Privacy Policy

How We Collect, Use, and Protect Your Information

NorthlightCounseling.org

Effective Date: April 10, 2026

Northlight Counseling LLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit NorthlightCounseling.org (the "Site"). Please read this policy carefully. If you disagree with its terms, please discontinue use of the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information in the following ways:

1a. Information You Provide Voluntarily

  • Contact form submissions (name, email address, phone number, and message content)

  • Appointment request or inquiry forms

  • Email correspondence initiated by you

Note: Do not submit sensitive clinical information, protected health information (PHI), or crisis disclosures through any website contact form. These channels are not HIPAA-secure. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

1b. Automatically Collected Information

  • IP address and general geographic region

  • Browser type and device information

  • Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 4)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to inquiries and schedule consultations

  • Improve the functionality and content of our Site

  • Analyze website traffic and user behavior in aggregate

  • Comply with applicable legal obligations

We do not use your information for automated decision-making or profiling, and we do not sell your personal information to third parties.

3. HIPAA Notice

This website is a general information and contact site. It is not a client portal and does not transmit, store, or process protected health information (PHI) as defined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All clinical records and communications related to your care are governed by our separate Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided to clients at the start of services.

If you are a current or prospective client, please contact us directly by phone or through our HIPAA-compliant client portal for any sensitive matters.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and gather analytics data. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, some portions of the Site may not function properly.

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) that place their own cookies. These services collect anonymized, aggregate data about site usage. You may opt out of Google Analytics tracking by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, including therapist directories, scheduling platforms, or professional organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

6. Data Retention

We retain contact form submissions and inquiry data only as long as reasonably necessary to respond to your request or as required by law. Website analytics data is retained according to the terms of our analytics provider.

7. Children's Privacy

This Site is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your state of residence, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, or request deletion of data we hold about you. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Site after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at maggieduret@northlightcounseling.org

Website: NorthlightCounseling.org

Please do not include sensitive clinical information in any website contact form or email inquiry.

Terms and Conditions

Terms of Use for NorthlightCounseling.org

Effective Date: April 10, 2026

Please read these Terms and Conditions ("Terms") carefully before using NorthlightCounseling.org (the "Site"), operated by Northlight Counseling LLC ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using the Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Nature of the Site

This Site provides general information about Northlight Counseling's services, approach, and contact information. The content on this Site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, mental health treatment, or the establishment of a therapist-client relationship.

No therapist-client relationship is formed through use of this website, submission of a contact form, or exchange of email. A therapeutic relationship is only established through a formal intake process, execution of a signed service agreement, and commencement of clinical services.

2. Not a Crisis Resource

This Site is not monitored in real time and is not an appropriate resource for mental health crises or emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please:

  • Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

  • Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

3. Informational Content Only

All content on this Site, including articles, blog posts, descriptions of therapeutic approaches, and general mental health information, is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified mental health provider regarding any questions or concerns about your mental health.

Reading or engaging with content on this Site does not create a duty of care on our part toward the reader.

4. Accuracy of Information

We strive to keep the information on this Site current and accurate. However, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of any information on the Site. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on this Site—including text, graphics, logos, photographs, and other materials—is the property of Northlight Counseling or its content suppliers and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on this Site without our prior written permission.

6. User Conduct

By using this Site, you agree not to:

  • Use the Site for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms

  • Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information through any contact form

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Site

  • Upload or transmit any harmful code, viruses, or disruptive data

  • Use the Site to harass, threaten, or harm any person

7. Third-Party Services

The Site may link to or integrate with third-party platforms such as scheduling tools, therapist directories, or telehealth platforms. Your use of those services is governed by their respective terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for the practices or content of third-party services.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Northlight Counseling shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of—or inability to use—the Site or its content, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Our total liability for any claims arising out of these Terms or your use of the Site shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Northlight Counseling and its owners, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of your use of the Site or your violation of these Terms.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Minnesota.

11. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the Site with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the Site after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at: maggieduret@northlightcounseling.org