Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 23, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how Niu Therapy, PLLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you engage with our services, including:

  • Visiting our website at www.niutherapy.com

  • Participating in therapy, consultation, or communication with us

  • Receiving appointment reminders or administrative notices via email or SMS

By using our services, you agree to the practices outlined below. If you have questions, contact us at tsuki@niutherapy.com.

1. Our Commitment to Privacy and Dignity

At Niu Therapy, PLLC, privacy is more than a legal obligation—it is a matter of dignity, agency, and trust. We are committed to protecting your information with care, transparency, and trauma-informed practices. Your personal data, like your story, will only be shared with your full, informed consent or as required by law.

2. What Information Do We Collect?

We collect personal information you voluntarily provide, such as:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and contact preferences

  • Intake responses, scheduling requests, and billing information

  • Communications related to care, via email, phone, or portal

  • Website usage data via Google Analytics

We do not collect sensitive data (e.g., race, religion, sexual orientation) unless provided voluntarily in a clinical context—and never for profiling or marketing.

We do not knowingly collect or retain data from individuals under 18.

3. How Do We Process Your Information?

We process your data to:

  • Provide and manage therapy and administrative services

  • Respond to inquiries or requests

  • Send appointment reminders and service updates

  • Maintain secure records and comply with legal/clinical requirements

  • Improve website accessibility and user experience

All processing is done with legal justification, such as your consent, fulfillment of a service, or legal compliance.

4. When and With Whom Do We Share Your Data?

Your personal information is never sold or shared for commercial marketing.

We may share data only as necessary to:

  • Use secure third-party service providers (e.g., SimplePractice for EHR, billing)

  • Comply with legal mandates (e.g., subpoenas, court orders, or mandatory reporting laws)

  • Address serious safety concerns in accordance with ethical and professional standards

All third-party vendors are required to adhere to strict confidentiality and data protection standards.

5. Legal Disclosures and Client Rights

In accordance with applicable state and federal laws, your information may be disclosed without your consent in the following legally mandated situations:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult

  • Risk of serious harm to self or others

  • Compliance with a court order, subpoena, or federal law (e.g., Patriot Act)

  • Response to lawful requests from law enforcement or regulatory bodies

In such cases, we will make every reasonable effort to notify you unless prohibited by law.

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your records

  • Request corrections or updates

  • Withdraw consent for communication (email/SMS) at any time

  • File a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated

We respond to such requests within the timeframes required by law.

6. Record Retention

We retain clinical and billing records for a minimum of 7 years, or longer where required by state-specific laws or for unresolved legal or administrative matters. After this period, records are securely destroyed or anonymized.

7. Security Measures

We use reasonable and appropriate safeguards to protect your data, including:

  • HIPAA-compliant electronic health records (SimplePractice)

  • Encrypted storage and secure password-protected systems

  • Limited access to personal data based on clinical or administrative need

Please note that no system is 100% secure. By using our services, you acknowledge this inherent risk.

8. Cookies and Website Tracking

We use cookies and third-party tools like Google Analytics to understand website usage patterns.

  • No tracking for advertising or cross-site profiling

  • You can opt out here: Google Opt-Out Tool

  • Manage cookies via your browser settings

9. Communication & Technology Use

We may use email or SMS for administrative purposes only (e.g., scheduling or reminders).

By providing your contact information, you consent to receiving these communications.

Limitations:

  • These methods are not fully secure for clinical content

  • You may opt out or change preferences at any time

10. U.S. State-Specific Privacy Rights

Residents of California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois, and other states may have additional rights, including:

  • Right to know/access/delete your personal data

  • Right to correct inaccurate data

  • Right to opt out of certain data uses

  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact: tsuki@niutherapy.com

We may request identity verification to protect your information.

11. Mobile Messaging Policy

By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive non-marketing SMS messages (e.g., reminders, rescheduling).

  • Frequency varies; standard message/data rates may apply

  • Text STOP to opt out; HELP for assistance

  • We do not send marketing texts or sell your number

12. No Participation in Legal Proceedings

Niu Therapy, PLLC does not provide court testimony, evaluations, or documentation for legal matters (e.g., custody, disability, immigration). If subpoenaed, all related preparation and appearance fees apply as disclosed in our Informed Consent document.

13. Animal Support Letter Policy

We do not provide emotional support or service animal letters, as these require specialized disability evaluation outside the scope of therapy.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be noted by the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review it periodically.

15. Contact Us

Niu Therapy, PLLC
1630 S Princeton Ave, Unit #391
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Email: tsuki@niutherapy.com
Website: www.niutherapy.com