Notice of Privacy Practices

Last updated February 12, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Margaret Hughes Therapy is required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”) and to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices.

Protected Health Information includes information that identifies you and relates to your mental health condition, treatment, or payment for services.

Margaret Hughes Therapy is required to follow the terms of this Notice.

How Your Information May Be Used and Disclosed

Your Protected Health Information may be used and disclosed for the following purposes:

Treatment

Your information may be used to provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care.

For example, information may be shared with other healthcare providers involved in your care, with your written permission.

Payment

Your information may be used to obtain payment for services provided.

For example, this may include providing information necessary to process payment.

Margaret Hughes Therapy does not routinely bill insurance unless otherwise arranged.

Health Care Operations

Your information may be used for practice operations, including:

  • Scheduling

  • Recordkeeping

  • Quality improvement

  • Administrative purposes

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization

Margaret Hughes Therapy will obtain your written authorization before:

  • Releasing your information for purposes not described in this Notice

  • Releasing psychotherapy notes, except where permitted by law

  • Releasing information for marketing purposes

You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

Uses and Disclosures Without Your Authorization

In certain situations, Margaret Hughes Therapy may disclose your information without your consent, including:

  • Risk of Serious Harm

  • If there is reason to believe you may harm yourself or another person.

  • Abuse or Neglect

  • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable individual.

  • Legal Requirements

  • If required by court order, subpoena, or law.

  • Medical Emergency

  • If necessary to prevent serious harm or respond to an emergency.

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the following rights:

  • Right to Access Your Records

  • You may request a copy of your records. Requests must be made in writing. Reasonable fees may apply.

  • Right to Request Corrections

  • You may request corrections to your records.

  • Right to Request Restrictions

  • You may request restrictions on how your information is used or shared. Margaret Hughes Therapy will consider your request but cannot guarantee agreement.

  • Right to Confidential Communication

  • You may request that communication occur through specific methods or locations.

  • Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice

  • You may request a paper or electronic copy at any time.

Electronic Communication

Electronic communication, including email and text messaging, carries some risk to confidentiality.

Margaret Hughes Therapy uses secure systems when possible, but absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

How Your Information Is Protected

Margaret Hughes Therapy maintains safeguards to protect your information, including:

  • Secure electronic records

  • Password protection

  • Secure communication platforms

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint.

To file a complaint, contact:

Margaret Hughes Therapy
margarethughestherapy@gmail.com
(512) 265-5144

You may also file a complaint with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which regulates licensed mental health professionals in the state of Texas: www.bhec.texas.gov/discipline-and-complaints/index.html

You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Changes to This Notice

Margaret Hughes Therapy reserves the right to update this Notice at any time.

Updated versions will be available upon request and on the website.

Good Faith Estimate Notice (No Surprises Act)

Under federal law, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your mental health care services.

If you are not using insurance, Margaret Hughes Therapy will provide you with a written estimate of the expected charges for psychotherapy services before your first appointment or upon request.

This estimate will include:

  • The cost per session

  • The expected frequency of sessions

  • The estimated total cost of services

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges.

You may contact Margaret Hughes Therapy to discuss the charges.

You may also initiate a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information, visit:

https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

This Good Faith Estimate requirement applies only to psychotherapy services and does not apply to coaching, courses, or educational programs.

Contact Information

Margaret Hughes Therapy
(512) 265-5144
margarethughestherapy@gmail.com