Privacy Policy

Effective Date: Updated January 2026

Discovery Counseling ("we," "us," or "our") is a Christian counseling organization committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information in a manner that honors both legal requirements and biblical values of respect, dignity, and confidentiality. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website at www.discoverycounseling.org  and use any online forms, resources, or services available through it.

Discovery Counseling is a nonprofit Christian counseling ministry recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, located in Buckingham County, Virginia. We do not bill insurance and accept contributions.

Although certain Virginia privacy laws may not apply to us because we are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we choose to follow best practices by providing a clear privacy notice, limiting the personal information we collect to what is reasonably necessary, and using reasonable safeguards to protect it.

By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you interact with our website:

• Personal Information you voluntarily provide
  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Information you provide through contact forms,  appointment requests, newsletter sign-ups, or event registrations
  • Limited payment or billing information if you make an online payment (processed through a secure third-party payment processor)
• Non-personal and technical information
  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited and time spent on our site
  • Referring website
  • Other usage data collected through cookies or similar technologies

This website is not intended for submitting detailed clinical or emergency information. Do not share sensitive health information or crisis-related information through website forms. 

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect for purposes such as:

• Responding to your inquiries, prayer requests, or contact form submissions
• Scheduling or confirming appointments requested through the website
• Sending you updates about our services, events, devotionals, or newsletters (if you opt in)
• Processing donations or payments through secure third-party services
• Improving our website, resources, and user experience
• Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and professional obligations
• Protecting the security and integrity of our systems and preventing fraud or abuse

If you become a counseling client, your clinical information and health records are handled separately under professional and HIPAA-related privacy/confidentiality rules. They are not governed solely by this website's Privacy Policy.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze how visitors use the site
• Improve the content and functionality of our site

You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. If you turn off cookies, some parts of the website may not function properly.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist with website hosting, email delivery, online scheduling, payment processing, or analytics, and who are obligated to protect your information.
• Legal or safety reasons: When required by law, court order, subpoena, or regulatory authority, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, safety, clients, or the public.
• With your consent: When you give us specific permission to share information for a particular purpose (for example, coordinating care with a pastor, physician, or another counselor).
• Counseling Records and Confidentiality: If you become a counseling client, your counseling records are maintained separately from our website systems and are protected by federal and Virginia laws governing mental health records and professional ethics. Those clinical records are not governed solely by this website's Privacy Policy. We do not submit claims to insurance companies.

Any disclosure of clinical or counseling records will be governed by applicable counseling/mental health confidentiality laws and professional ethics, and will typically require your signed written authorization unless an exception applies (such as a risk of harm or a legal mandate).

5. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to help protect the information we collect through our website from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Please do not send highly sensitive personal, financial, or medical information via regular email or unencrypted web forms.

6. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13 through the website, please contact us using the information below, and we will take appropriate steps to delete such information.

7. Your Choices and Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and ethical record-keeping obligations
• Opt out of marketing emails and newsletters at any time by using the "unsubscribe" link or contacting us directly

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests.

8. Third-Party Links

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

9. Faith-Based Perspective

As a Christian counseling ministry, we may offer spiritual content such as Scripture, devotionals, or prayer invitations on our website. Participation in faith-based content is voluntary, and your decision to engage with spiritual resources does not change your privacy rights. We seek to handle information about your faith, prayer requests, or spiritual concerns with respect and confidentiality consistent with our beliefs and professional standards.

10. Donor information

If you choose to support our ministry financially, we may collect your name, contact information, and donation history. Online donations are processed through secure third-party payment processors, and we do not store full payment card numbers on our systems. We do not sell or rent donor information. We may use donor information to send tax receipts, acknowledgments, and occasional ministry updates, and you may opt out of non-receipt communications at any time.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. Your continued use of the website after any changes are posted signifies your acceptance of the revised Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or if you would like to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

Discovery Counseling
2148 Perkins Mill Road
Dillwyn, VA 23936
Phone: 434-808-2426
Email: discoverycounseling@gmail.com

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