Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 2025
GDPR Privacy Notice
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) seeks to protect and enhance the rights of EU data subjects. These rights cover the safeguarding of personal data, protection against the unlawful processing of personal data, and the unrestricted movement of personal data within the EU and its storage within the EEA.
Personal information you provide may be used to contact you regarding your required services. Contact will be via email or phone call, if so specified.
Purposes of the personal data processed by me.
In addition to the GDPR, the WGBO (Medical Treatment Agreement Act -Wet op de geneeskundige behandelingsovereenkomst) and the professional code of my professional association and of the Register of Professional Practitioners Complementary Care (RBCZ Register Beroepsbeoefenaren Complementaire Zorg) apply to my work. These affect the purposes for which I record personal data. For that reason, I handle personal data as follows:
Obligation to keep records
Under the Medical Treatment Agreement Act (WGBO), as a healthcare provider, I am obliged to keep a medical file.
Retention period
The main rule for storing medical records is in the WGBO. That is 20 years, calculated from the date of recording each individual data. The period may be longer if this is necessary for the purpose of treatment (for example, if someone has a chronic illness).
Professional secrecy
As a therapist, I am subject to a duty of confidentiality on the basis of the professional code and the legally regulated medical confidentiality. Employees of a psychosocial or complementary practice are bound by a duty of confidentiality through an employment contract.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling. This means that under normal circumstances no one outside Mind in Balance Counseling is given any information — even the fact that you have been here — without your expressed written consent. My primary goal is to provide you with a safe environment in which you feel comfortable to discuss your concerns.
The Mind in Balance staff members follow the professional, legal and ethical guidelines of the ABvC (Algemeene Beroepsvereiniging voor Counselling), Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen and the American Psychological Association. As a part of our service provision, we maintain confidential records of all counseling sessions. This information is not available to anyone without your expressed written permission.
Please be aware that there are certain circumstances in which therapists are required to breach confidentiality without a client’s permission. Therapists are mandated to report certain information in which there is the possibility of harm to a client or to another person, in cases of child or elder abuse, or under court order. Your therapist will explain these situations to you in your first meeting. You may also refer to the Privacy Policy statement for more information.
Your rights
Request to access to a client’s personal information held by me is one of the client’s rights. The client has the right to request a copy of the information that the counseling practice has about you. To release a client’s files and information, written request and reason for request should be submitted to Mind in Balance Counseling, expect a response within 30 days of request receipt. You have a right to request the transfer of your data to another individual or company. You may ask for correction or removal of information if you so believe to be inaccurate.
Fees and Cancellation policy
The client is responsible for coming to their session on time, and at the time we have scheduled. If you are late, session will end on time. If a session is missed within 24 hours of appointment, session will still be charged at full and regular rate. Exception to this rule is may apply depending on conditions and it is up to the discretion of Mind in Balance Counseling staff. Examples may be for inclement weather (icy roads) or if you or someone under your care has fallen ill suddenly. Repeated no-shows without contact may result in being dropped as a client.
You are responsible for paying for services received. Invoices are emailed within 24 hours after your session.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT. Please check with your insurance company for their reimbursement policy.
Any unpaid fees will be charged accumulating late fees (2% surcharge per week delay). If the client refuses to pay their debt, the client’s name may be provided to a collection agency to assist in debt collection.
Feedback and Complaints
Feedback and quality about the services you receive are welcome, please contact me. Mind in Balance Counseling aims to create a space of authenticity, trust and safety. If you feel like progressed has stalled or the techniques are not optimal for your wellness, you are encouraged and welcome to discuss with me or any other professional. You may do so in person at our next session, or via email where we can engage in conversation about what isn’t going as you expected.
If you want to file a formal complaint, you might also do so via: https://klachtenportaalzorg.nl/klachtenportaal-zorg/klachtenprocedure/.
Absences, Vacation, Office Closures
Service interruptions, for any and several reasons, will always be discussed in advance with the client. It is possible that arrangements could be made for session to move online in case of extended travel or situations such as CoVid. The only exception for a last-minute cancellation will be for sudden illness, in such cases therapist will make every effort to communicate with client as much in advance as possible.
Additional Questions
Any other questions regarding treatment, sessions, changes to services, etc. are welcome to be discussed in session or via email.
Website Cookies
The website mindinbalancecounseling.com uses cookies.
Website visitors who do not wish to have cookies placed on their computers should set their browsers to refuse cookies before using this website.
Minimal information is collected and needed to provide the services required; Your information and data will not be brokered.
Cookies
The website collects and stores any information you enter on the website. The use of software tools which measure and collect session information may be
used. This includes, but is not limited to, length of website visit, location, page interaction.
Non-personal and Personal Information may be used for purposes such as:
Services offered and requested;
To provide our Users assistance and answers to the services offered;
To comply with any applicable laws and regulations.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, You can contact us:
By email: michelle@mindinbalancecounseling.com
Mind in Balance Counseling reserves the right to amend and edit this Privacy Policy.
Health Policy: If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or any other signs of infectious illness, we
kindly ask that you stay home and cancel your appointment. Your health and the well-being of our community are our top priorities.