.

Effective date: October 2025