Privacy Policy
Joseph W. James, Ph.D. — licensed psychologist, Bethesda, MD.
Privacy Policy
1. Important Notice About Confidential and Medical Information
This website is not a secure channel for personal health information (PHI) or confidential clinical information. The contact and consultation-request forms on this Site should only be used for general questions and appointment requests — not for sharing details about your mental health history, symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment. Confidential clinical information is handled separately, in accordance with applicable state law and professional ethical standards, once you become a client.
2. Information I Collect
Information you provide directly, such as when you submit a contact form, request a consultation, or email me:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Any message or details you choose to include
Information collected automatically, such as through standard web server logs and any analytics tools in use on the Site (e.g., IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, referring website, and approximate location derived from IP address).
3. How I Use Your Information
I use the information collected to:
- Respond to your inquiries and consultation requests
- Schedule appointments
- Communicate with you about the practice
- Maintain and improve the Site
- Comply with legal obligations
I do not use information submitted through this Site for advertising or marketing to third parties, and I do not sell your information.
4. How I Share Your Information
I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. I may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- Service providers: With third-party vendors who help operate the Site or manage appointment requests (e.g., website hosting, form-processing, or scheduling tools), solely for the purpose of providing those services.
- Legal requirements: If required to do so by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or to protect the safety of any person.
- Business transfers: In the event of a sale, transfer, or reorganization of the practice, information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
5. Data Security
I take reasonable steps to protect information submitted through this Site. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security. Please do not submit sensitive medical or confidential information through website forms or unencrypted email.
6. Data Retention
I retain information submitted through this Site for as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry, maintain business records, and comply with legal and professional obligations.
7. Your Choices and Rights
You may:
- Request to know what personal information I have collected about you
- Request correction or deletion of your personal information
- Opt out of future email communications by contacting me directly
To make any of these requests, contact me at drjoe@drjoejames.com or 240-485-6053.
8. Children's Privacy
This Site is not directed at children under 13, and I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through this Site.
9. Third-Party Links
This Site may contain links to third-party websites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites.
10. Changes to This Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Me
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Joseph W. James, Ph.D.
6917 Arlington Road, Suite 216
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 240-485-6053
Email: drjoe@drjoejames.com