Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 1, 2026

Practice Name: 9 Lives Therapy, PLLC

Owners: Katheryne Ricardo, MS, LPC and Annah Hawk, MS, LPC

Licensed in: Texas (Katheryne Ricardo - 93972) (Annah Hawk - 93982)

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how I, Katheryne Ricardo, MS, LPC, and I, Annah Hawk, MS., LPC, owners of 9 Lives Therapy, PLLC, collect, use, and protect personal information through this website (https://www.9livestherapy.com) in accordance with federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and applicable laws in Texas.

By using this site, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Personal Information (which may be Protected Health Information under HIPAA):

Name
Email address
Phone number
Any information you voluntarily submit via contact forms or intake forms

2. Information We Collect

Non-Personal Information:

Browser type
IP address
Date and time of visits
Pages visited
This information may be collected through cookies or analytics tools to improve the website's functionality and performance.

Your information may be used to:

Respond to your inquiries or requests
Provide therapy or consultation services
Send appointment or administrative updates
Comply with legal, ethical, or licensing obligations

9 Lives Therapy, PLLC does not sell, rent, or share your personal information without your written consent, unless required by law.

3. How Your Information is Used

9 Lives Therapy, PLLC follows HIPAA-compliant practices to protect your personal and health information.

Electronic records are securely stored and encrypted when possible
Access to sensitive information is restricted to authorized individuals only
Contact forms and client communication tools are selected for their security features

Please be aware that no method of internet transmission is completely secure. Use discretion when sharing sensitive information online.

4. Data Security

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to collect anonymous usage data and track visitor behavior (e.g., pages visited, time on site). This helps improve the user experience.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

9 Lives Therapy, PLLC may use services like Google Analytics, which collect general site usage data, but do not collect personal health information.

5. Cookies and Analytics

6. Third-Party Tools and Links

If you access third-party services through this website (e.g., teletherapy platform, appointment scheduling, or email communication), please note that these services have their own privacy policies. 9 Lives Therapy, PLLC is not responsible for the content or practices of external websites.

Examples may include:

Telehealth platforms (e.g., SimplePractice, Headway, Google Meet)
Scheduling systems
Secure client communication portals

7. Teletherapy & Confidentiality

9 Lives Therapy, PLLC provides teletherapy services through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. You will be asked to complete an Informed Consent for Teletherapy before services begin.

As a licensed therapist, I adhere to federal and state confidentiality laws. However, confidentiality may be legally broken in the following situations:

Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult
Serious threats of harm to self or others
Court orders or legal subpoenas requiring disclosure

You have the right to:

Request access to your records
Request corrections to your information
Request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your information
Withdraw consent for certain communications (where applicable)
File a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, contact your therapist using the information provided below.

8. Your Privacy Rights

9. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. 9 Lives Therapy, PLLC does not knowingly collect information from children without verified parental or guardian consent.

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or business practices. The effective date at the top of the page will be updated accordingly. Continued use of the site indicates acceptance of any changes.

10. Updates to This Policy

For questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, contact:

Katheryne Ricardo, MS, LPC
9 Lives Therapy, PLLC
Licensed in Texas (93972)
📧 Email: kat@9livestherapy.com
🌐 Website: https://www.9livestherapy.com

Annah Hawk, MS, LPC

9 Lives Therapy, PLLC

Licensed in Texas (93982)

📧 Email: annie@9livestherapy.com

🌐 Website: https://www.9livestherapy.com