Transparency matters. Here you'll find our privacy practices, terms, and consent information.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC
Effective Date: November 1, 2025
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
31 Covert Avenue, Suite 5, Floral Park, NY 11001
Email: info@josephpsych.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This website and all content herein are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or the establishment of a physician-patient relationship. Browsing this website, submitting a contact form, sending an email, or otherwise communicating with Joseph Psychiatry PLLC through this website does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship and does NOT entitle you to any duty of care.
EMERGENCY NOTICE: Joseph Psychiatry PLLC does NOT provide emergency or crisis services. Messages may not be reviewed for 24-48 hours or longer during weekends and holidays. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm, or any life-threatening situation, IMMEDIATELY call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms, policies, and disclaimers set forth below.
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.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC ("Practice," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your protected health information ("PHI"). This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your PHI and sets forth your rights with respect to such information.
We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act ("HITECH"), and their implementing regulations (including 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164), as well as applicable New York State law, including but not limited to the New York Mental Hygiene Law, to: (a) maintain the privacy and security of your PHI; (b) provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices; (c) notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI; and (d) abide by the terms of this Notice currently in effect.
We may use and disclose your PHI without obtaining your written authorization for the following purposes:
A. Treatment
We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, and manage your psychiatric care and any related services. This includes consultations with other healthcare providers, referrals to specialists, and coordination of care with other treating providers involved in your treatment.
B. Payment
We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain reimbursement for the healthcare services provided to you. This includes billing and collections activities, eligibility and coverage determinations, medical necessity reviews, utilization review, prior authorization requests, and disclosure to third-party payers.
C. Healthcare Operations
We may use and disclose your PHI for our internal healthcare operations, including quality assessment and improvement activities, reviewing the competence or qualifications of healthcare professionals, conducting training programs, accreditation activities, and business planning and development.
D. Business Associates
We may disclose your PHI to third-party business associates who perform functions on our behalf or provide services to us that involve the use or disclosure of PHI. All business associates are obligated by written Business Associate Agreements to protect your PHI in accordance with HIPAA and applicable law. These services may include secure data storage, encrypted communication, scheduling, intake coordination, billing, insurance verification, payment processing, call documentation, and telehealth support. The Practice reserves the right to add, remove, or modify business associates as operationally necessary without prior notice.
E. Required by Law
We will use and disclose your PHI when required to do so by any applicable federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to mandatory reporting requirements.
F. Public Health Activities
We may disclose your PHI for public health activities as permitted or required by law, including reporting disease, injury, vital events, and adverse events related to medications or products.
G. Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Violence
We may disclose your PHI to appropriate government authorities if we reasonably believe a patient is the victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, as permitted or required by law.
H. Health Oversight Activities
We may disclose your PHI to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law, including audits, civil or criminal investigations, inspections, licensure, and disciplinary actions.
I. Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
We may disclose your PHI in response to a court order, administrative order, subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process, subject to applicable legal requirements.
J. Law Enforcement Purposes
We may disclose your PHI to law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes as required or permitted by applicable law, including identifying or locating a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person.
K. Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors
We may disclose your PHI to a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director as necessary for them to carry out their lawful duties.
L. Serious Threat to Health or Safety
We may use and disclose your PHI when necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public, consistent with applicable law and ethical standards.
Except as described above, we will not use or disclose your PHI without your prior written authorization. The following uses and disclosures require your specific written authorization: (a) Most uses and disclosures of psychotherapy notes, where such notes are maintained separately from the medical record; (b) Uses and disclosures of PHI for marketing purposes, except for face-to-face communications and promotional gifts of nominal value; (c) Disclosures that constitute a sale of PHI; and (d) Any other uses or disclosures not described in this Notice.
You may revoke any authorization you have given at any time by submitting a written revocation to our Privacy Officer. Revocation will not affect any uses or disclosures made in reliance on the authorization prior to receipt of the revocation.
Under the New York Mental Hygiene Law, clinical records concerning the treatment of individuals for mental illness are subject to heightened confidentiality protections beyond those required by federal HIPAA regulations. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, disclosure of such records requires your specific written consent conforming to Section 33.13 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law. We will comply with all applicable requirements of New York Mental Hygiene Law in addition to federal HIPAA requirements, and in any conflict between federal and state law, we will apply the more protective standard.
A. Right to Access
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI contained in a designated record set. We will respond within thirty (30) days of receiving your written request. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copies. We may deny access in certain limited circumstances as permitted by law; if denied, you may request a review of the denial.
B. Right to Amend
You have the right to request that we amend your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. We may deny your request in certain circumstances, including if we did not create the information or if we determine the information is accurate and complete.
C. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI made by us during the six (6) years prior to your request. This accounting will not include disclosures for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, or disclosures made with your authorization.
D. Right to Request Restrictions
You have the right to request that we restrict certain uses and disclosures of your PHI. We are not required to agree to your request, except that we must agree to a restriction on disclosure to a health plan if: (a) the disclosure is for payment or healthcare operations purposes; and (b) the PHI pertains solely to a healthcare item or service for which you have paid out-of-pocket in full.
E. Right to Request Confidential Communications
You have the right to request that we communicate with you about health matters through alternative means or at alternative locations. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
F. Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
G. Right to Be Notified of a Breach
You have the right to be notified following a breach of your unsecured PHI, in accordance with applicable law.
A. Transmission Security
All telehealth sessions are conducted using HIPAA-compliant, encrypted telecommunications platforms. However, no electronic transmission is completely secure, and the Practice cannot guarantee absolute security of transmissions.
B. Recording Prohibition
Telehealth sessions are not recorded by this Practice unless you provide separate written consent. You expressly agree not to record, capture, screenshot, or otherwise reproduce any telehealth session, in whole or in part, by any means, without the prior express written consent of the Practice. Violation of this prohibition may result in immediate termination of services and may subject you to civil and criminal liability under applicable law.
C. Patient Environment Responsibility
You are solely responsible for ensuring you are in a private, secure, and confidential location during all telehealth sessions. The Practice is not responsible for any breach of confidentiality that occurs due to your failure to secure your environment, the presence of third parties in your location, or interception by any person or device in your control.
D. Technical Interruptions
In the event of technical failure or disconnection, we will attempt to reconnect or contact you by telephone. The Practice is not liable for any harm, delay, or damages arising from technical failures, internet connectivity issues, or platform malfunctions.
We reserve the right to change this Notice at any time and to make the revised Notice effective for all PHI we maintain, including PHI created or received prior to the effective date of the revision. The current Notice will be posted on our website and available at our office.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Privacy Officer:
Abie Varughese
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC, 31 Covert Avenue, Suite 5, Floral Park, NY 11001
Phone: 516-200-1835 | Email: info@josephpsych.com
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
Office for Civil Rights, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll-free: 1-800-368-1019 | TDD: 1-800-537-7697
This Website Privacy Policy describes how Joseph Psychiatry PLLC collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users of the josephpsych.com website ("Website"). This Policy applies solely to information collected through the Website and does not apply to information collected through our clinical services, which is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices (Section 1 above).
We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including your name, email address, telephone number, and other information submitted through contact forms or other website features.
CRITICAL NOTICE REGARDING CONTACT FORMS AND UNSECURED COMMUNICATIONS:
The contact form on this Website is STRICTLY PROHIBITED for use in transmitting any protected health information ("PHI"), medical information, clinical information, symptoms, diagnoses, medications, treatment history, or any other sensitive health-related information. The contact form is NOT encrypted and is NOT a secure method of communication. By submitting information through the contact form, you acknowledge and agree that: (a) any PHI or medical information submitted through the contact form is submitted entirely at your own risk; (b) the Practice expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for the security, confidentiality, or privacy of any such information; (c) the Practice shall not be liable for any unauthorized access, interception, or disclosure of information submitted through unsecured channels; and (d) you have been warned against submitting sensitive information and do so in violation of this Policy.
When you visit our Website, we and our third-party service providers automatically collect certain information using various tracking technologies, including but not limited to: (a) Cookies (small data files placed on your device, including both first-party and third-party cookies); (b) Web beacons and tracking pixels (small graphic images that track user behavior and measure effectiveness); (c) JavaScript tags (code embedded in our Website that collects information about your interactions); and (d) IP address logging.
This Website may use third-party analytics and advertising tools to evaluate traffic patterns, measure engagement, improve user experience, and deliver relevant content or advertisements. These tools may include web analytics services, tag management systems, and advertising or social media partners that assist in understanding how visitors interact with the Website. Such third parties may use cookies, pixels, or similar technologies to perform these functions in accordance with applicable law and their own privacy practices.
DISCLAIMER:
We do not intentionally collect any protected health information through these tracking technologies. However, we cannot guarantee that third-party providers do not collect such information through their tools. The information collected by third-party providers is subject to the privacy policies of the respective providers, over which we have no control. By using this Website, you acknowledge and accept the data collection practices of these third-party providers. The practice expressly disclaims any and all liability for the data collection, use, or disclosure practices of any third-party analytics or advertising provider.
The Practice utilizes the following communication channels, each with different security characteristics:
Standard SMS Text Messaging: NOT encrypted. If you communicate via SMS, you accept the risk of interception, unauthorized access, and disclosure. Do not send PHI via standard SMS.
Spruce Encrypted Messaging: Encrypted, HIPAA-compliant secure messaging. This is the preferred method for communicating PHI and sensitive documents.
Patient Portal Messaging: Encrypted, secure messaging through the SimplePractice patient portal.
Email: HIPAA-compliant on our end but NOT encrypted in transit. You accept the risk of unencrypted transmission and potential interception.
Telephone and Voicemail: Voicemail stored securely. However, telephone calls are not encrypted.
BY USING ANY UNENCRYPTED COMMUNICATION CHANNEL, YOU EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL RISK OF INTERCEPTION, UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, OR DISCLOSURE, AND RELEASE THE PRACTICE FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY RELATED THERETO.
You have choices regarding tracking technologies: (a) Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings; (b) Google Analytics Opt-Out: Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout; (c) Advertising Opt-Out: Visit www.aboutads.info/choices or www.networkadvertising.org/choices. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS WEBSITE. BY ACCESSING OR USING THIS WEBSITE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THESE TERMS, DO NOT ACCESS OR USE THIS WEBSITE.
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and Joseph Psychiatry PLLC ("Practice," "we," "us," or "our") governing your access to and use of the josephpsych.com website ("Website"). By accessing or using this Website in any manner, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, our Notice of Privacy Practices, and all other policies and disclaimers set forth herein or incorporated by reference. These Terms constitute a binding contract and are enforceable against you.
CRITICAL NOTICE: Accessing this Website, browsing its content, reading blog posts, submitting a contact form, sending an email, leaving a voicemail, or otherwise communicating with us through this Website or any other channel does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship, therapeutic relationship, or any duty of care whatsoever.
A physician-patient relationship is established ONLY after ALL of the following conditions have been satisfied: (a) you have completed our patient intake process in its entirety; (b) you have been formally accepted as a patient by the Practice in writing; (c) you have executed all required consent forms and agreements; (d) you have attended an initial evaluation appointment with a provider; and (e) the provider has agreed to provide ongoing care.
Until a formal physician-patient relationship is established, we owe no duty of care to you, have no obligation to respond to your communications within any timeframe, have no obligation to accept you as a patient, and have no obligation to maintain the confidentiality of information you voluntarily submit through this website or other unsecured channels.
The healthcare providers associated with Joseph Psychiatry PLLC are licensed to practice medicine exclusively in the State of New York. Our clinical services are available ONLY to individuals who are physically located within the geographic boundaries of New York State at the time of each telehealth encounter.
By using our clinical services, you represent, warrant, and certify that: (a) you are physically located within New York State at the time of each appointment; (b) you will immediately notify the Practice if your physical location changes during a session; (c) you will not access services while physically located outside New York State; and (d) all information you provide regarding your location is true, accurate, and complete.
Consequences of location misrepresentation:Providing false, misleading, or inaccurate information regarding your physical location constitutes: (a) a material breach of these Terms; (b) potential healthcare fraud; (c) grounds for immediate termination of all services without notice; (d) grounds for notification to applicable licensing authorities; (e) grounds for notification to law enforcement authorities; and (f) grounds for civil legal action to recover all damages, costs, and fees incurred by the Practice. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Practice for any and all liability arising from your misrepresentation of location.
The content on this Website, including but not limited to all text, graphics, images, videos, blog posts, articles, and other materials ("Content"), is provided for general informational purposes only and is NOT intended to be, and shall not be construed as, medical advice, psychiatric advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or professional healthcare guidance of any kind.
Always seek the advice of your physician, psychiatrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical or psychiatric condition. NEVER disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. NEVER rely on information on this Website in place of seeking professional medical advice.
The practice expressly disclaims any and all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the content on this website.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER - READ CAREFULLY:
This Website contains a blog section titled "Mental Health Insights" ("Blog"). All Blog content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.
THE BLOG CONTENT:
(a) Is NOT medical advice, psychiatric advice, clinical guidance, or professional treatment of any kind;
(b) Is NOT a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment;
(c) May be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated, or inapplicable to your specific circumstances;
(d) May contain errors, omissions, or statements that are no longer current;
(e) Should NOT be relied upon for any healthcare decision;
(f) May lead to adverse outcomes, harm, or injury if acted upon without professional guidance.
BY ACCESSING THE BLOG, YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT:
(a) You assume full and complete responsibility for any and all actions taken based on Blog content;
(b) You will seek professional medical evaluation before acting on any Blog information;
(c) The Practice shall not be liable for any loss, harm, injury, or damages of any kind arising from or related to reliance on Blog content;
(d) You release, waive, and forever discharge the Practice from any and all claims, demands, actions, and causes of action related to Blog content;
(e) Reading the Blog does not create a physician-patient relationship or any duty of care.
The contact form on this Website is for general inquiries only. The contact form is NOT encrypted and is NOT secure. You are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from submitting any of the following through the contact form: protected health information (PHI); medical information; symptoms or complaints; diagnoses or conditions; medications or prescriptions; treatment history; mental health concerns; requests for emergency assistance; suicidal or self-harm statements; or any other health-related or sensitive personal information. Any such information submitted through the contact form is submitted entirely at your sole risk. The Practice expressly disclaims any and all liability for unauthorized access, interception, or disclosure of information submitted through the contact form.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, joseph psychiatry pllc, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with: (a) your access to or use of (or inability to access or use) the website; (b) any content on the website, including the mental health insights blog; (c) any conduct or content of any third party on or through the website; (d) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content; (e) any information submitted through unsecured channels; or (f) any other matter relating to the website.
In no event shall the aggregate liability of the practice for all claims relating to the website exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00). This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory upon which your claim is based.
Some jurisdictions do not allowthe exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, thelimitations above shall apply to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The website and all content thereon are provided "As is" and "As available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the practice disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement. The practice does not warrant that: (a) the website will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; (b) the results obtained from use of the website will be accurate or reliable; (c) the quality of any content obtained through the website will meet your expectations; or (d) any errors will be corrected.
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Joseph Psychiatry PLLC, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) arising out of or in connection with: (a) your use of or access to the Website; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any applicable law or regulation; (d) your misrepresentation of your location or other information; (e) any content you submit through the Website; or (f) your infringement of any third-party rights.
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LAWSUIT IN COURT AND HAVE A JURY HEAR YOUR CLAIMS.
A. Mandatory Written Notice and Cure Period
Before initiating any dispute resolution proceeding, you must send written notice by certified mail to Joseph Psychiatry PLLC at 31 Covert Avenue, Suite 5, Floral Park, NY 11001, describing the dispute in detail and the specific relief sought. The Practice shall have forty-five (45) calendar days from receipt of the notice to attempt informal resolution of the dispute.
B. Mandatory Mediation
If the dispute is not resolved through the informal process, the parties shall engage in good-faith mediation in Nassau County, New York, before a mutually agreed mediator or, if the parties cannot agree, a mediator appointed by JAMS or the American Arbitration Association (AAA). Each party shall bear its own costs for mediation, and the parties shall share equally the mediator's fees. All mediation proceedings shall be confidential.
C. Mandatory Binding Arbitration
If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, all disputes, claims, and controversies arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Website shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration in Nassau County, New York, before a single neutral arbitrator administered by JAMS or AAA in accordance with their applicable arbitration rules. The arbitrator shall apply New York substantive law consistent with the Federal Arbitration Act. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
D. Waiver of Jury Trial
You and the practice hereby knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally waive any and all right to a trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these terms or your use of the website.
E. Class Action Waiver
You agree that any arbitration or legal proceeding shall be conducted solely on an individual basis and not as a class action, collective action, representative action, or private attorney general action. You expressly waive any right to participate in, initiate, or be a member of any class action against the practice.
F. Confidentiality
All mediation and arbitration proceedings, including any filings, evidence, testimony, and awards, shall be strictly confidential and shall not be disclosed to any third party except as required by law.
G. Injunctive Relief Carve-Out
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration agreement, protect confidential information, or preserve the status quo pending arbitration, without waiving any right to arbitration.
H. Survival
This dispute resolution provision shall survive termination of these Terms and any physician-patient relationship.
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Nassau County, New York, and you hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the class action waiver in Section 3.10(E) is found unenforceable as to a particular claim, then the entire arbitration provision (Section 3.10) shall be null and void as to that claim only, and such claim shall proceed in court.
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, Notice of Privacy Practices, and all other policies incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Practice regarding your use of the Website. The Practice reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Modifications will be effective immediately upon posting to the Website. Your continued use of the Website after any modification constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC provides psychiatric services exclusively via telehealth, utilizing synchronous audio-visual telecommunication technology. "Telehealth" means the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies, including interactive audio and video, to deliver clinical healthcare services remotely when the patient and provider are not in the same physical location.
We provide psychiatric services to adolescents (ages determined at clinical discretion), adults, and geriatric patients for conditions including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), panic disorders, trauma-related disorders, bipolar disorders, sleep disorders, stress-related conditions, mood disorders, and medication management.
We also provide psychiatric services to nursing homes and long-term care facilities, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, follow-up care, and care coordination. On-site visits may occur when clinically appropriate at the sole discretion of the provider.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED BY THIS PRACTICE:
(a) Treatment of children (we treat adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients only; minimum age determined at clinical discretion);
(b) Forensic psychiatric evaluations of any kind;
(c) Court-ordered evaluations, treatment, or testimony;
(d) Custody evaluations or recommendations;
(e) Disability paperwork, evaluations, determinations, or appeals;
(f) FMLA paperwork, certifications, or related documentation;
(g) Accommodation letters for school, work, housing, or any other purpose;
(h) Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters or certifications;
(i) Ketamine treatment, ketamine-assisted therapy, or related services;
(j) Couples therapy, marital counseling, or family therapy;
(k) Gender-affirming care or hormone therapy;
(l) Suboxone, methadone, or medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder;
(m) Treatment of active substance use disorders requiring higher level of care;
(n) Emergency or crisis services of any kind.
This list is not exhaustive. The Practice reserves the right to decline to provide any service at its sole clinical discretion.
IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY:
No Prescriptions at Intake: No medications of any kind will be prescribed during the initial intake appointment. The initial appointment is for evaluation purposes only.
Controlled Substances: Controlled substances (including but not limited to stimulants, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications) will only be considered after comprehensive clinical evaluation and appropriate follow-up appointments, and only when clinically appropriate in the provider's sole judgment and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and DEA regulations. The Practice does not guarantee that controlled substances will be prescribed to any patient.
Follow-Up Requirements: Patients receiving controlled substances or newly initiated medications must attend follow-up appointments as directed by the provider, which may be weekly or more frequent until clinically stable. Failure to attend required follow-up appointments may result in discontinuation of prescriptions.
Clinical Discretion: All prescribing decisions, including decisions to prescribe, modify, or discontinue medications, are at the sole clinical discretion of the treating provider and are not subject to appeal or dispute.
All billing, insurance verification, and payment transactions are administered through the Practice's secure practice-management platform (SimplePractice). Both insurance and private pay are accepted.
Good Faith Estimates: Joseph Psychiatry PLLC complies with the No Surprises Act. The Practice provides Good Faith Estimates of expected charges to uninsured and self-pay patients prior to receiving services, upon request or upon scheduling.
By participating in telehealth services, you acknowledge and accept the following risks and limitations:
(a) Telehealth may not be as complete as in-person services due to the limitations of technology;
(b) Information transmitted may be insufficient (e.g., poor resolution of images or audio) to allow for appropriate clinical decision-making;
(c) Delays in evaluation or treatment may occur due to equipment or connectivity failures;
(d) Security protocols may fail, resulting in breach of privacy;
(e) Lack of access to complete medical records may result in adverse drug interactions or other clinical issues;
(f) Despite reasonable efforts, the provider may not be able to adequately diagnose or treat certain conditions via telehealth.
The practice is not liable for any harm, injury, or adverse outcome arising from the inherent limitations of telehealth services.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC provides telehealth psychiatric services exclusively to patients who are physically located within the geographic boundaries of New York State at the time of each telehealth encounter.
Critical requirement: you must be physically present within new york state at the time of each appointment, regardless of your state of residence, mailing address, or insurance coverage. This is a legal requirement based on medical licensure laws. If you relocate, travel outside new york, or are otherwise physically located outside new york state during a scheduled appointment, you must notify the practice immediately and the appointment will be cancelled.
The Practice reserves the right to verify your physical location at the time of each appointment by any reasonable means. You agree to truthfully disclose your physical location upon request. Refusal to verify location or providing false location information will result in immediate termination of the session and may result in termination of the patient relationship.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC does not provide emergency or crisis services
This Practice provides scheduled outpatient telehealth services ONLY. We do not operate an emergency service, crisis hotline, or 24-hour on-call service. Messages sent via any communication channel (including Spruce, email, contact form, voicemail, or SMS) may not be reviewed for 24 to 48 hours or longer during weekends, holidays, and periods of high volume.
Do not contact this practice for emergencies. Do not use any communication channel associated with this practice to report a crisis, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm, or any life-threatening situation.
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm, or any life-threatening situation, contact the following resources IMMEDIATELY:
CALL 911 for any life-threatening emergency
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 (available 24/7)
NYC Well: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or Text "WELL" to 65173
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1; or Text 838255
Nearest Emergency Room: Go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately
The practice expressly disclaims any and all liability for any harm, injury, death, or damages arising from or related to: (a) your failure to seek emergency services when experiencing a crisis; (b) delayed response to messages sent through any communication channel; (c) your reliance on this practice for emergency care; or (d) any other emergency situation. You acknowledge that this practice does not monitor messages in real-time and cannot respond to emergencies.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC complies with applicable federal and state civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people, or treat people differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC provides: (a) Free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats; and (b) Free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as qualified interpreters and information written in other languages.
Contact us at 516-200-1835 or info@josephpsych.com to request these services. Please provide reasonable advance notice to allow us to arrange appropriate accommodations.
If you believe that Joseph Psychiatry PLLC has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way, you may file a grievance with:
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC, Attn: Compliance Officer, 31 Covert Avenue, Suite 5, Floral Park, NY 11001
Phone: 516-200-1835 | Email: info@josephpsych.com
You may also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:
Online: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf
Mail: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll-free: 1-800-368-1019 | TDD: 1-800-537-7697
For questions about these policies or to exercise your rights, contact:
Joseph Psychiatry PLLC
31 Covert Avenue, Suite 5
Floral Park, NY 11001
Phone: 516-200-1835
Email: info@josephpsych.com
By accessing or using the josephpsych.com website, by engaging our services, or by receiving care from Joseph Psychiatry PLLC, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms, policies, and disclaimers set forth in this Legal and Policies document.