Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 18, 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Dr. Carol L. Tessler, Psy.D. (“Practice,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects information obtained through this website.

This website is intended for individuals located in the State of Illinois. Dr. Tessler provides psychotherapy services only to individuals physically located in Illinois at the time of service.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Voluntarily Provide

When you contact the Practice through the website, email, or phone, you may provide:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • General inquiry information
  • Insurance information (if voluntarily submitted)

Please do not submit detailed medical or mental health information through the website contact form or standard email.

B. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the website, certain information may be automatically collected, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device type
  • Pages visited
  • Date and time of visit

This data is collected through cookies and analytics tools.

3. Cookies and Analytics

This website uses cookies and Google Analytics to understand website traffic and improve functionality.

Google Analytics may collect anonymized usage data, including IP address and browsing behavior. This information does not identify you personally.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.

The Practice does not use website analytics for advertising or remarketing purposes.

4. How We Use Information

Information collected through this website may be used to:

  • Respond to inquiries
  • Schedule consultations or appointments
  • Provide administrative communication
  • Improve website performance
  • Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

5. Email and Electronic Communication Disclaimer

Standard email (including doctessler@icloud.com) and website contact forms are not guaranteed to be secure methods of communication.

By contacting the Practice via email or the website form, you acknowledge and accept the potential privacy risks associated with electronic communication.

Sensitive clinical information should only be shared through secure systems once an official therapist–client relationship has been established.

6. SMS Communication

If you provide your phone number, you may receive appointment reminders or administrative messages via SMS.

Standard text messaging is not a fully secure communication method. Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by notifying the Practice.

7. HIPAA Notice

This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through this website.

If you become a client of the Practice, your protected health information (PHI) will be handled in accordance with a separate Notice of Privacy Practices provided during intake, as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

8. Sharing of Information

The Practice does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

Information may be shared only:

  • With service providers assisting in website hosting or scheduling
  • With insurance providers for billing purposes
  • When required by law
  • To protect safety or legal rights

9. Data Security

The Practice uses reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect information collected through the website. However, no internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

10. Medicare and Insurance Disclaimer

If you inquire about insurance or Medicare coverage, verification of benefits does not guarantee payment. Coverage and reimbursement are determined by your individual plan and Medicare regulations.

Patients remain responsible for any non-covered services.

11. Children’s Privacy

This website is not directed to children under the age of 13. The Practice does not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website.

12. Your Rights

You may request:

  • Access to personal information submitted through the website
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion of website-submitted information (where legally permitted)

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you may contact:

Dr. Carol L. Tessler, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Serving Illinois via secure telehealth
Evanston, Illinois
Email: doctessler@icloud.com
Phone: (847) 920-4242
Mailing address available upon request.

14. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.