Last Updated: 10/26/2025

Introduction

At Ember & Oak Counseling, your privacy matters deeply. I am committed to protecting your personal information and maintaining your trust. This Privacy Policy explains how your information is collected, used, and safeguarded when you visit www.emberoakcounseling.com, contact me, or use my scheduling portal.

Who I Am

Ember & Oak Counseling LLC is a private therapy practice located in Columbus, Ohio, owned and operated by Bethany Retterer, (formerly Bethany Johnson) MS, LPCC.
If you have any questions about this policy, please reach out at:
bethany@emberoakcounseling.com
1115 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220

Information I Collect

I collect limited personal information necessary to provide therapy services and respond to inquiries. This may include:

• Contact information such as your name, email address, and phone number (collected via contact forms or emails).

• Appointment details submitted through my scheduling or client portal (SimplePractice).

• Website usage data, such as basic analytics or cookies, which help improve website performance and user experience (if applicable).

No payment information is stored on this website. All billing and scheduling information are managed securely through third-party platforms that comply with HIPAA and data privacy standards.

How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used solely for the following purposes:

• To respond to inquiries submitted through the website

• To schedule and manage appointments

• To communicate important updates related to your care

• To maintain clinical records as required by law and professional ethics

• To improve website performance and user experience

I do not sell, trade, or share your personal information with outside parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

Confidentiality & HIPAA Compliance

All personal health information (PHI) shared during therapy sessions or through the client portal is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Your PHI is never shared without your written consent, except in cases required by law (such as threats of harm, abuse reporting, or court orders).

The client portal (SimplePractice) is HIPAA-compliant and uses secure, encrypted connections to protect your data.

Third-Party Services

This website may use third-party tools such as:

• SimplePractice for scheduling and client communication

• Google Analytics (if enabled) to understand general website traffic patterns

These third parties maintain their own privacy and security practices. I encourage you to review their privacy policies for more information.

Cookies

If cookies are used on this website, they are for performance and analytics purposes only. You can disable cookies at any time in your browser settings.

Data Security

I take appropriate technical and administrative measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. While no system is entirely immune to breaches, every effort is made to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of your data.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of your health records

• Ask for corrections to inaccurate information

• Withdraw consent for communication (such as emails)

• Request that your data be deleted when legally permissible

Please reach out directly via bethany@emberoakcounseling.com for any requests related to your data or records.

Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with a new “Last Updated” date.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your information is handled, please reach out:
bethany@emberoakcounseling.com
www.emberoakcounseling.com
1115 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220

Terms of service.

Last Updated: 10/26/2025

Introduction

Welcome to Ember & Oak Counseling LLC. By visiting or using www.emberoakcounseling.com, you agree to follow the Terms of Use outlined below. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree, you should not use this website.

Purpose of This Website

This website is designed to share information about Ember & Oak Counseling, therapy services offered by Bethany Retterer, MS, LPCC, and general mental health education.
It is not intended to replace therapy, diagnosis, or professional medical advice.
Accessing this site or contacting me through it does not create a therapist–client relationship.

If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support.

Accuracy and Reliability

Every effort is made to keep information current and accurate. However, Ember & Oak Counseling LLC makes no guarantees about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any content on this website. Any reliance on information from this site is at your own discretion and risk.

Therapist–Client Relationship

Submitting a contact form, sending an email, or requesting a consultation does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
A formal therapist–client relationship begins only after:

• You have completed all required intake documents, and

• You have signed a consent for treatment through the secure client portal.

Confidentiality and Secure Communication

Please do not share sensitive or personal health information through this website or by email.
Confidential communication takes place only within the SimplePractice client portal, which is HIPAA-compliant and uses encrypted connections to protect your data.

Intellectual Property

All website content—including text, design, logos, graphics, and photography—is the property of Ember & Oak Counseling LLC. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any part of this site without written permission.

External Links

This site may contain links to third-party websites such as scheduling platforms, mental health resources, or professional directories.
Ember & Oak Counseling LLC is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of those external sites.

Limitation of Liability

Ember & Oak Counseling LLC and Bethany Retterer, MS, LPCC are not liable for any losses or damages resulting from your use of this website or reliance on its content. Your use of this site is voluntary and entirely at your own risk.

Updates to These Terms

These Terms of Use may be updated periodically to reflect legal, ethical, or practice changes. Updates will be posted here with a new “Last Updated” date. Continued use of this site indicates your acceptance of the current terms.

Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, please reach out:
bethany@emberoakcounseling.com

614-254-6802
www.emberoakcounseling.com
1115 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220