Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 25, 2026

Fostering Hope Counseling ("Fostering Hope Counseling," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through www.fosteringhopecounseling.com ("Website").

By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Voluntarily Provide

You may choose to provide personal information by:

Completing a contact form
Requesting an appointment
Joining a mailing list (if applicable)
Sending us an email

Information you provide may include:

Name
Email address
Telephone number
General information contained in your message

Please do not include confidential medical information, Social Security numbers, insurance information, or other sensitive information in website forms or standard email communications.

Information Collected Automatically

Like many websites, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

IP address
Browser type
Device information
Operating system
Pages visited
Date and time of access
Referral website

This information is used to improve website performance, security, and user experience.

Cookies and Analytics

Our Website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and understand how visitors use the Website.

We may use third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics to collect anonymous usage data. These services help us understand website traffic and improve our services. Most web browsers allow you to disable cookies through your browser settings.

How We Use Information

Information collected through this Website may be used to:

Respond to inquiries
Schedule consultations or appointments
Improve website functionality
Communicate regarding requested services
Comply with legal obligations
Protect the security of our Website

We do not sell your personal information.

Electronic Communications

Email and website contact forms are convenient methods of communication but are not guaranteed to be secure. Submitting information through this Website or contacting us by email does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you become a client, secure methods of communication will be discussed during the intake process.

Third-Party Services

Our Website may utilize third-party providers for services including:

Website hosting
Appointment scheduling
Secure client portals
Electronic health records
Payment processing
Email communications

These providers maintain their own privacy policies and security practices.

HIPAA

Although Fostering Hope Counseling is a healthcare practice, this Website itself is not intended for the collection of Protected Health Information (PHI). If you become a client, your health information will be protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), applicable Alabama law, and our Notice of Privacy Practices provided during the intake process.

Children's Privacy

This Website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children through this Website.

Data Security

We employ reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information submitted through this Website. However, no method of electronic transmission or internet storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

External Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

Your Choices

You may contact us to:

Request correction of personal information
Request deletion of information where appropriate
Opt out of non-essential communications

Certain records may be retained as required by applicable federal or Alabama law.

Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time.
Changes become effective immediately upon posting to this Website.

Contact Information

Fostering Hope Counseling

Website: www.fosteringhopecounseling.com
Email: lauren@fosteringhopemhc.com
Phone: 205-810-1556
Mailing Address: 2100 Southbridge Parkway Suite 682 A Birmingham, AL 35209