Privacy Policy

Introduction

Firefly Counseling & Consulting ("I," "my," or "the practice") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit my website fireflycc.com and use my services.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) in Maine, I am bound by both the American Psychological Association (APA) ethical guidelines and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding the protection of your personal health information.

Information I Collect

Personal Information You Provide

When you contact me through this website, I may collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Message content

Automatic Information Collection

When you visit my website, certain information may be automatically collected, including:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• IP address
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses

How I Use Your Information

I use the information I collect to:

• Respond to your inquiries and contact requests
• Schedule consultation appointments
• Provide information about my services
• Improve my website and services
• Comply with legal obligations

Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance

Important: This website is for informational purposes only. Any information you submit through the contact form is not considered Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA until a formal therapeutic relationship is established.

Once you become a client and we establish a therapeutic relationship, all your health information will be protected under HIPAA regulations. Please see my HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for detailed information about how your health information is protected.

Limits of Confidentiality for Electronic Communications

Please be aware that electronic communications (email, contact forms, text messages) are not completely secure. While I take reasonable precautions to protect your information, I cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted over the Internet.

Do not include sensitive health information in contact form submissions or emails.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

I do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. I may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: When you explicitly authorize me to share information
• For business operations: With trusted service providers who assist in operating my website or conducting my business (e.g., scheduling platform, email services), under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect safety
• Professional consultation: With other healthcare professionals for consultation purposes, in compliance with HIPAA regulations

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

Third-Party Services

This website uses the following third-party services:

• SimplePractice: Secure client portal for scheduling and communication (HIPAA-compliant)
• Any other service providers are required to maintain confidentiality and security of your information

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information I hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and professional obligations)
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Receive a copy of this Privacy Policy upon request

Data Security

I implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact me:

Professional Licensing

Dorrie Lombardi is licensed to practice mental health counseling in:

• Florida: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - License verification available through the Florida Department of Health
• Maine: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) - License verification available through the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure