Notice of Privacy Practices

Provider: Rafael Cazares, LMFT | License: #150588

Effective Date: May 11, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We are required by federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) and to provide you with this notice detailing our legal duties and privacy practices. We are committed to safeguarding your personal health information and maintaining complete transparency about how your records are managed.

How We Use and Disclose Your PHI

  • Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care and related services.

  • Payment: To bill and collect payment from you or your health insurance carrier (e.g., via Headway, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield).

  • Healthcare Operations: To support the administrative, legal, and business activities of the practice (such as clinical quality reviews, practice auditing, and compliance management).

  • AI Documentation: We utilize HIPAA-compliant, secure AI-assisted technology to organize and refine clinical notes. No audio or video recordings are ever captured, saved, or stored by this technology.

  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Records: In accordance with federal regulations (42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA alignment), any records related to substance use disorder assessment, diagnosis, or treatment receive heightened protection. These records will not be disclosed or re-disclosed without your express written consent, except in narrowly defined emergencies or legally mandated court orders.

  • As Required by Law: We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local laws (e.g., mandatory reporting of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, court orders, or when disclosure is necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to health or safety).

Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

  • Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to review and obtain a copy of your mental health record.

  • Right to Request Amendments: You can request that we correct or update your clinical record if you believe information is missing or inaccurate.

  • Right to Restrict Disclosures: You may request restrictions on how your PHI is used or shared. If you pay for a service entirely out-of-pocket, you have the right to restrict disclosures of that specific care to your health insurance plan.

  • Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of certain non-routine disclosures of your PHI made by this practice outside of standard treatment, payment, or operational needs.

Complaints & Contact Information

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, or if you have questions about these privacy practices, you may contact:

  • Rafael Cazares, LMFT: rafael@rafaelcazares.com

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a privacy complaint.

Board of Behavioral Sciences Notice

The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. Contact the board at: