Privacy Policy and Confidentiality Agreement
Online Coaching +Courses
Effective Date: March 12, 2026
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your personal information in connection with our online coaching/therapy course. Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics.
2. My Commitment to Confidentiality
As your coach, I am committed to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all information you share during this course. I will not disclose your personal information, course participation, or any content you share without your explicit written consent, except as required by law or professional ethical obligations (see Section 4 below).
3. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal identification information: Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details
Course-related information: Assignments, reflections, feedback, and participation in course activities
Communication records: Messages, emails, and other correspondence related to the course
Technical information: IP address, browser type, and usage data when accessing course materials online
4. Mandatory Limits to Confidentiality (Duty to Report)
While I am committed to maintaining your confidentiality, there are specific situations where I am legally and ethically required to breach confidentiality as a licensed clinical mental health therapist:
Imminent danger to self: If you express serious intent to harm yourself, I am required to take action to prevent harm, which may include contacting emergency services or designated emergency contacts
Danger to others: If you express intent to harm another person, I am required to warn the intended victim and notify law enforcement
Child abuse or neglect: If I have reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, I am mandated by law to report it to the appropriate child protective services
Elder or dependent adult abuse: If I have reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of an elderly person or dependent adult, I am required to report it to the appropriate protective services
Court orders: If I receive a valid court order or subpoena, I may be legally required to disclose information
Professional supervision: I may consult with professional supervisors or colleagues for coaching guidance, but will do so in a way that protects your identity to the greatest extent possible
5. Confidentiality in a Group Course Setting
Important Notice: This is an online course that may include group discussions, forums, or shared activities with other participants.
My commitment: I will maintain strict confidentiality regarding your participation and anything you share in the course
Other participants: While I will require all participants to agree to maintain confidentiality, I cannot guarantee that other course participants will keep information confidential. Other participants are not bound by the same professional and legal obligations that I am
Your responsibility: Please use discretion when sharing personal information in group settings. You have control over what you choose to disclose to the group
6. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
To provide course materials, instruction, and feedback
To communicate with you about course-related matters
To improve course content and delivery
To fulfill legal and professional obligations
To maintain records as required by professional standards and applicable laws
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes encryption of data transmission, secure storage systems, and restricted access to personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide course services and as required by professional standards, legal obligations, and ethical guidelines. Clinical records may be retained for a minimum period as required by law, typically 7-10 years following course completion or as mandated by applicable regulations.
9. Third-Party Service Providers
We may use third-party service providers to facilitate course delivery (such as learning management systems, video conferencing platforms, or payment processors). These providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information and may only use it for the purposes of providing services to us. We carefully select providers who demonstrate strong privacy and security practices.
10. Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access your personal information and course records
Request corrections to inaccurate information
Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and professional retention requirements
Withdraw consent for non-essential uses of your information
Receive a copy of your information in a portable format
11. Consent and Agreement
By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy and Confidentiality Agreement. You understand the limits to confidentiality, including mandatory reporting requirements and the limitations of confidentiality in a group setting. You agree to respect the confidentiality of other participants and understand that others' confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
12. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact:
Swell Mental Health, PLLC
13. Updates to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or professional standards. We will notify you of any material changes and obtain your consent where required. The most current version will always be available to course participants.
Participant Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood this Privacy Policy and Confidentiality Agreement. I understand the limits to confidentiality, including mandatory reporting requirements and the limitations in a group course setting.