Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

This Privacy Policy and Terms of Use outlines the practices, limitations, and conditions under which you may use this website ("the Site"). The Site is owned by Vita Nova PLLC, an Illinois-based company, and functions solely as a directory and referral platform that connects potential clients with independently licensed psychologists who are authorized to practice across state lines under PSYPACT. Use of this Site constitutes agreement to these terms and conditions. The document aims to inform users of their rights and responsibilities while ensuring transparency around data handling and legal disclaimers.

I. Overview

The Site is designed to facilitate connections between users and independently licensed psychologists. These psychologists are not employed by or supervised by Vita Nova PLLC. All listed providers are responsible for maintaining their licensure, compliance with legal and ethical standards, and the quality of any services they provide. Vita Nova PLLC, as the legal owner of this website, does not oversee, control, or assume liability for any services, actions, or outcomes related to the therapists listed on the Site. The Site's role is limited to hosting profiles and transmitting contact requests.

By accessing the Site, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • No therapeutic relationship is formed through use of the Site.
  • The Site is not a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis, treatment, or crisis intervention.
  • Vita Nova PLLC is not liable for any outcomes, communications, or care that occurs as a result of using this Site.
  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
  • The directory is intended as a starting point for potential contact and is not a professional endorsement or guarantee.

II. Privacy Policy

1. Information Collected

The Site collects limited personal information from users through the contact form. This information includes:

  • Your full name;
  • A valid email address;
  • A brief message summarizing the reason for your inquiry.

This form is the only means of collecting data. The Site does not actively gather or store any other identifying or behavioral information.

2. How Information Is Used

Information submitted through the contact form is used exclusively for the following purposes:

  • Routing inquiries to appropriate independently licensed psychologists;
  • Providing brief follow-up communication as needed to facilitate an appropriate referral;
  • Responding to general questions submitted to the Site's administrator.

Your submission of information does not establish any clinical or therapeutic relationship and does not guarantee a reply or outcome.

3. Data Transmission & HIPAA Compliance

While the Site itself is not a treatment platform and does not generate or store clinical records, communication systems (e.g., secure email protocols) used to transmit form submissions are HIPAA-compliant. Users acknowledge and accept the following:

  • By submitting a form, you consent to email communication and recognize its limitations in speed and security;
  • This Site is not equipped to manage time-sensitive health concerns or emergencies;
  • Messages may be delayed, misdirected, or not delivered for reasons outside of our control;
  • No medical advice or treatment can be provided through the Site interface.

4. No Tracking or Cookies

The Site does not employ tracking technologies, advertising networks, or analytics tools. There are no cookies, beacons, or third-party behavioral profiling mechanisms operating on the Site.

5. Website Security

Our contact form is protected against automated spam and abuse by Cloudflare Turnstile. Cloudflare receives limited technical information for this purpose, such as your IP address and browser characteristics; it does not receive the content of your message. See the Cloudflare Turnstile Privacy Addendum.

6. Children's Privacy

The Site is not intended for children under the age of 13. If we become aware that personal information has been submitted by a minor under 13, such data will be deleted promptly. Parents or guardians who believe that their child has submitted data may contact us to request deletion.

7. Data Requests

Because no clinical record is created through use of this Site, rights to access or amend data under HIPAA do not apply. However, users may request that their submitted form be deleted from email archives by contacting us at directory@italian-therapists.com.

III. Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using this Site, you agree to be legally bound by the terms and conditions described herein. If you do not agree to any part of these Terms, you must discontinue use of the Site immediately. These Terms govern all activity related to the Site and any related communications.

2. Use of the Directory

The Site serves only as a directory for finding and contacting independently licensed psychologists. You agree not to misuse the Site. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to:

  • Falsifying your identity or impersonating another person;
  • Harvesting email addresses or other data;
  • Attempting to access restricted areas of the Site;
  • Using any automated system to collect information from the Site without permission;
  • Using the Site in a way that could damage, disable, or impair its functionality.

3. Disclaimers of Medical and Legal Responsibility

The Site and its content are provided for informational purposes only. Vita Nova PLLC does not offer clinical care, does not make therapist referrals, and does not monitor therapist compliance or outcomes. Users understand and agree that:

  • Information submitted through the Site does not constitute professional advice;
  • Vita Nova PLLC does not verify the licensing status or credentials of therapists beyond self-report;
  • The Site's inclusion of a therapist does not imply endorsement or recommendation.

4. Crisis and Emergency Situations

The Site and its contact form are not monitored in real time. Users must not rely on the Site to address urgent needs or crises. For any mental health emergency:

  • Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room;
  • Do not use the contact form, which may not be reviewed immediately or at all;
  • The Site disclaims any responsibility for outcomes resulting from delayed or undelivered communication.

5. Limitation of Liability

Vita Nova PLLC is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from your use of this Site or any interaction with therapists contacted via the Site. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Miscommunication with therapists;
  • Inaccurate information presented on therapist profiles;
  • Lack of therapist availability or follow-through.

Use of the Site is strictly at your own risk.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vita Nova PLLC and its affiliates, officers, directors, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney fees) arising from your use of the Site, your violation of these terms, or your communication with listed providers.

7. Release of Claims

By using the Site, you waive and release any and all claims against Vita Nova PLLC, including its affiliates, owners, and agents, for any injury, loss, or damage (including death) that may result from:

  • Your use of or reliance on the Site;
  • Your interactions with therapists or third parties contacted through the Site;
  • Any dispute between you and a provider.

8. Third-Party Links

The Site may include links to third-party websites or content. These are provided for informational purposes and user convenience only. Vita Nova PLLC:

  • Does not endorse any third-party content;
  • Is not responsible for the accuracy or practices of linked sites;
  • Makes no warranties about third-party sites or services.

9. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to amend these Terms of Use at any time. Any changes will take effect upon posting to the Site. Continued use of the Site indicates your acceptance of those changes.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Illinois. All claims or disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois.

IV. Directory Membership

1. Inquiries to Join

We welcome inquiries from Italian-speaking licensed psychologists interested in being listed in the directory. Inquiries may be submitted via the contact form or by emailing directory@italian-therapists.com. Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee inclusion. Vita Nova PLLC reserves the sole and absolute right to accept or decline any application at its discretion, for any reason or no stated reason, including but not limited to: licensure status, geographic location, areas of specialization already represented in the directory, general fit with the directory's purpose and audience, and current business or client needs.

2. Accuracy of Profile Information

Therapists listed in the directory are responsible for ensuring that all profile information — including credentials, licensure, contact details, areas of practice, and availability — is accurate and current. Listed providers must promptly notify Vita Nova PLLC of any material changes to their information. Vita Nova PLLC is not liable for any consequences arising from outdated or inaccurate profile content.

3. Removal from the Directory

Vita Nova PLLC reserves the right to remove any listing from the directory at any time, for any reason, without prior notice.