Privacy Policy, HIPAA Compliance & Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

Overview

Dr. Arnold Washton and Recovery Options ("we," "our," or "us") are committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who visit our website at recoveryoptions.us or use our services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Contact information you provide through our consultation request forms, including your name, email address, phone number, and message content.
Website usage data such as pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs, collected through standard web analytics.
Device information including browser type, operating system, and IP address, collected automatically when you visit our site.

How We Use Your Information

To respond to consultation requests and inquiries you submit through our website.
To provide and improve our clinical services.
To communicate with you about appointments, treatment, and follow-up care.
To improve our website functionality and user experience.
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

With your explicit written consent.
With service providers who assist in operating our website (e.g., form processing), who are bound by confidentiality agreements.
When required by law, court order, or government regulation.
To protect the safety of a patient or the public, as permitted by law.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Cookies & Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

Your Rights

You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information. To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@thewashtongroup.com or call (212) 944-8444.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

HIPAA Compliance

Notice of Privacy Practices

Dr. Arnold Washton and Recovery Options are fully compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and all applicable federal and state privacy regulations governing the protection of your health information.

What is Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information includes any individually identifiable health information related to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare services, or payment for those services. This includes your name, contact details, diagnosis, treatment plans, session notes, and billing records.

How We Protect Your Information

Strict confidentiality. All clinical records, communications, and treatment details are kept strictly confidential.
Minimum necessary standard. We only access, use, or disclose the minimum amount of PHI necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.
Secure communications. We use secure, encrypted methods for electronic communications involving PHI.
Staff training. All staff members receive training on HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
Physical safeguards. Paper records are stored in secure, locked locations with restricted access.

Your Rights Under HIPAA

As a patient, you have the following rights regarding your health information:

Right to access. You may request copies of your health records.
Right to amend. You may request corrections to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate.
Right to an accounting of disclosures. You may request a list of instances where your PHI was disclosed for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Right to request restrictions. You may request limitations on how your health information is used or disclosed.
Right to confidential communications. You may request that we communicate with you through specific means or at specific locations.
Right to a copy of this notice. You may request a paper copy of this notice at any time.

When We May Disclose PHI Without Your Authorization

In limited circumstances, we may be required or permitted to disclose your PHI without your authorization:

When required by law or court order.
To prevent a serious and imminent threat to your health or safety, or that of another person or the public.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, as required by state law.
For public health activities, as required by law.
To comply with workers' compensation laws.

Our Commitment to Confidentiality

We understand that seeking treatment for substance use requires extraordinary trust. Your privacy is foundational to the therapeutic relationship.

We will never contact your employer, family members, or insurance company without your explicit written consent.
You may choose to pay out of pocket to avoid any insurance record of treatment.
Telehealth sessions are conducted on HIPAA-compliant, encrypted platforms.
42 CFR Part 2 provides additional federal protections specifically for substance use disorder treatment records, which are even stricter than standard HIPAA requirements.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us directly or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Terms of Service

Last updated: February 2026

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the website at recoveryoptions.us ("the Site"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Site.

Website Purpose

This website is operated by Dr. Arnold Washton to provide general information about addiction treatment and counseling services. The content on this Site is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Not a Substitute for Professional Care

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, psychological counseling, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical or psychological condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

No Doctor-Patient Relationship

Use of this website, including submitting a consultation request form, does not establish a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship. A professional relationship is only formed after a mutual agreement to engage in treatment, including completion of informed consent and intake procedures.

Intellectual Property

All content on this Site, including text, articles, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Dr. Arnold Washton or its content creators and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or republish any content from this Site without prior written permission.

Accuracy of Information

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on this website. However, we make no warranties or representations about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any content. Treatment approaches and medical information may change as new research becomes available.

Limitation of Liability

Dr. Arnold Washton, associated practitioners, and staff shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of this website or reliance on any information provided herein. Your use of the Site is at your own risk.

External Links

This Site may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. We do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for the content or practices of any linked sites.

Form Submissions

When you submit information through our contact or consultation forms, you acknowledge that internet-based communications may not be fully secure. While we take reasonable steps to protect your submissions, we recommend contacting us directly by phone at (212) 944-8444 for sensitive matters.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the States of New Jersey and New York. Any disputes arising from the use of this Site shall be resolved in the appropriate courts of these states.

Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes take effect immediately upon posting to this page. Your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Email: contact@thewashtongroup.com
Phone: (212) 944-8444
Website: recoveryoptions.us

Legal & Privacy