Privacy Policy & Clinical Disclaimers
Last Updated: April 08, 2026
This document describes how your personal information is handled and provides important legal protections regarding the use of ryanthurwachter.com (the “Site”). Ryan Thurwachter, LCSW (“I”, “Me”, “the Practice”) provides this for users in California and New Jersey.
1. MEDICAL & CLINICAL DISCLAIMER
Not Medical or Mental Health Advice
The content on this Site is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ryan Thurwachter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and New Jersey, but information here does not constitute a clinical opinion or medical advice for your specific situation.
No Clinician-Patient Relationship
Your use of this Site or submission of a contact form does not create a clinician-patient relationship. A professional relationship is only formed after an intake assessment is completed and a formal "Informed Consent for Treatment" is signed by both parties.
Not for Emergency Use
This Site is not monitored 24/7 for crisis intervention. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental health emergency:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
2. NOTICE AT COLLECTION
In accordance with the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) and the New Jersey Data Privacy Act (NJDPA), I provide the following notice regarding the data I collect:
Identifiers (Name, Email, Phone)
Purpose of Collection: To respond to inquiries and schedule consultations.
Retention Period: 24 months (if no treatment begins) or 7 years (for clinical records).
Internet Activity (IP, Cookies)
Purpose of Collection: To analyze website traffic and improve site performance.
Retention Period: 12 months.
Data Sales and Sharing I do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for cross-contextual behavioral advertising.
3. DATA SHARING & THIRD PARTIES
I share your information only with trusted service providers necessary to run my practice, such as:
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: If you use a portal linked through this Site, your data is handled via secure, encrypted systems.
Website Analytics: To help me understand how visitors use the Site.
Legal Compliance: I may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the safety of an individual or the public.
4. YOUR RIGHTS
As a resident of California or New Jersey, you have the right to:
Know what personal information is being collected.
Delete personal information (subject to clinical record-keeping laws and professional regulations).
Correct inaccurate personal information.
Opt-out of automated tracking via your browser settings.
To exercise these rights, please contact ryan@ryanthurwachter.com.
5. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS & TESTIMONIALS
In accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics and state regulations, I do not solicit or publish testimonials from current or former clients. Any reviews you may see on third-party sites are unsolicited and do not constitute an endorsement by the Practice.
6. JURISDICTION
Ryan Thurwachter is licensed to practice in California and New Jersey. Use of this Site is governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal disputes arising from the use of this Site shall be settled in the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in San Mateo County, California.
7. CONTACT INFORMATION
Ryan Thurwachter, LCSW 120B Santa Margarita Avenue, Suite 211
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Email: ryan@ryanthurwachter.com
Website: ryanthurwachter.com/contact