Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how Valley Psychotherapy PLLC (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects information obtained through this website. Valley Psychotherapy PLLC is a psychotherapy practice located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is committed to protecting user privacy and complying with applicable federal and state laws.

1. Scope and Purpose

This website is intended solely to provide general information about the psychotherapy services offered by Valley Psychotherapy PLLC. Use of this website, or communication initiated through information provided on this website, does not establish a therapist–client relationship.

This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through this website. Information collected in the course of psychotherapy services is governed by separate informed consent documents and a HIPAA-compliant Notice of Privacy Practices, which are provided directly to clients once services begin.

2. No Collection of Protected Health Information Through This Website

This website is not designed to collect protected health information (“PHI”) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

This website does not include:

  • Contact forms

  • Client portals

  • Scheduling tools

  • Online payment systems

Users are strongly discouraged from submitting sensitive personal, clinical, or health-related information through email or voicemail initiated via this website.

3. Voluntary Communications

The website provides an email address, phone number, and a link to a third-party professional directory (Psychology Today).

If you voluntarily contact the Practice by email or phone, you may choose to provide personal information such as your name, contact details, or the nature of your inquiry. Such communications occur outside the website itself and are not guaranteed to be secure.

Communications made prior to the establishment of a therapist–client relationship are not considered protected health information under HIPAA.

4. Automatically Collected Information

This website is hosted on Squarespace. Squarespace and its service providers may automatically collect limited, non-identifying information, including but not limited to:

  • Internet Protocol (IP) address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information

  • Operating system

  • Pages visited and referring URLs

  • Date and time of access

This information is collected for purposes such as website operation, security, performance monitoring, and analytics.

5. Use of Google Analytics

This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect information about website usage.

The information generated by these cookies (including IP address data) is transmitted to and stored by Google on servers that may be located outside of Massachusetts or the United States. Google uses this information to evaluate website usage, compile reports on website activity, and provide related services.

You may opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on or by adjusting your browser’s cookie settings. More information about Google’s data practices is available in Google’s privacy policy.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies through Squarespace and Google Analytics. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help improve website functionality and user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may affect website functionality.

7. Use and Disclosure of Information

Information collected through this website is used solely for legitimate business purposes, including:

  • Maintaining and securing website functionality

  • Responding to general inquiries

  • Monitoring website usage and performance

  • Complying with legal, ethical, and professional obligations

Personal information collected through this website is not sold, rented, or shared for marketing purposes.

8. Massachusetts Confidentiality Laws

Psychotherapists in Massachusetts are subject to strict confidentiality requirements under Massachusetts law, including but not limited to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112 and applicable professional regulations.

Once a therapist–client relationship is established, client information is protected under Massachusetts confidentiality laws and HIPAA. Information submitted through this website prior to the establishment of a therapeutic relationship is not subject to those protections.

9. Data Security

Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to protect information collected through this website. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and the Practice cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Third-Party Websites and Services

This website includes a link to a third-party website (Psychology Today). Any information you provide through third-party websites is governed by their respective privacy policies and terms of use.

Valley Psychotherapy PLLC does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of third-party websites.

11. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 13. The Practice does not knowingly collect personal information from children.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

Questions regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to:

Valley Psychotherapy PLLC
Email: stellametzger@valley-psychotherapy.com
Phone: (413) 203-9350