Privacy Policy
Introduction
The Nickel Collective ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [www.thenickelcollectivetherapy.com] and when you become a client of our therapy practice.
Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site or use our services.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide to Us:
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
Fill out contact forms or inquiry forms on our website
Schedule a clarity call or therapy session
Complete intake paperwork through our secure client portal
Subscribe to our email newsletter
Communicate with us via email or phone
This information may include:
Name
Email address
Phone number
Mailing address
Information you provide in forms (such as what brings you to therapy)
Payment information (processed securely through our payment processor)
Protected Health Information (PHI)
If you become a client, we collect Protected Health Information as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This includes:
Clinical and medical information
Mental health history
Treatment notes and records
Insurance information (if applicable for superbills)
Any other health-related information you provide during therapy
PHI is subject to additional protections under HIPAA. Please see our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for detailed information about how we protect your health information.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including:
IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Pages viewed and time spent on pages
Referring website
Date and time of visit
We use this information to improve our website, understand how visitors use our site, and for security purposes.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
For Website Visitors:
To respond to your inquiries and contact requests
To send you information you've requested (such as newsletter updates)
To improve our website and user experience
To protect against fraud and unauthorized access
To comply with legal obligations
For Therapy Clients:
To provide mental health counseling and therapy services
To communicate with you about appointments, billing, and treatment
To maintain clinical records as required by law and professional standards
To process payments
To fulfill legal and ethical obligations as a Licensed Professional Counselor
How We Share Your Information
Website Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:
Service Providers: We work with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:
Website hosting (to keep our website operational)
Email marketing platforms (to send newsletters, with your consent)
Payment processors (to process therapy session payments securely)
Scheduling software (to manage appointments)
These service providers have access only to the information necessary to perform their functions and are obligated to maintain confidentiality.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Your therapy records and health information are protected by HIPAA and Wisconsin state law. We will not disclose your PHI without your written authorization except in the following limited circumstances:
Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations:
Consultation with other healthcare providers (with your consent)
Processing insurance claims (only if you request a superbill)
Quality assurance and professional supervision
Legal and Safety Requirements:
When required by law (e.g., court order)
To report suspected child abuse or elder abuse as mandated by Wisconsin law
If there is a serious threat of harm to yourself or others
In response to certain government investigations
Please see our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for complete details.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information and PHI, including:
Secure Client Portal: Encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platform for intake forms and clinical documents
Encrypted Communications: Secure email and telehealth platforms
Access Controls: Limited access to your information on a need-to-know basis
Physical Security: Secure storage of paper records in locked cabinets
Employee Training: Staff trained on privacy and security practices
Despite our efforts, no security measures are 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted over the internet.
Client Portal & Telehealth
If you use our secure client portal or participate in telehealth (virtual therapy) sessions:
Client Portal: Your intake forms, documents, and payment information are stored on a HIPAA-compliant platform with encryption
Telehealth: Virtual sessions use encrypted, secure video conferencing platforms designed for healthcare
Your Responsibility: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for logging out after each session
Email Newsletter
If you subscribe to our email newsletter:
You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of each email
We use your email address only to send you updates, resources, and information about our services
We do not share your email address with third parties for marketing purposes
We use [Email Service Provider Name] to manage our email list
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience.
What are cookies? Small text files placed on your device that help us understand how you use our website.
Types of cookies we use:
Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website traffic and user behavior (e.g., Google Analytics)
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media, resources, articles). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Your Privacy Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
For Website Information:
Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
For Protected Health Information (PHI): Under HIPAA and Wisconsin law, you have additional rights including:
Right to access your therapy records
Right to request amendments to your records
Right to an accounting of disclosures
Right to request restrictions on uses and disclosures
Right to receive confidential communications
Please see our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for complete details.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@thenickelcollective.com
Data Retention
Website Information: We retain contact form submissions and email list data until you request deletion or unsubscribe.
Protected Health Information: We maintain therapy records for 7 years following the last date of service, as required by Wisconsin law and professional standards. After this period, records are securely destroyed.
Children's Privacy
Our services are designed for adults (ages 18 and older). We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 years of age. If you believe we have collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.
California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
Right to know what personal information we collect and how it's used
Right to request deletion of your personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell personal information)
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email address].
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:
Posting the updated policy on our website
Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
Sending you an email notification (if you're a client or newsletter subscriber)
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
The Nickel Collective
Katie Nickel, LPC-IT
13160 N. Burleigh Rd. Suite #203
Brookfield, WI 53005
Email: hello@thenickelcollective.com
For HIPAA-related questions or to file a complaint:
You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Consent
By using our website and services, you consent to this Privacy Policy and our collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described.
If you are a therapy client, you will be asked to sign a separate consent form acknowledging our privacy practices and HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
The Nickel Collective
Licensed Professional Counselor in Training (LPC-IT) in Wisconsin
Brookfield, Wisconsin
This Privacy Policy was last updated on 12/14/2025