Privacy Policy

Last updated November 15, 2025

Hope and Shine, LLC

Email: therapy@hopeandshine.com

1. Introduction

Hope and Shine, LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with applicable laws, including the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) and relevant federal privacy standards. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you visit our website (the “Website”) and outlines how we collect, use, maintain, protect, and disclose that information when you contact us for therapy or related services. By using this Website, you consent to the practices described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our Website.

2. Information We Collect

We only collect the minimal information needed to respond to inquiries or provide requested services.

Personal Information We Collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Name of insurance provider (for verification or scheduling purposes only)

You may voluntarily provide this information when contacting us through forms or requesting appointments.

We do not collect or store detailed health records, therapy notes, payment card data, or other sensitive medical or financial information through our Website.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information only for purposes that are directly related to our services, including:

• Responding to your inquiries or appointment requests

• Providing information about our services, if requested

• Communicating with you regarding scheduling or support

• Maintaining and improving our website and user experience

• Complying with applicable laws or legal obligations

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing or advertising purposes.

4. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no system or method of data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. You are encouraged to avoid sharing sensitive health or personal details through website forms or unencrypted email.

5. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use limited cookies or analytics tools to improve functionality and understand general site usage (such as pages visited or time spent). You can choose to disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer. We do not use cookies for targeted advertising, behavioral tracking, or profiling.

6. Disclosure of Information

We may share your personal information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With trusted service providers (e.g., website host, email provider) who help operate our site or deliver services on our behalf and are bound by confidentiality obligations.

• When required by law, regulation, or legal process.

• To protect the rights, property, or safety of Hope and Shine, LLC, our clients, or others.

We do not sell or disclose your information to third parties for any commercial purpose.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes.

You may request deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us at therapy@hopeandshine.com.

8. Your Privacy Rights (Maryland Residents)

Under the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA), you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you

• Request correction or deletion of your personal information

• Request a copy of your personal information in a portable format

• Opt out of any sale or targeted advertising (not applicable, as we do not sell data)

To exercise these rights, please contact us at therapy@hopeandshine.com. We will respond within the timeframe required by Maryland law.

9. Children’s and Minors’ Privacy

We are committed to protecting the privacy of minors who receive therapy or use our Website. Our services may be provided to teens and minors only with parental or legal guardian consent in compliance with Maryland law and professional ethical standards. When a parent or guardian initiates contact or provides information for a minor, that data is used solely to provide therapy and manage related administrative needs. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without proper consent. If you believe a minor has provided information without parental authorization, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

10. Medical and Mental Health Advice Disclaimer

Hope and Shine, LLC provides professional mental health therapy services through licensed clinicians. However, all content provided on this Website—including articles, blog posts, educational materials, and other resources—is for general informational and educational purposes only.

Information on the Website should not be interpreted as medical, psychiatric, or therapeutic advice, nor does it create a client-therapist relationship. Individual care is only established after a formal intake process and a signed consent for treatment.

Always seek the advice of your qualified mental health or medical provider with any questions you may have regarding your emotional or psychological well-being.

11. Links to Other Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites for convenience or reference. Hope and Shine, LLC is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Your continued use of our Website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:

Hope and Shine, LLC

Email: therapy@hopeandshine.com