Legal Policies & Disclosures

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2024  ·  Last Updated: January 1, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how Jaime Bercuson, PsyD ("Dr. Bercuson," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects information obtained through this website (jaimebercuson.com). This policy applies to the website only — for information about how your protected health information (PHI) is used in the context of your clinical care, please see the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices below.

Information We Collect

Information you provide voluntarily: When you complete the contact form, email us, or call us, you may provide your name, email address, phone number, location, and a general description of what you're seeking. We collect only what is necessary to respond to your inquiry.

Automatically collected information: Like most websites, this site may automatically collect standard technical information including your IP address, browser type, device type, and pages visited. This information is used only for website analytics and security purposes and is not linked to your identity.

Cookies: This website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect some website functionality.

How We Use Your Information

• To respond to your inquiry and determine whether we may be able to work together
• To schedule appointments and communicate about your care
• To comply with applicable laws and professional obligations
• To improve the website and user experience

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Period.

How We Protect Your Information

We use industry-standard security measures to protect information submitted through this website, including secure (HTTPS) transmission. However, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure. Do not send sensitive health information through the contact form — please save that for your clinical sessions, which are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platform.

Third-Party Services

This website may be hosted on a third-party platform (such as Squarespace), which has its own Privacy Policy. If third-party analytics tools are used on this website to understand how visitors use the site, those services will have their own privacy policies. We do not sell your personal information and do not allow third parties to use your information for their own marketing purposes.

Data Retention

Contact form submissions and related personal information are retained only as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry and for legitimate business purposes. Clinical records are retained in accordance with applicable state and federal law. You may request deletion of your website-collected personal information at any time by contacting us at drbercuson@gmail.com.

Your Rights (California Residents — CCPA)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have the right to: know what personal information we collect; request deletion of personal information; opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information); and non-discrimination for exercising these rights. To make a CCPA request, contact us at drbercuson@gmail.com.

Children's Privacy

This website is not directed at children under 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.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this section will reflect any changes. Continued use of this website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

For privacy-related questions, contact: Dr. Jaime Bercuson  ·  drbercuson@gmail.com  ·  (435) 565-1654

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Who This Notice Applies To

This Notice of Privacy Practices applies to the psychological services provided by Jaime Bercuson, PsyD, a HIPAA-covered health care provider. It describes your rights with respect to your Protected Health Information (PHI) and our obligations regarding that information.

Our Duties

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI and to provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. We are required to abide by the terms of the Notice currently in effect. We may change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all PHI we maintain about you. If we change our Notice, we will make the updated version available upon request and post it on our website.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to provide treatment and coordinate care. For example, we may share information with other health care providers involved in your treatment, with your written consent.

Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for services rendered. For example, billing your insurance company requires disclosing your diagnosis and treatment information to them.

Health Care Operations: We may use and disclose your PHI for internal operations including quality assurance, professional supervision, and staff training.

Required by Law: We will disclose your PHI when required to do so by federal, state, or local law, including in the following circumstances:

• Mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect — All three states (CA, FL, UT) require mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect, regardless of therapist-client confidentiality.
• Mandatory reporting of elder/dependent adult abuse — All three states require reporting of suspected abuse of elderly or dependent adults.
• Imminent danger to self or others (Tarasoff duty) — If you present a serious and imminent threat of harm to yourself or an identifiable third party, we may be required to take steps to protect you or that person, which may include disclosure of your PHI and/or a duty to warn.
• Court orders and legal proceedings — We may disclose PHI in response to a court order, subpoena, or other legal process.

Psychotherapy Notes

We keep separate notes from your sessions ("psychotherapy notes") that are afforded additional protection under HIPAA. These notes are not disclosed without your explicit written authorization, except in the limited circumstances described above, or as required by law.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

• Right to inspect and copy — You have the right to inspect and receive a copy of your PHI. Requests should be made in writing. We may charge a reasonable fee for copying.
• Right to request amendment — If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment in writing. We may deny the request under certain circumstances.
• Right to an accounting of disclosures — You have the right to request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI.
• Right to request restrictions — You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI. We are not required to agree to restrictions except in limited circumstances.
• Right to request confidential communications — You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at an alternative location.
• Right to a paper copy of this Notice — You have the right to a paper copy of this Notice upon request.
• Right to revoke authorization — If you have provided written authorization for a use or disclosure, you may revoke it in writing at any time, except to the extent that action has already been taken.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our practice or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

To file a complaint with HHS: Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201. Or visit hhs.gov/ocr.

You may also file a complaint with the applicable state licensing board:

• Utah: Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL), (801) 530-6628, dopl.utah.gov
• California: Board of Psychology, (916) 574-7720, psychology.ca.gov
• Florida: Department of Health, Board of Psychology, (850) 245-4444, flhealthsource.gov

Contact for HIPAA Questions

Jaime Bercuson, PsyD  ·  Privacy Officer
drbercuson@gmail.com  ·  (435) 565-1654

Terms of Use

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using this website (jaimebercuson.com), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this website.

No Therapist-Client Relationship

Viewing this website, submitting the contact form, or any other interaction with this website does not establish a therapist-client relationship. A therapist-client relationship is only established after you have signed a consent to treatment agreement and begun services. Until that time, no confidentiality obligations apply to communications through this website, and Dr. Bercuson has no obligation to provide services to you.

Not a Substitute for Professional Care

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health advice from a licensed provider. Always seek the guidance of your licensed mental health provider or another qualified health professional with questions regarding a mental health condition.

Not for Emergencies

This website is not monitored 24/7 and is not intended for crisis situations or emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and design, is the property of Jaime Bercuson, PsyD and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without express written permission.

Links to Third-Party Sites

This website may contain links to third-party websites (such as Psychology Today or ZenCare). These links are provided for convenience only. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content or practices of any third-party sites.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dr. Jaime Bercuson and this website's operators shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of this website or its content.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Telehealth Consent Information

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Before beginning telehealth services, clients are required to sign a formal Telehealth Informed Consent Agreement. The following is a summary of the key information in that agreement for your reference.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth (also called teletherapy or telepsychology) involves the delivery of psychological services via electronic communications technology, including live video conferencing. Sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.

Benefits of Telehealth

• Access to mental health care regardless of geographic location (within licensed states)
• Convenience and flexibility — no travel required
• Greater privacy than an in-person office setting for some clients
• Continuity of care when travel or illness prevents in-person attendance

Risks and Limitations of Telehealth

• Technical failures (internet outages, video platform disruptions) may interrupt sessions
• In-person services may be more appropriate for certain clinical presentations
• It may be more difficult to assess non-verbal cues via video
• Confidentiality may be compromised if you are in a location that is not private
• Emergency response capabilities are more limited compared to in-person settings

Emergency Procedures for Telehealth Clients

Before beginning telehealth services, you will be asked to provide: your current physical address at the time of each session; a local emergency contact; and your agreement to contact 911, 988, or your local emergency services if you are in crisis during or between sessions. Dr. Bercuson is not able to dispatch emergency services on your behalf for in-person crises during telehealth sessions.

Licensure and Geographic Limitations

Dr. Bercuson is licensed to provide telehealth services only to clients who are physically located in California, Florida, or Utah at the time of the session. You are required to confirm your physical location at the beginning of each session. Providing false location information may result in termination of services.

• California License: PSY26093 (California Board of Psychology)
• Florida License: PY8969 (Florida Board of Psychology, Chapter 490, F.S.)
• Utah License: 103891402501 (Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing)

Technology and Security

All sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platform. You are responsible for ensuring your own device and network security. Do not participate in sessions from a public location or on an unsecured network. Sessions are not recorded without the explicit written consent of both parties.

Your Right to In-Person Services

You have the right to request in-person services when clinically appropriate and when a provider is available. Dr. Bercuson currently provides teletherapy only. If in-person services are needed, she can provide a referral to an appropriate provider.

Your Right to Withdraw Consent

You may withdraw your consent to telehealth services at any time, without affecting your right to future care or treatment. If you wish to withdraw consent, please notify Dr. Bercuson in writing.

Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.