Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute or replace professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Viewing this website, contacting this practice, or submitting any information through this site does not create a therapist-client relationship.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. This practice does not provide crisis or emergency services.

Telehealth services offered through this practice are provided solely to adults located in the state of Illinois at the time of service. Amanda Zale, LCPC, is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Licensure in Illinois does not imply authorization to provide services to individuals located in other states.

All client information is protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (740 ILCS 110). Please review this practice's Notice of Privacy Practices for further information.

The content on this site, including blog posts, articles, or resources, reflects general knowledge and professional perspective and should not be applied as personalized clinical guidance. Always consult a licensed mental health professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Privacy Policy:

Last Updated: April 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how The October Room, PLLC (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, protects, and discloses your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us.

Your privacy is important to us. As a mental health private practice, we are committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with HIPAA, applicable Illinois state laws, and professional ethical standards.

By using our website or services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Interpretation and Definitions:

Interpretation:

Words with capitalized first letters have meanings defined below. These definitions apply whether they appear in singular or plural form.

Definitions:

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

Account means a unique account created for you to access certain parts of our Service.

Company (referred to as “the Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) refers to The October Room, PLLC.

Cookies are small files stored on your computer, phone, or other device that help improve your browsing experience and allow website functionality.

Country refers to Illinois, United States.

Device means any device used to access our website, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Do Not Track (DNT) refers to a browser setting that allows users to request not to be tracked across websites.

Personal Data means any information that identifies or could reasonably identify you.

Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to health-related information protected under HIPAA.

Service refers to our website and related communication platforms.

Service Provider means third-party vendors or companies that assist us in operating our practice, website, scheduling, billing, secure communication, and related services.

Usage Data refers to information collected automatically while using the website, such as browser type, IP address, time spent on pages, and website activity.

Website refers to The October Room, PLLC website.

You means the individual accessing our website or receiving services from our practice.

SMS Content refers to text messages related to appointments, scheduling, billing, reminders, and administrative communication.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When using our website or contacting our practice, we may collect:

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Mailing address

  • City, State, ZIP code

  • Insurance information (when applicable)

  • Appointment requests

  • Intake information

  • Communication preferences

  • Any information voluntarily submitted through forms or emails

Please avoid sending highly sensitive clinical information through general website forms.

Usage Data

We may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device type

  • Pages visited

  • Date and time of visits

  • Time spent on pages

  • Referring websites

  • Diagnostic and analytics data

This helps us improve website performance and user experience.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality and understand how visitors use our site.

These may include:

Essential Cookies

Necessary for website functionality, security, and form submissions.

Functionality Cookies

Help remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience.

Performance and Analytics Cookies

Used to understand website traffic and improve website performance.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.

How We Use Your Information

We may use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain our services

  • Respond to inquiries and consultation requests

  • Schedule appointments

  • Send appointment reminders

  • Process payments and insurance claims

  • Communicate regarding services

  • Improve website functionality

  • Maintain legal and ethical compliance

  • Fulfill required documentation obligations

  • Send practice updates or informational emails (if applicable)

We do not sell your personal information.

Sharing of Information

We may share your information only when necessary and permitted by law, including:

With Service Providers

Including HIPAA-compliant platforms such as Squarespace, Psychology Today, TherapyNotes, secure billing systems, and secure communication platforms.

For Legal Requirements

When required by federal or Illinois law, including:

  • Court orders

  • Subpoenas

  • Mandatory reporting obligations

  • Suspected abuse or neglect

  • Risk of serious harm to self or others

  • Public health reporting requirements

With Your Written Authorization

We will obtain your written consent before sharing information outside of legally permitted situations.

Retention of Information

We retain personal information and Protected Health Information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services

  • Meet legal and licensing requirements

  • Comply with HIPAA and Illinois law

  • Resolve disputes

  • Maintain practice records

Clinical records are retained according to Illinois legal and professional requirements.

Security of Your Information

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information.

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed 100% secure. While we work to protect your information, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Analytics

We may use third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics to understand website traffic and improve user experience.

Google Analytics may collect information regarding your use of the website. You can learn more through Google’s Privacy Policy.

You may also disable tracking through your browser settings or Google’s opt-out tools.

Email and SMS Communication

Email Communication

We may contact you by email regarding scheduling, forms, billing, and practice updates.

Please note that standard email may not be fully secure for confidential clinical communication.

SMS Terms of Service

By providing your phone number and consenting to text communication, you agree to receive SMS messages from The October Room, PLLC regarding:

  • Appointment scheduling

  • Appointment reminders

  • Billing notifications

  • Administrative communication

  • Follow-up instructions

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

Reply STOP to opt out at any time. Reply HELP for assistance.

SMS consent and phone numbers are never shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental or guardian consent where required by law.

If we become aware that such information has been collected improperly, we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including directories or external resources.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies separately.

Illinois Privacy Compliance

In addition to HIPAA, we comply with the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act and all applicable Illinois laws governing mental health records and confidentiality.

Illinois law may provide additional protections beyond federal HIPAA standards.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the website after changes are posted indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights, please contact:

The October Room, PLLC
Amanda Zale, LCPC

amanda@theoctoberroomtherapy.com

Terms of Use:

Last Updated: April 2026

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your use of the website and services provided by The October Room, PLLC(“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing this website, submitting a contact form, or using our services, you agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use this website.

Website Purpose

This website is intended to provide general information about The October Room, PLLC, including information about therapy services, scheduling inquiries, and educational content related to mental health and well-being.

All services are provided exclusively through telehealth (online therapy sessions).

No Therapist–Client Relationship

Use of this website, including browsing content, reading materials, or submitting a contact form, does not create a therapist–client relationship between you and The October Room, PLLC or Amanda Zale, LCPC.

A therapeutic relationship is only established after:

  • A formal intake process is completed

  • Consent for treatment is reviewed and agreed upon

  • An appointment is scheduled and confirmed by the Practice

Simply contacting us through this website or email does not establish clinical care.

No Emergency or Crisis Services

This website and our services are not intended for emergency or crisis situations.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, please do not use this website for support.

Instead, please contact:

  • 911 (for immediate emergency assistance)

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the U.S.)

  • Your nearest emergency room

We are unable to provide crisis support, emergency response, or 24/7 availability.

Use of Contact Forms

Our website includes a contact form for general inquiries, appointment requests, and administrative communication.

By submitting the form, you agree that:

  • The information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge

  • You understand that submitting a form does not establish a therapist–client relationship

  • You should avoid sharing highly sensitive clinical or emergency information through the form

We will respond to inquiries as soon as reasonably possible during business hours.

Telehealth Services

All therapy services provided by The October Room, PLLC are delivered via secure telehealth platforms.

By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge that:

  • Telehealth involves the use of internet-based communication tools

  • While we use secure and HIPAA-compliant platforms, no system can guarantee absolute privacy or security

  • You are responsible for ensuring you have a private and secure location for sessions

  • You are responsible for the technology required to participate in sessions (internet connection, device, etc.)

Professional Use of Content

All content on this website, including text, graphics, branding, and materials, is the intellectual property of The October Room, PLLC unless otherwise stated.

You may not:

  • Copy or reproduce website content for commercial use

  • Modify or distribute content without written permission

  • Use content in a misleading or unauthorized way

Content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.

No Guarantees

While therapy can be supportive and transformative, results vary for each individual.

We do not guarantee specific outcomes from therapy services or website content.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The October Room, PLLC and Amanda Zale, LCPC are not liable for any damages resulting from:

  • Use or inability to use this website

  • Reliance on website content

  • Technical issues or interruptions

  • Unauthorized access to communication systems

Your use of this website is at your own discretion.

Third-Party Links

This website may include links to third-party websites or resources.

We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or reliability of any third-party sites and encourage you to review their policies independently.

Privacy

Your use of this website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how your information is collected and used.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time.

Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the website after changes indicates acceptance of the updated Terms.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact:

The October Room, PLLC
Amanda Zale, LCPC
📧 amanda@theoctoberroomtherapy.com