Privacy Policy

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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.

**Terms of Service**  

**Last Updated: January 31, 2026**

Welcome to the website and services of **Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC** (the "Site" or "Service"), an Alaska limited liability company providing psychiatry, counseling, behavioral health evaluations, therapy, and related mental health services ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, patient portal, scheduling system, telehealth platform, and any associated services (collectively, the "Services").

**1. Acceptance of Terms**  

By accessing or using the Services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services. We may revise these Terms periodically; your continued use after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

**2. Eligibility**  

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in Alaska) or have valid parental/guardian consent and involvement (for minors) to use the Services. The Services are primarily intended for individuals located in Alaska at the time of service. You represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.

**3. Nature of Services – Important Disclaimers**  

- The Site provides general information about our behavioral health services (psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual/group therapy, counseling, and telehealth) and facilitates scheduling and communication.  

- **No medical or therapeutic advice via the Site alone.** Any informational content is educational only and does not establish a provider-patient relationship or substitute for professional care.  

- A formal provider-patient relationship forms **only** after a licensed provider (e.g., psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, licensed counselor) evaluates you and accepts you for treatment.  

- **Emergency / Crisis Situations.** The Services are **not** designed for emergencies, acute crises, suicidal ideation, or immediate danger. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. We do not offer 24/7 crisis intervention or monitoring.

**4. Provider-Patient Relationship & Telehealth**  

- Services may be delivered in-person (at our Fairbanks location) or via telehealth, in compliance with Alaska law (including AS 08.02.130, which generally permits telehealth by Alaska-licensed providers without a mandatory initial in-person exam for behavioral health).  

- Telehealth carries inherent limitations and risks (e.g., technology issues, reduced non-verbal cues, privacy considerations). You will receive and must provide separate informed consent for telehealth services before any such encounter.

**5. Informed Consent for Telehealth**  

Prior to receiving telehealth services, you will be required to review and consent to our telehealth-specific informed consent, which addresses benefits, risks, alternatives, security measures, limitations, record-keeping, and your right to revoke consent. Consent may be obtained electronically, verbally, or in writing as permitted by law and your provider’s licensing board.

**6. Privacy & Protected Health Information (PHI)**  

We comply with the **Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)** and applicable Alaska laws. Our handling of your protected health information is detailed in our **Notice of Privacy Practices** (linked on the Site and/or provided at intake). By using the Services, you consent to our privacy practices as described therein.

**7. User Responsibilities & Conduct**  

You agree to:  

- Provide accurate, up-to-date personal and health information.  

- Use the Services only for lawful purposes and in a respectful manner.  

- Not engage in harassment, unauthorized access, sharing of credentials, or any disruptive behavior.  

- Safeguard your account login information and notify us immediately of any suspected breach.

**8. Payment & Billing**  

Fees for services (e.g., evaluations, therapy sessions, follow-ups) are disclosed during scheduling or on the Site. You are responsible for all charges. We may submit claims to insurance (including Tricare where accepted) or provide superbills for reimbursement. Payment is typically due at the time of service unless alternate arrangements are made. We do not guarantee coverage, benefits, or reimbursement by any insurer.

**9. Cancellation & No-Show Policy**  

Cancellations or rescheduling require at least 24 hours' notice (or as specified during booking). Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a $30.00 fee as outlined in our scheduling policies.

**10. Intellectual Property**  

All content on the Site (text, graphics, logos, materials) is owned by Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC or its licensors and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

**11. Limitation of Liability**  

To the maximum extent permitted by law:  

- The Services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied.  

- We disclaim liability for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to the Services.  

- Our aggregate liability shall not exceed the fees you paid us in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the claim.

**12. Indemnification**  

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC, its members, providers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your violation of these Terms, misuse of the Services, or infringement of third-party rights.

**13. Termination**  

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access for any reason, including breach of these Terms, non-payment, or safety concerns. Provisions that naturally survive termination (e.g., disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification) remain in effect.

**14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution**  

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Alaska, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. You consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts and waive any objections based on inconvenience or forum non conveniens.

**15. Contact Us**  

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact:  

**Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC**  

330 Old Steese Hwy  

Fairbanks, AK 99701  

Email: info@bridges.sprucecare.com

Phone: (907) 416-3993 

Thank you for choosing Bridges Behavioral Health, LLC for your behavioral health care.