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Privacy Policy

Lotus Counseling Center is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, website visitors, and all individuals who interact with our services. This Privacy Policy
explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, in accordance with applicable federal and Florida laws.

1. Applicable Laws
This policy is designed to comply with:

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • The Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA), Fla. Stat. § 501.171
  • Applicable Florida healthcare privacy and recordkeeping laws
  • 42 CFR Part 2 (where applicable to substance use treatment records)

2. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information
We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Insurance information
  • Any information submitted through contact forms, intake forms, or scheduling
    platforms

b. Non-Personal Information
We may automatically collect certain information when you visit our website, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on the website
  • Referring URLs

c. Protected Health Information (PHI)

If you submit information through secure forms, patient portals, or scheduling tools, this
may include Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined under HIPAA.

3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:

  • Responding to inquiries and communication requests
  • Scheduling and managing appointments
  • Verifying insurance eligibility and billing
  • Providing treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
  • Improving website functionality and user experience
  • Complying with legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements

4. HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Any PHI collected is handled in accordance with HIPAA and our Notice of Privacy
Practices (NPP). The NPP outlines your rights regarding your health information and how it
may be used or disclosed.

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may disclose information as follows:

  • Healthcare Operations
  • Service Providers
  • Legal Requirements

6. Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA) Compliance

In accordance with FIPA:

  • We implement reasonable security measures to protect personal information
  • In the event of a data breach involving personal information, affected individuals will be notified within 30 days as required by Florida law, unless otherwise directed
    by law enforcement

7. Data Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your
information, including:

  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant systems
  • Access controls and role-based permissions
  • Encryption where applicable

However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve website performance
  • Analyze traffic and user behavior
  • Support marketing and advertising efforts

You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, some features of the
website may not function properly.

9. Your Privacy Rights
Subject to applicable laws, you have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
  • Request confidential communication

Requests related to PHI will be handled in accordance with HIPAA.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect
personal information from children without verifiable parental or guardian consent.

11. Data Retention
We retain personal information and PHI in accordance with:

  • HIPAA requirements
  • Florida record retention laws for healthcare providers

Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information and legal requirements.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact Lotus Counseling Center.

Patient testimonials

Hear from our patients in their own words

Coming to see you was the best decision I ever made" are words that I said to Alessana at some point during my therapy. Alessana helped me build confidence in myself both personally and professionally. Through my therapy, I gained insight and understanding of who I am and my value, and not just to individuals in my life, but to myself. I now value who I am and most importantly, respect myself. Subsequently, I am down to a 5mg dose (compared to 25mg dose when I started therapy) of blood pressure medication and have continued to lose and maintain my weight. I attribute these improvements to therapy. I've learned to control my stress, think things out without anger or anxiety and that keeps my emotional state on an even keel. Additionally, it has helped me from hitting the fridge when I am stressed or at the very least make better, healthier choices. Now, one year after completing therapy, I still feel it was the best decision I ever made.
Smiling woman in business attire posing confidently for professional headshot
Jackie
In Miami, Florida
I started working with Alessana because I was desperate for change and had reached a low point in my life. Her compassion and empathetic support were crucial to my healing many old wounds and the variety of techniques she employs in therapy helped me to find an inner fortitude I never knew I had. I have learned from her how to set healthy boundaries in my relationships and am now finding it easy to speak what is on my mind effectively. Moreover, I now know I have a lot to say, and a right to be heard. My relationships are more authentic and I am having a lot more fun these days--which is a lot to be said, given the current state of world affairs. I'm grateful to Alessana for her professional talents, her enduring patience, kindness and guidance, not to mention her sense of humor. I never knew therapy could be fun. I will continue to recommend her as a counselor/therapist/coach."
Head shot of fitness young woman
Barbara M.
In Miami, Florida
Alessana Fordin has been indescribably helpful to me in my life. I recommended Alessana and the Lotus Counseling Center to one of my best and closest friends. Ms. Fordin is very intelligent, highly trained, patient, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. She helped me resolve major issues that had been bothering me and recurring for years. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I now love myself and feel much better."
Vertical headshot of young smiling asian woman at sunset.
Michelle Moyano-Wild
In Boca Raton
I started working with Alessana to treat depression and anxiety. Years ago, I would never have thought that I would be in the place that I'm in today. My work with her has greatly improved all aspects of my life. I have a better relationship with myself and others. Alessana is truly the best at what she does. She is very compassionate, intelligent, understanding, and kind. She has guided me to overcome and understand a lot of challenges that I've had. Going to Lotus has been one of the most fulfilling choices that I've made for myself. I am forever thankful for the work that we've done together!!
Headshot of young and happy business woman
P. Tuffie
In Miami, Florida

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opening hours
  • monday - friday
  • 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Extended Weekday & Weekend Hours By Request
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