Technical Counseling

Privacy Policy

Technical Counseling (Stephen C. Arnold, LCSW, PhD (Computer Science))

Effective date: 2/5/2026

Last updated: 2/5/2026

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how Technical Counseling collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you interact with my website, online forms (including LinkedIn Lead Gen Forms), and related communications. It is intended for prospective clients and site visitors. This Privacy Policy is not a clinical record and is not a substitute for a HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which applies once you become a client and protected health information is created.

2. What information I collect

I may collect the following categories of information:

  • Contact information you provide (such as name, email address, and phone number).
  • Scheduling preferences (for example, weekday afternoon/evening availability).
  • General, high-level information about what you are looking for help with (please do not submit highly sensitive details through marketing forms).
  • Insurance/payment-related preferences (for example, private pay, out-of-network superbill, or insurance carrier selection).
  • Technical information from your device/browser when you visit my website (such as IP address, device type, and basic usage analytics), depending on your browser settings and any analytics tools in use.

3. How I use information

I use information to:

  • Respond to your inquiry and determine whether I can offer an appropriate consultation or referral.
  • Communicate with you about scheduling, fees, and next steps.
  • Improve my website, messaging, and outreach (for example, by understanding which pages or ads are helpful).
  • Comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations.

4. LinkedIn Lead Gen Forms and advertising

If you submit a LinkedIn Lead Gen Form, LinkedIn provides your form responses to me. LinkedIn may also collect and use information about your interaction with the ad according to its own policies. I recommend reviewing LinkedIn’s privacy information to understand how LinkedIn handles your data.

Important notes about Lead Gen Forms:

  • I use the information you submit to contact you about a consultation and to screen for basic fit (for example, Oregon location and scheduling compatibility).
  • Do not include highly sensitive personal or clinical details in ad forms.
  • Submitting a form does not create a therapist-client relationship. The relationship begins only after mutual agreement and completion of intake/consent steps.

5. When I share information

I do not sell your personal information. I share information only in limited circumstances, such as:

  • Service providers who help operate my website, forms, or email (who are expected to protect information and use it only for providing services).
  • When required by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process.
  • To protect rights, safety, and security (for example, to prevent fraud or misuse).
  • If I determine I are not an appropriate fit, I may—at your request or with your permission—share your contact information with a trusted colleague or another licensed mental health professional so they can reach out to you about possible services or referrals. I do not receive financial remuneration or kickbacks for referrals.

6. Security

I take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. Email and online forms may not be appropriate for urgent or highly sensitive communications.

7. Data retention

I retain inquiry information only as long as reasonably necessary for communication, screening, recordkeeping, and legal/professional obligations. If you do not become a client, your information is typically retained for a limited period for administrative purposes, then deleted or securely archived.

8. Your choices

You can:

  • Ask what information I have about you from a marketing inquiry.
  • Request corrections to inaccurate contact information.
  • Request that I delete your inquiry information, subject to any legal/professional obligations to retain certain records.
  • Opt out of non-essential communications by telling me you do not wish to be contacted further.

9. Children

My services and marketing are intended for adults. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

10. Crisis and emergency

I do not provide crisis services through this website or through advertising forms. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, call 911. If you are in the United States and need immediate support, you can call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).

11. Changes to this policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The ‘Last updated’ date above indicates when changes were made.

12. Contact

Technical Counseling

Email: technicalcounseling@gmail.com

Phone: 971-777-2748