Privacy Policy & Legal Disclaimers
Last Updated: January 21, 2026
1. Introduction
Well Mind California ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage with our services. This practice is owned and operated by Ana Ruiz, LMFT.
Note: Services at Well Mind California are available in both English and Spanish. However, this Privacy Policy and our legal disclosures are governed by the English language version.
2. Medical & Therapeutic Disclaimers (Please Read First)
Not Emergency Care
This website and our telehealth services are not suited for emergency situations. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, or if you are in danger of hurting yourself or others, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room.
No Therapist-Client Relationship
Visiting this website, reading our content, or sending a contact inquiry does not establish a therapist-client relationship. A professional relationship is exclusively established after an intake assessment is completed and a consent for treatment form is signed.
Educational Content Only
The content on this website—including information regarding anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, adoption/foster care, and parenting skills—is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Jurisdiction & Location Requirement (California Only )
I am licensed to practice Marriage and Family Therapy solely in the State of California.
- Client Location: In accordance with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) regulations,you must be physically located within California at the time of our session.
- Travel: If you are traveling out of state or out of the country, I legally cannot conduct a therapy session with you during that time.
3. Right to a Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have certain types of health care coverage, or who are not using certain types of health care coverage, an estimate of their bill for health care items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
4. Telehealth & Electronic Communications
Technology Risks
While we use HIPAA-compliant platforms for video and phone sessions, there are inherent risks in transmitting information over the internet. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of data transmitted via email or standard text message.
Email and Text Messaging
Well Mind California may use email or text messaging for administrative purposes (scheduling, billing, sending forms). Please be aware that standard email and text messaging are not encrypted or secure means of communication. We strongly encourage you not to share sensitive personal or clinical information via these methods. If you choose to communicate via email or text, you acknowledge the associated privacy risks.
Client Confidentiality
Standard confidentiality rules apply to telehealth. However, you are responsible for ensuring you are in a private, secure location where you cannot be overheard during our sessions.
5. Information We Collect
We collect two types of information:
- 1. Personal Information: Information you voluntarily provide, such as your name, email address, and phone number when you request a consultation.
- 2. Protected Health Information (PHI): If you become a client, your information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Our specific HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) will be provided to you separately upon intake.
6. Third-Party Links
This website may contain links to third-party resources (e.g., crisis hotlines, mental health articles). We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of these external sites.