Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Lorelei Molinari Home of Mental Health Info & Support Groups
Introduction
Lorelei Molinari Home of Mental Health Info & Support Groups (hereinafter referred to as "the Charity") is deeply committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who engage with our services. These services include, but are not limited to, Zoom calls, one-on-one peer support, group sessions, informational resources, and referrals. This privacy policy details the types of personal information we collect, how we utilize that information, the circumstances under which we may share it, and the steps we take to protect your privacy.
Your trust is important to us, and we aim to be transparent about our practices. By participating in the Charity’s services or interacting with our platforms, you consent to the terms outlined in this privacy policy. If you do not agree with these terms, we advise you to refrain from using our services.
1. Information We Collect
The Charity collects a variety of personal information to facilitate and enhance the services we provide. The types of information we collect include:
1.1 Personal Information: This includes information that you voluntarily provide when you register for our services, participate in our sessions, or communicate with us directly. Personal information may encompass your name, email address, phone number, and any other details you choose to share during registration or participation. This information is essential for us to identify participants, manage sessions, and maintain communication.
1.2 Session Information: During group sessions, one-on-one peer support, or other interactions, we may collect information that you voluntarily share, such as your experiences, thoughts, feelings, and any personal stories you choose to discuss. This information is used solely to provide peer support and facilitate meaningful discussions. We understand the sensitivity of this information and treat it with the utmost respect.
1.3 Technical Information: When you access our services via Zoom or other virtual platforms, we may collect technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and connection details. This technical data helps us ensure the security and functionality of our online platforms, diagnose any technical issues, and optimize the user experience.
1.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies: The Charity may use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website and other online platforms. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us understand user behavior, improve our services, and provide personalized content. We use these technologies to remember your preferences, understand how our website is used, and tailor our services to better meet your needs.
1.5 Feedback and Surveys: Occasionally, we may request feedback from participants through surveys or direct inquiries. Participation in these surveys is voluntary, and any information you provide will be used to improve our services. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what works well and where we can make enhancements.
2. How We Use Your Information
The Charity uses the information we collect for a variety of purposes, all aligned with our mission of providing peer support and mental health resources. These purposes include:
2.1 Providing Services: We use your personal and session information to facilitate group sessions, one-on-one peer support, and other services. This includes scheduling sessions, sending reminders, and ensuring that our facilitators are aware of your needs and preferences. Our goal is to create a seamless and supportive experience for all participants.
2.2 Communication: We may use your contact information to communicate with you about upcoming sessions, updates to our services, and any other relevant information. This communication may be conducted via email, phone, or other messaging platforms. We strive to keep you informed and engaged, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to participate fully in our services.
2.3 Security and Compliance: We use technical information and other data to protect the security of our platforms, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Our commitment to security includes regular monitoring of our systems and implementing best practices to protect your data.
2.4 Improvement of Services: We may use cookies, tracking technologies, and feedback provided by participants to analyze how our services are used and to identify areas for improvement. This helps us enhance the user experience and tailor our services to better meet the needs of our participants. We are committed to continuous improvement and strive to adapt our services based on the evolving needs of our community.
2.5 Customization and Personalization: Based on the information we collect, we may customize your experience with the Charity. This could include personalizing the content you receive, suggesting relevant sessions or resources, and ensuring that the support provided is aligned with your specific needs. Our goal is to make your interaction with the Charity as relevant and beneficial as possible.
2.6 Legal Obligations: In some instances, we may need to use your information to comply with legal obligations, respond to legal processes, or protect the rights, property, or safety of the Charity, its participants, or others. This could involve cooperating with law enforcement or responding to court orders.
3. Sharing and Disclosure of Information
The Charity is committed to ensuring that your personal information is only shared in ways that are necessary to provide our services and in a manner that respects your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information with third parties. However, there are certain circumstances under which we may share your information:
3.1 With Facilitators: Your personal and session information may be shared with facilitators who lead group sessions or one-on-one peer support interactions. This sharing is done solely for the purpose of providing you with the best possible support. Facilitators are required to treat your information with confidentiality and respect.
3.2 With Service Providers: We may share technical information and other data with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting virtual sessions, or analyzing service usage. These providers are required to protect your information and use it only for the purposes specified by the Charity. We carefully select our service providers to ensure they meet our high standards of data protection.
3.3 Legal and Regulatory Compliance: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to legal processes, such as a court order or subpoena. We may also disclose information to protect our rights, property, or safety, or the rights, property, or safety of others. This disclosure is done with careful consideration and only when absolutely necessary.
3.4 Emergency Situations: In rare cases, if we believe that you are in immediate danger or are experiencing a mental health crisis, we may share your information with emergency services or other relevant authorities. This is done in the interest of ensuring your safety and well-being. Our priority is always to protect the participants and ensure that they receive the necessary support in critical situations.
3.5 Aggregate Data: We may share aggregated, non-identifiable information about our participants with third parties for research, analysis, or other purposes. This information is anonymized and does not identify any individual participants. Sharing aggregate data helps us contribute to the broader understanding of mental health support and the impact of peer support services.
4. Confidentiality and Security
The Charity places the highest importance on the confidentiality and security of your information. We implement a variety of measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These measures include:
4.1 Secure Platforms: We use secure online platforms, such as Zoom, with enhanced security features like meeting passwords and waiting rooms to protect against unauthorized access during virtual sessions. These measures help ensure that only authorized participants can join the sessions.
4.2 Data Encryption: Information transmitted through our platforms is encrypted to ensure that it remains private and secure during transmission. Encryption protects your data from being intercepted by unauthorized parties.
4.3 Access Controls: Only authorized personnel, including facilitators and essential service providers, have access to your personal information. These individuals are required to adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and are trained in data protection practices.
4.4 Participant Responsibility: While we take significant steps to protect your information, we also encourage participants to be mindful of their own privacy. This includes ensuring that you are in a private and secure environment when participating in sessions and being cautious about what personal information you choose to share. Participants should avoid sharing sensitive personal information unless necessary and should be aware of their surroundings during virtual sessions.
4.5 Regular Security Reviews: We conduct regular reviews of our security practices and update our measures as needed to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Our commitment to security is ongoing, and we continuously seek ways to improve our data protection efforts.
4.6 Incident Response: In the unlikely event of a data breach or security incident, we have an incident response plan in place to address the situation promptly. This includes notifying affected participants, taking steps to mitigate the impact, and working to prevent future incidents.
5. Your Rights and Choices
As a participant in the Charity’s services, you have certain rights and choices regarding your personal information. We are committed to ensuring that you can exercise these rights easily and transparently. These include:
5.1 Access and Correction: You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if any information is inaccurate or incomplete. We strive to keep your information up-to-date and accurate and will make any necessary changes promptly.
5.2 Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent to the collection, use, or sharing of your personal information at any time. Please note that withdrawing consent may limit your ability to participate in certain services. We will respect your decision and explain the implications of withdrawing consent.
5.3 Opt-Out of Communications: You can opt-out of receiving promotional or informational communications from us by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in our emails or by contacting us directly. We respect your preferences and will ensure that you only receive communications that are relevant and valuable to you.
5.4 Deletion of Information: You have the right to request that we delete your personal information. While we will comply with such requests to the extent possible, please note that certain information may need to be retained for legal or regulatory reasons. We will inform you of any limitations and work with you to ensure your privacy is protected.
5.5 Data Portability: In certain circumstances, you may request a copy of the personal information you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This right allows you to take your data elsewhere if you choose.
5.6 Restriction of Processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information under certain conditions, such as when you contest the accuracy of the data or object to the processing. We will evaluate such requests and, where applicable, limit the processing of your data.
6. Use of Zoom and Other Virtual Platforms
The Charity utilizes Zoom and other virtual platforms to conduct group sessions, one-on-one peer support, and other interactions. While these platforms offer a convenient and accessible way to connect with others, they also come with certain risks related to privacy and security.
6.1 Data Collection by Zoom: Please be aware that Zoom and other virtual platforms may collect data about your usage, including your IP address, device information, and participation details. This data collection is governed by the privacy policies of the respective platforms. We encourage you to review these policies to understand how your data is handled by these third-party providers.
6.2 Recording of Sessions: The Charity does not record Zoom sessions or other virtual meetings without the explicit consent of all participants. However, it is important to be aware that other participants may record sessions without your knowledge. We strongly discourage this practice and ask all participants to respect the privacy of others by not recording any part of the meetings. If you suspect that a session is being recorded without consent, please notify the facilitator immediately.
6.3 Technical Issues and Privacy: While we take steps to secure our virtual sessions, technical issues such as connectivity problems, software glitches, or unauthorized access attempts may occur. The Charity is not responsible for any breaches of privacy that result from technical issues beyond our control. We recommend that participants use updated software and take precautions to protect their devices from security threats.
6.4 Best Practices for Participants: To help protect your privacy during virtual sessions, we recommend that participants use secure networks, avoid sharing personal or sensitive information in chat functions, and ensure that their devices are protected with strong passwords and security software.
7. Children’s Privacy
The Charity’s services are intended for adults and are not designed for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information as soon as possible. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all participants, particularly vulnerable populations such as children.
8. Changes to this Privacy Policy
The Charity reserves the right to update or modify this privacy policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated policy on our website or through other communication channels. It is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically to stay informed of any updates. Continued participation in the Charity’s services after any modifications to the privacy policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.
8.1 Notification of Changes: In the event of significant changes to this privacy policy, we will notify participants via email or other prominent communication methods. We want to ensure that you are fully informed of any changes that may affect your rights or the way your information is handled.
8.2 Reviewing Policy Updates: We encourage all participants to review any updates to this privacy policy carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about the changes, please contact us for clarification.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, or if you wish to exercise any of your rights regarding your personal information, please contact us at:
Email: info@mentalhealthsupportgroups.org
- WhatsApp: +1-724-359-9206 (WhatsApp only)
We are committed to addressing any concerns you may have and to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Your feedback is important to us, and we will do our best to respond promptly to any inquiries.
10. International Users
The Charity is based in the United States but offers services to individuals globally. By participating in our services, you acknowledge and agree that your personal information may be processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your country of residence. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that your information is protected in accordance with this privacy policy and applicable laws.
10.1 Cross-Border Data Transfers: When transferring personal data across borders, we take steps to ensure that your information receives adequate protection in line with this privacy policy and relevant legal requirements. This may include implementing data protection agreements or utilizing approved transfer mechanisms.
10.2 Your Rights as an International User: Depending on your location, you may have additional rights regarding your personal information under local data protection laws. We are committed to respecting these rights and will work with you to address any concerns or requests related to your data.
11. Your Consent
By using the Charity’s services, participating in sessions, or interacting with our online platforms, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information as described in this privacy policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this policy, please discontinue your participation in our services.
11.1 Affirmative Consent: We may request your affirmative consent to specific practices, such as data collection for surveys or participation in research studies. This consent will be sought in a clear and transparent manner, ensuring that you are fully informed before agreeing.
11.2 Withdrawal of Consent: As mentioned earlier, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. We respect your autonomy and will ensure that your decision to withdraw consent is honored without affecting your access to other services, where possible.
12. Third-Party Links
Our website and online platforms may contain links to third-party websites or services. These third-party sites have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review. The Charity is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We recommend that you exercise caution when clicking on links and ensure that you understand how your data will be handled by external sites.
12.1 Affiliated Services: In some cases, the Charity may collaborate with third-party providers to offer additional services or resources. These collaborations are carefully vetted, and we ensure that any partners uphold similar standards of privacy and data protection.
12.2 External Resources: If you access external resources or services recommended by the Charity, please be aware that your interactions with those services are governed by their respective privacy policies. We encourage you to review these policies to understand how your data may be collected and used.
Conclusion
Your privacy is of utmost importance to Lorelei Molinari Home of Mental Health Info & Support Groups. We are dedicated to protecting your personal information and ensuring that our services are delivered in a secure and respectful manner. By participating in our services, you trust us with your personal information, and we take this responsibility seriously.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for trusting us to support you on your mental health journey. We are here to provide a safe and compassionate space for you to share, connect, and grow. If you have any concerns about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
