Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
Effective October 28, 2024
Marshall Abbe, LISW, and The Self-Care Center are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy, which forms part of our Terms of Use, describes what information we collect about you (“Personal Data”) while you use our website (the “Site”), how we use it, and how you can make choices regarding your data.
Collecting Personal Identification Data
In general, you are not required to provide any Personal Data to browse the Site. However, if you choose to contact us through forms on the Site, sign up for resources, or request a consultation, we collect information such as your name and email address. If you purchase services, additional information may be collected, such as your postal address and payment details.
Collecting Automatically Generated Information (IP Addresses and Cookies)
We collect and store data automatically as you navigate the Site, including your IP address, the pages viewed, and links followed. Cookies may also be used to enhance your experience by remembering preferences and helping us improve the Site. By using the Site, you agree to our use of cookies, which you may control through your browser settings.
Third-Party Access
We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share your Personal Data with service providers who help us operate the Site and provide services to you. The Site may include links to other websites and third-party content. Please review those websites’ privacy policies, as we are not responsible for their practices.
Processing Personal Data and Legal Basis
We collect and use Personal Data to fulfill requests, provide services, and comply with legal obligations. We honor your right to privacy and will comply with requests to remove your data promptly. You can manage your preferences at any time through the links provided in our emails.
Information Storage and Security
Your Personal Data is stored securely on servers in the United States. We take reasonable steps to protect it from unauthorized access. However, please note that no transmission over the internet can be guaranteed as fully secure.
Understanding Your Rights
You have the right to request access to your Personal Data, update it, or request its deletion. Contact us to exercise your rights, and we will respond promptly. If you are located in the EEA, you may have additional rights under the GDPR, including the right to data portability and to object to processing.
Child Protection and Privacy
We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If you believe we may have collected such information, please contact us to remove it.
Anti-Spam Policy
We comply with CAN-SPAM Act regulations. You may unsubscribe from our communications at any time using the links provided in our emails.
Additional Privacy Policy Regarding the Practice:
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Confidentiality and Disclosure Protections
We uphold strict confidentiality standards for all client information. Information shared during therapy remains private, with exceptions as mandated by law, such as mandatory reporting of threats of harm to oneself or others, suspected abuse, or court orders. Your trust and privacy are fundamental to our practice. -
Data Security and HIPAA Compliance
All client information is stored and managed in compliance with HIPAA and other applicable data privacy regulations. We use secure systems and encryption to safeguard sensitive data and protect it from unauthorized access. Client information is never shared with third parties without explicit consent, except where required for service delivery (e.g., billing or secure record storage). -
Informed Consent for Telehealth
By engaging in telehealth services, clients consent to virtual therapy sessions, understanding that while we use secure platforms, there are inherent privacy risks with any internet-based service. We take all reasonable steps to secure telehealth sessions, and clients should choose a private location for the duration of each session. -
Record Retention and Destruction Policy
We retain client records in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. Records are securely maintained and will be destroyed in a manner that protects client confidentiality after the legally required retention period. -
Access to Records
Clients have the right to access their records. Requests for records can be submitted in writing, and we will respond in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Some limitations may apply to what is shared, based on ethical or legal standards. -
Special Considerations for Minors
For clients who are minors, privacy policies are adapted to comply with age-specific consent laws. Parents or guardians may have access to certain information; however, we strive to respect the privacy of minors within legal guidelines and may limit disclosure based on the client’s age and the context of care.
Disclaimer
This policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your data rights, please contact Marshall Abbe at:
The Self-Care Center
950 Office Park Road, #221
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 212-7858
TERMS of USE
Effective Date: September 10, 2018
Marshall Abbe (“Company,” “we,” or “us”) is committed to maintaining high ethical standards that protect and preserve the rights of users of the Site, while enhancing our ability to provide the best level of service and support. These Terms of Use represent an agreement between us and you, setting forth the conditions for use of the Site, including our Privacy Policy.
The Site is owned and operated by Marshall Abbe, incorporated in the State of Iowa. This Agreement also extends protections to Company’s affiliates and agents (individually, “Third Party” or collectively, “Third Parties”), as well as our successors, transferees, assignees, licensees, and their respective parent and subsidiary companies, agents, associates, officers, directors, shareholders, and employees. By using the Site or any sites managed by us, or by providing us with any content or information, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and to use the Site in accordance with these Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and any additional terms and conditions that may apply to specific sections of the Site.
If you do not agree to comply with these Terms of Use in their entirety, you are not authorized to use the Site. Accessing the Site, in any manner, whether automated or otherwise, constitutes use of the Site and your agreement to be bound by these Terms of Use.
We reserve the right to modify the Terms of Use or to impose new conditions on use of the Site, for any reason and without notice. Any modifications will result in a revised Terms of Use posted on this Site with an updated effective date. You are responsible for keeping yourself informed of any such changes. By continuing to use the Site after any changes are posted, you accept the Terms of Use as modified.
Intellectual Property Rights and Copyright
Unless otherwise noted, this Site and all the materials available on the Site are the property of Marshall Abbe and/or its affiliates or licensors, protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. We expressly reserve all rights to this Site and its materials under U.S. and international laws. The Site is provided solely for your personal, noncommercial use. You may download and/or print one copy of individual pages of the Site for personal, non-commercial, educational, or public policy use, provided that all copyright and other proprietary notices remain intact. Attribution to the Company and individual authors must be noted along with a copyright notice on all copies, with all rights reserved.
You may not use the Site or the materials available on the Site in any manner that constitutes an infringement of our rights or has not been authorized by us. Except as described above, you may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, translate, sell, create derivative works, exploit, or transmit in any way any material from the Site.
Trademarks
You acknowledge and agree that Company’s name, logo, and other registered trademarks and service marks (“Our Marks”) are trademarks of Marshall Abbe. You may not use Our Marks for any product or service that does not belong to us, nor in any manner likely to cause confusion about whether we are the source, affiliated with, sponsor, or endorser of any product or service, nor in any manner that disparages our Company.
Registration and Passwords
To use certain features of the Site, you may need to register or create a user profile including personally identifiable information, such as your name, email address, certain demographic information, a username, and password (collectively, “Identifier”). You agree to provide true, accurate, and complete information about yourself and to keep your information current in a timely manner. If you provide, or we have reasonable grounds to believe you provided, information that is untrue, inaccurate, or incomplete, we have the right to suspend or terminate your account and refuse any and all current or future use of the Site, in addition to exercising all rights and remedies allowable by law.
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Identifier and all activities under it, whether by you or by others. You agree to ensure that you exit from your account at the end of each session and notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your Identifier or any other security breach. You agree that we will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your Identifier.
Links and Frames
You may establish a hypertext link to the homepage of the Site as long as the link does not misrepresent us in a misleading or disparaging light and does not imply any sponsorship of your site by us or by the Site. You may not, without our prior written permission, frame or inline link any of the content of the Site, or incorporate our material, content, or intellectual property into another website or other service.
External Links
The Site contains links to other internet sites that we think may be helpful to you and are provided as a convenience. We have no control over these other sites, and our links to them do not constitute our endorsement of these sites, their content, or the products or services offered. You agree that any visits to linked websites are at your own risk and are governed by those third-party terms and policies.
Online Commerce
Certain sections of the Site may allow you to purchase products and services online. You agree to be financially responsible for all purchases made by you or someone acting on your behalf through the Site. You agree to use the Site to purchase services or products only for legitimate, non-commercial purposes.
When making a purchase for a third party that requires you to submit the third party’s personal information to us or Third Parties, you represent that you have obtained express consent to provide such personal information.
Refund Policy: Events
Unless otherwise stated, all sales are final and there are no refunds for any Marshall Abbe programs or events, live or virtual. Event payments may be transferred to a future event. Any refund will be given at our sole discretion.
Refund Policy: Physical Products
If you are not satisfied with your product purchase, you must contact us within 30 days of purchase to request a refund. You will be required to return the product in its original condition. Upon receipt of the returned product, we will initiate a refund of the original purchase price of the item, less shipping and handling charges.
Governing Law
These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa, applicable to contracts made and performed there without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Iowa and County of Polk.
Additional Terms of use regarding the practice:
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Client Rights and Responsibilities
Clients have the right to receive care that respects their privacy and dignity. They are expected to actively participate in the therapeutic process, understanding that therapy is a collaborative effort. Clients have the right to confidentiality within legal and ethical limits. -
Scope of Services and Boundaries
Therapy services are intended solely for the purpose of mental health support. We maintain strict professional boundaries, including prohibitions on dual relationships and communication outside of sessions (e.g., social media interactions). Services do not cover crisis intervention unless explicitly stated. -
Dispute Resolution
Clients who have concerns or complaints regarding services are encouraged to reach out directly or, if unresolved, may contact the state licensing board. We strive to provide ethical, client-centered care and welcome feedback. -
Ethical Standards Compliance
As licensed social workers and therapists, we adhere to the ethical guidelines outlined by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the American Psychological Association (APA), ensuring a high standard of professionalism and ethical care. -
Limitations on Liability
Therapy is a personal and collaborative process; results vary for each client, and outcomes are not guaranteed. By engaging in services, clients understand the limitations of liability for therapeutic outcomes and agree to participate openly. -
Consent to Treatment and Fees
By using this site and services, clients consent to treatment under the outlined terms. Fees, insurance, and cancellation policies are clearly communicated before services begin and are the client’s responsibility. Clients must provide 24-hour notice for cancellations to avoid charges.
Changes to Terms of Use
We may revise these Terms of Use at any time. Revisions will be posted on the Site with an updated Effective Date. By continuing to use the Site, you accept the Terms of Use as modified.
