Privacy Policy
Catherine Tumminello, LCSW | Dear Darling
Effective Date: October 2, 2026
Introduction
Catherine Tumminello, LCSW ("we," "our," or "the Practice") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share when visiting this website.
This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, and protected through our website and the third-party services associated with it.
By using this website, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide through our website contact form, including:
Your name
Your email address
Your phone number, if provided
Information you choose to include in your message
We use this information to respond to inquiries, provide information about services, and communicate regarding potential consultations.
Please avoid submitting sensitive medical information, diagnoses, or detailed personal health information through the general website contact form.
2. How We Use Your Information
Information submitted through this website may be used to:
Respond to inquiries and consultation requests
Provide information about therapy services
Coordinate initial consultations
Maintain and improve website functionality
Fulfill applicable legal obligations
We do not sell your personal information.
3. Third-Party Services
Our website and practice use third-party platforms to facilitate certain services.
Squarespace: Our website is hosted through Squarespace, which may process technical information necessary for website operation, security, and functionality.
Calendly: Visitors may schedule initial consultations through Calendly. Information provided when booking is subject to Calendly's applicable privacy practices.
SimplePractice: Client billing and payment processing are handled separately through SimplePractice. Payment information is not collected directly through this website.
These providers maintain their own privacy policies and data-processing practices.
4. Cookies and Website Analytics
This website does not currently use Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, Google Ads tracking, or other separately installed advertising or analytics tools.
However, Squarespace and integrated third-party services may use essential cookies or similar technologies for website operation, security, and functionality.
5. Confidentiality and Health Information
Catherine Tumminello, LCSW, provides virtual psychotherapy services to eligible clients located in New York and North Carolina, consistent with applicable licensure requirements.
Information collected through general website inquiries is distinct from information maintained as part of an established clinical relationship.
Clinical records and protected health information are subject to applicable privacy and confidentiality laws, including HIPAA where applicable, and the Practice's separate Notice of Privacy Practices.
Submitting a website inquiry does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information submitted through this website.
However, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Visitors should avoid transmitting highly sensitive information through general website forms or unsecured email.
7. Information Sharing
We may share personal information with service providers when necessary to operate the website, respond to inquiries, or provide requested services.
Information may also be disclosed when required by applicable law or legal process.
We do not sell personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
8. Data Retention
Personal information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries, fulfill legitimate operational needs, and comply with applicable legal requirements.
Clinical records are maintained separately in accordance with applicable professional and legal retention requirements.
9. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have rights to request access to, correction of, or deletion of certain personal information collected through this website.
Requests may be submitted through the website contact form.
Certain information may need to be retained to comply with legal, professional, or recordkeeping obligations.
10. Children's Privacy
This website is not intended to collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental or guardian authorization.
If you believe a child has submitted personal information through this website without appropriate authorization, please contact the Practice.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in website functionality, business practices, or legal requirements.
Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Catherine Tumminello, LCSW
Dear Darling
Virtual Psychotherapy Services
New York & North Carolina
Contact: Through the website contact form.