Expert behavioral health/ psychiatric evaluations and tailored counseling treatment plans.
Expert behavioral health/ psychiatric evaluations and tailored counseling treatment plans.
330 Old Steese Highway, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Phone (907)416-3993 Fax (907)931-6100
Open today | 10:00 am – 08:00 pm |
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Privacy Policy
Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC
*(Effective Date: January 1, 2025)*
This Privacy Policy describes how Alaska Psychiatry Associates (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information when you visit our website www.bridges-behavioral.com (the “Website”), communicate with us electronically, or receive mental health services from our practice. As a psychiatric practice in the State of Alaska, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your Protected Health Information (PHI) in full compliance with federal and Alaska state law.
1. Information We Collect
We collect several types of information:
**A. Protected Health Information (PHI)**
- Mental health records, diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes, medications, therapy notes, and any other information you provide in the course of receiving psychiatric or psychotherapy services.
- Information collected through our secure patient portal (e.g., intake forms, messages to your provider, appointment requests).
**B. Personal Information Collected via the Website**
- Name, email address, phone number, mailing address (when you schedule an appointment, contact us, or subscribe to newsletters).
- Payment information (processed through encrypted third-party payment processors; we do not store full credit card numbers).
- Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies (see Cookie section below).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information only as permitted or required by law, including:
- To provide, coordinate, and manage your mental health care
- To process payments and communicate about billing/insurance
- For treatment, payment, and health care operations (as defined by HIPAA)
- To communicate appointment reminders, telehealth links, or treatment-related information
- To comply with federal and Alaska state laws (including mandatory reporting of harm to self/others, abuse, or certain infectious diseases)
- For public health activities, judicial proceedings, law enforcement purposes, or coroner/medical examiner requests when required by law
- To improve our Website and services (de-identified or aggregated data only)
3. How We Share Your Information
We do **not** sell, rent, or trade your PHI or personal information.
We disclose PHI only when permitted or required by law, including:
- With your written authorization (except where authorization is not required by law)
- To treating providers involved in your care (e.g., referring physicians, therapists, laboratories)
- To business associates who are contractually obligated to protect your PHI (e.g., electronic health record vendor, billing company, IT support, secure messaging platforms)
- To health insurance plans or government programs (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare) for payment purposes
- When required by federal or Alaska state law (e.g., court orders, subpoenas, mandatory reporting of imminent harm, child/elder abuse, or certain communicable diseases)
- To law enforcement in limited circumstances permitted by law
- For health oversight activities (e.g., audits by the Alaska Department of Health)
4. Psychotherapy Notes
Psychotherapy notes (notes by your mental health provider that are kept separate from the rest of your medical record) receive special protection under federal and Alaska law. We will not disclose psychotherapy notes without your specific written authorization, except in very limited circumstances permitted by law (e.g., to avert serious and imminent harm, oversight of the originating provider, or certain legal proceedings).
5. Your Alaska-Specific Privacy Rights
In addition to your HIPAA rights, Alaska law (AS 18.05.040 and related regulations) provides extra protections for mental health records. You have the right to:
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures (we will consider all requests but are not always required to agree)
- Receive confidential communications by alternative means or at alternative locations
- Access and obtain a copy of your PHI (including electronic copies)
- Request an amendment to your record
- Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
- Be notified following any breach of your unsecured PHI
- File a complaint with us or with the Alaska Department of Health if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
6. Website Security & Cookies
- We use industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS) and secure servers.
- Our patient portal [Spruce} and telehealth platform meet or exceed HIPAA security standards.
- We use cookies and similar technologies only for essential functions (e.g., keeping you logged into the secure portal) and analytics (de-identified data only). You can disable non-essential cookies in your browser settings.
7. Data Retention
We retain your PHI as required by Alaska law (generally 7 years after your last encounter for adults; until age 21 + 7 years for minors) or longer if required for legal or clinical reasons.
8. Children and Adolescents
We do not currently provide services to children or adolescents.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy. The new version will be posted on our Website with a revised effective date. For material changes affecting PHI, we will notify you via email or at your next appointment.
10. Contact Information / Privacy Officer
If you have questions, wish to exercise your rights, or believe your privacy has been violated:
**Privacy Officer**
Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC
330 Old Steese Highway
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Email: info@bridges.sprucecare.com
You may also file a complaint with:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
or
Alaska Department of Health
Division of Behavioral Health
By using our Website or receiving services from Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.
© 2025 Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC. All rights reserved.
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