Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 11, 2025

Owner: Acura Blaylock, MS, LPC-Associate
Supervised by: Dr. Carole Gilmore, PhD, LPC-S
Practice Name: Mental Essence Counseling, PLLC
Licensed in: Texas (92314)
Website: https://www.mentalessence.org
Contact Email: acurablaylock@mentalessence.org

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how I, Acura Blaylock, LPC-Associate and owner of Mental Essence Counseling, PLLC, collect, use, and protect personal information through this website (https://www.mentalessence.org). This policy is designed to comply with federal regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and applicable Texas privacy laws.

By using this site, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information I Collect

a. Personal Information (may include Protected Health Information under HIPAA):

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Any information you voluntarily submit through contact forms, consultation requests, or pre-screening/intake forms

b. Non-Personal Information:

  • Browser type

  • Device type

  • IP address

  • Pages visited

  • Date, time, and duration of visits

This information may be collected automatically through cookies, analytics tools, or similar technologies to help improve the website experience.

3. How Your Information Is Used

Your information may be used to:

  • Respond to your messages, inquiries, or appointment requests

  • Provide therapy services and administrative communication

  • Deliver updates regarding scheduling or practice operations

  • Comply with legal, ethical, licensing, or supervisory requirements

Mental Essence Counseling, PLLC does not sell, rent, or share your personal information without your written consent, except when required by law.

4. Data Security

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal and health information in accordance with HIPAA security standards.

Security practices include:

  • Secure, encrypted electronic record storage

  • Limiting access to authorized individuals only

  • Using HIPAA-compliant communication, scheduling, and telehealth systems whenever possible

However, no method of transmitting information over the internet is completely secure. Please use caution when submitting sensitive information online.

5. Cookies and Analytics

This website may use cookies and analytics services to gather anonymous data about how visitors interact with the site.

Examples include:

  • Tracking which pages are visited

  • Gathering general location or device information

  • Understanding visitor behavior to improve site functionality

You may disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

Analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) collect non-identifiable information and do not collect personal health information.

6. Third-Party Tools and Links

This site may include links or connections to secure third-party services such as:

  • Telehealth platforms

  • Scheduling systems

  • Payment processors

  • Email communication tools

Each third-party service maintains its own privacy policy. Mental Essence Counseling, PLLC is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

Examples may include (but are not limited to):

  • Sessions Health

  • SimplePractice

  • Spruce Health (HIPAA-compliant)

  • HIPAA-compliant email or messaging systems

7. Teletherapy & Confidentiality

Teletherapy sessions are provided through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Before beginning services, you will be required to complete an Informed Consent form detailing privacy practices and limits of confidentiality.

Confidentiality may be broken only when legally required, including:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult

  • Serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others

  • Court orders or legal subpoenas that require disclosure

I follow all Texas state laws and licensing board requirements related to confidentiality and supervision.

8. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your client records

  • Request corrections or amendments to your information

  • Request limits on certain uses or disclosures

  • Withdraw consent for optional communication

  • File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, email me using the contact information below.

9. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under 13 years old. Mental Essence Counseling, PLLC does not knowingly collect information from minors without verified parental or guardian consent.

10. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be revised periodically to reflect legal changes or updates to practice procedures. The effective date at the top of the page will be updated whenever changes are made.

Your continued use of the website serves as acceptance of any updates.

11. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or the handling of your information, please contact:

Acura Blaylock, MS, LPC-Associate
Mental Essence Counseling, PLLC
Supervised by Dr. Carole Gilmore, PhD, LPC-S
📧 Email: acurablaylock@mentalessence.org
🌐 Website: https://www.mentalessence.org