Client Rights, Records, and Complaints

Access to Records

Clients have the right to access their mental health records in accordance with HIPAA and Texas law.

Requests to review or obtain copies of records must be submitted in writing. Requests will be processed within the time frames required by law. Reasonable fees may apply for copies, as permitted by law.

A full description of your privacy rights, including how to request records or amendments, is available in our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided at the start of services and available upon request.

If you have questions about accessing your records, please contact:

Ascend Counseling Center of Texas

abigail@ascendcocenter.com

Complaints and Grievances

If you have a concern about services, you are encouraged to discuss it directly with your therapist when possible.

You also have the right to file a complaint with the Texas regulatory agency that licenses mental health professionals:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)

Website: https://bhec.texas.gov

How to File a Complaint: https://bhec.texas.gov/how-to-file-a-complaint/

Phone: 1-800-821-3205

Filing a complaint will not affect your right to receive services.

Privacy Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may also file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Website: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr