privacy policy

Effective Date: January 20, 2026
Owner: Brenton Guice, MA, LPC, RDH
Practice Name: The Mental Hug, LLC
Licensed In: Missouri #2022014251
Website: www.thementalhug.com
Contact Email: brenton@thementalhug.com

1. Introduction

Your privacy matters. This Privacy Policy explains how The Mental Hug, LLC collects, uses, and protects personal information shared through this website, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

a. Personal Information

You may voluntarily provide personal information when you:

  • Submit a contact or inquiry form

  • Request information about services

  • Communicate via email or phone

This information may include your name, email address, phone number, and general details related to your inquiry.

Please note: this website is not intended for the transmission of sensitive or confidential health information. We encourage keeping inquiries general until a secure system is in place.

b. Non-Personal Information

This website may collect limited, non-identifying information such as:

  • Browser type

  • IP address

  • Date and time of visits

  • Pages viewed

This information is collected through cookies or analytics tools to help improve website functionality and user experience.

3. How Your Information Is Used

Information collected through this website may be used to:

  • Respond to inquiries or requests

  • Provide information about services

  • Determine whether services may be a good fit

  • Offer referrals when appropriate

  • Comply with legal, ethical, or licensing obligations

The Mental Hug, LLC does not sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing or advertising purposes.

If you submit an inquiry and services are unavailable or another provider may be a better fit, you consent to The Mental Hug, LLC sharing the information you provided solely for the purpose of facilitating a referral to a trusted provider.

Only information reasonably necessary to make that referral will be shared.

4. Referrals & Professional Connections

If you become a client of The Mental Hug, LLC, your protected health information (PHI) will be handled in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state laws.

A separate Notice of Privacy Practices will be provided as part of the intake process, which outlines in greater detail how your health information is used, stored, and protected.

5. HIPAA & Protected Health Information

Telehealth services are provided through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Clients engaging in telehealth will review and sign an informed consent specific to telehealth services prior to beginning care.

As a licensed therapist, confidentiality is maintained in accordance with federal and state law. However, confidentiality may be legally broken in limited circumstances, including:

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

  • Serious risk of harm to self or others

  • Court orders or legal requirements

These limits are discussed in more detail during the intake process.

6. Telehealth & Confidentiality

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to collect anonymous usage data (such as pages visited or time spent on the site). This helps improve website performance and user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.

7. Cookies & Website Analytics

This website may link to third-party platforms, such as:

  • Scheduling systems

  • Telehealth platforms

  • Secure client portals

  • External educational resources

These platforms have their own privacy policies. The Mental Hug, LLC is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

8. Third-Party Tools & Links

Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used to protect personal information. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure.

By using this website, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.

9. Data Security

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. The Mental Hug, LLC does not knowingly collect personal information from children without verified parental or guardian consent.

10. Children’s Privacy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or business practices. The effective date at the top of this page will be updated accordingly. Continued use of the site indicates acceptance of any changes.

11. Updates to This Policy

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the information on this website, please contact:

Brenton Guice, MA, LPC, RDH
Email: brenton@thementalhug.com