McWilliams Psychiatry

Legal Information

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

At Douglas McWilliams, M.D., we respect your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard the personal information you provide through this website.

1. Information We Collect

  • Voluntary Information: When you use our contact form or the SimplePractice “Schedule” widget, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and any brief message you provide.

  • Automated Information: We may use cookies and analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to track website traffic and user behavior to improve our site experience. This data is anonymized.

2. How We Use Your Information We use your information solely to:

  • Respond to your inquiries.

  • Facilitate appointment scheduling via our HIPAA-compliant portal.

  • Improve the functionality and reach of our professional services.

3. Third-Party Integration Our scheduling is powered by SimplePractice. When you click “Schedule Your Consultation,” you are directed to a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment. We do not sell or lease your personal data to third parties.

4. Data Security We employ SSL encryption and industry-standard security measures to protect data transmitted through our website. However, please remember that no internet transmission is 100% secure.

Terms of Service

1. No Doctor-Patient Relationship The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. Using this website, submitting a contact form, or requesting an appointment does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. A formal relationship is only established after a clinical evaluation has been completed and a treatment agreement has been signed by both parties.

2. Not Medical Advice The content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

3. Emergency/Crisis Disclaimer IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. This website and its contact forms are not monitored 24/7.

4. Intellectual Property

All content appearing on this website—including text, logos, custom graphics, and photographic imagery—is the property of Douglas McWilliams, M.D. or is used under license or permission from third-party providers.

  • Original Content: Clinical text, personal photography, and branding elements are the exclusive intellectual property of the practice and may not be reproduced without written consent.

  • Licensed Media: Certain images are used under commercial license from stock photography providers and remain the property of their respective owners.

  • AI-Generated Assets: Stylized imagery generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence is used for the exclusive purpose of enhancing this website’s user experience; while copyright status of AI assets may vary under current law, the unauthorized scraping, hotlinking, or commercial redistribution of these assets from this domain is strictly prohibited.

Notice of Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI includes information that can identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition.

2. How We Use and Disclose PHI

  • For Treatment: I may use your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your psychiatric care (e.g., discussing your case with a specialist or your primary care physician).

  • For Payment: I may use PHI to bill you or your insurance (if applicable) for services rendered.

  • For Healthcare Operations: I may use PHI for administrative purposes, such as quality clinical reviews or practice management.

3. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

  • Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your clinical record.

  • Right to Amend: If you feel the information in your record is incorrect, you may request an amendment.

  • Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of certain disclosures I have made of your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations.

4. Limits of Confidentiality I am legally required to disclose PHI without your authorization in the following circumstances:

  • Suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse.

  • Serious threat of physical violence to a reasonably identifiable victim.

  • If you are a danger to yourself and hospitalization is required for safety.

  • In response to a valid court order or subpoena.

Contact Information For questions regarding these policies, please contact:

Douglas McWilliams, M.D. 7330 Grace Dr, Ste B Columbia, MD 21044