Legal
Breakthrough Counseling, LLC
Last updated: November 2, 2026
The website located at https://thebreakthroughcounselor.com (the “Website”) is owned and operated by Breakthrough Counseling, LLC (“Breakthrough Counseling,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a Connecticut limited liability company.
Breakthrough Counseling is a psychology practice founded by Dr. Kristin Barnhart, a Connecticut-licensed psychologist who provides online couples therapy, premarital counseling, and individual therapy.
This Legal page contains our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Professional Disclaimer. Please read these provisions carefully. They explain how information is handled, the conditions governing use of our Website, and the distinction between general educational information and professional psychological services.
If you have questions, please contact us at kristin@thebreakthroughcounselor.com.
Privacy Policy
Breakthrough Counseling respects your privacy and recognizes the importance of protecting personal information.
This Privacy Policy describes the categories of information we may collect, the purposes for which information is used, circumstances in which it may be disclosed, and the privacy choices and rights available to you.
This policy applies to our public Website and related website activities. Information associated with professional psychological services may be subject to separate confidentiality protections, clinical policies, and applicable laws.
1. Information We Collect
You may visit our Website, read articles, and learn about our services without actively providing your name, email address, or telephone number.
Our Website does not have a contact form.
If you choose to contact Breakthrough Counseling by telephone, text, or email, we may receive information including:
- Your name
- Your email address or telephone number
- Information you voluntarily provide about your interest in psychological services
- The content of your communications
- Other information you choose to share
When you browse our Website, certain technical information may also be collected automatically through hosting services, cookies, analytics tools, and other website technologies.
This may include pages visited, referral sources, and website interactions.
Some communications with our practice may contain sensitive information relating to mental health, relationships, or personal circumstances. Such information is handled in accordance with applicable legal and professional requirements.
2. How We Use Information
We may use information for the following purposes:
- Responding to inquiries about psychological services
- Providing information about introductory calls and potential appointments
- Communicating with individuals who contact the practice
- Delivering educational resources requested by visitors
- Managing voluntary email subscriptions
- Understanding website traffic and improving website performance
- Maintaining website functionality and security
- Preventing spam, fraud, and misuse
- Maintaining appropriate business records
- Complying with legal and professional obligations
We seek to limit the collection and use of personal information to what is appropriate for the purposes described in this policy.
We do not automatically add individuals to our marketing email list simply because they contact Breakthrough Counseling.
3. Telephone, Text, and Email Communications
Visitors may contact Breakthrough Counseling directly by telephone, text, or email.
Email communications are received through our business Google email account. Dr. Barnhart is the only authorized practice user of that email account. Google and other communication service providers may process information as necessary to deliver and maintain their services.
Telephone calls and text messages are handled through Google Voice. Google may process telephone numbers, call information, voicemail, text messages, and related technical information to provide these services.
Although reasonable precautions are taken to protect information, ordinary email and text messaging may present privacy and security risks.
For an initial inquiry, we encourage you to provide your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of what you’re looking for. Please avoid sending detailed clinical histories or highly sensitive information through ordinary email or text.
Communications that qualify for confidentiality protections under Connecticut law remain subject to those protections.
4. Website Analytics
We use Google Analytics, connected through Site Kit by Google, to understand how visitors discover and interact with our Website.
Google Analytics helps us monitor website traffic, evaluate visitor engagement, understand navigation patterns, and identify opportunities to improve our content and website experience.
Information collected through analytics may include:
- Pages visited and how frequently they’re viewed
- General sources of website traffic
- Time spent engaging with website content
- Movement between pages
- Browser, device, and technical information
- Website events and interactions configured for measurement
We use this information to evaluate which articles, educational resources, and service pages attract visitors and how easily visitors can find relevant information.
We may also compare website performance over time to evaluate changes to page content, website navigation, internal links, and search engine optimization.
When appropriate tracking events are configured, Google Analytics may provide information about interactions with particular buttons or links. Such tracking does not necessarily establish whether someone completed a telephone call, sent an inquiry, or scheduled an appointment.
We also use Google Search Console to understand how our Website appears in Google Search results, including search visibility, impressions, clicks, and search queries.
We use these tools to improve our Website and evaluate the effectiveness of our educational content and organic search efforts.
We do not use advertising or retargeting pixels for paid behavioral advertising.
Google Analytics and related technologies may process technical and usage information in accordance with their applicable service arrangements and privacy practices. We do not intend to transmit confidential clinical communications or treatment records through our website analytics.
Cookies are small files that websites may place on your device to support website functionality, remember preferences, and collect information about website activity.
Our Website uses Complianz Free to manage cookie consent and preferences.
Through the cookie-consent controls available on our Website, you can accept or decline optional cookies, including analytics cookies, according to the choices presented.
You may review or change your preferences at any time using the Cookie Settings feature on our Website.
We use Google Analytics to understand website traffic, visitor engagement, and navigation patterns. Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect technical and website usage information. These technologies operate according to the consent configuration implemented on our Website.
Certain cookies and technologies may be necessary for basic website functionality, security, and remembering your privacy preferences.
We also use Akismet to help protect the Website from spam. Akismet is a spam-protection service and is not a substitute for cookie consent.
You may also manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
Certain privacy laws provide rights to opt out of the sale of personal data or its processing for targeted advertising through recognized browser-based preference signals, such as Global Privacy Control.
We do not use advertising or retargeting pixels for paid behavioral advertising and do not represent that every browser privacy signal is currently recognized by our consent-management system.
Where applicable law requires recognition of qualifying privacy preference signals, we will comply with those requirements.
For questions about cookies or privacy choices, contact kristin@thebreakthroughcounselor.com.
6. Third-Party Service Providers
Breakthrough Counseling uses third-party services to operate its Website, manage communications, provide educational resources, and support its clinical practice.
The information these providers receive or process depends on the services they perform.
Website Hosting and Technical Services
Hostinger provides website hosting and technical infrastructure. Hosting services may process information such as IP addresses, connection information, server logs, and other technical data necessary for website operation, maintenance, and security.
Google Analytics and Google Search Console provide information about website traffic, search performance, visitor engagement, and related technical activity.
Complianz provides the technology used to manage cookie preferences and related consent settings.
Akismet provides spam-prevention services associated with applicable WordPress functionality, including blog comments.
Business Communications
Google: Provides our business email services through Gmail and our business telephone, voicemail, and text messaging services through Google Voice.
These services may process names, email addresses, telephone numbers, message contents, call information, and related technical information as necessary to provide their services.
Website Administration and Technical Support
Breakthrough Counseling uses independent technical support to maintain and update our Website, manage WordPress functionality, and assist with website analytics, cookie preferences, and technical operations.
Technical support personnel have administrative access to our website and related tools, including Google Analytics and Complianz. They do not have access to our business email account, Google Voice, or SimplePractice clinical systems.
Email Subscriptions and External Resources
Mailchimp manages voluntary email subscriptions and delivery of requested educational resources.
When you select a Mailchimp signup link for a resource on our Website, you are directed to a Mailchimp-hosted page. Information you submit there is collected through Mailchimp and maintained in our Mailchimp account.
Mentaya provides an independent benefits calculator that visitors can use to explore potential out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
Our Website links to Mentaya’s calculator. When visitors select the link, they are directed to Mentaya’s website, where information they provide is handled according to Mentaya’s privacy practices.
For more information, please review Mentaya’s Privacy Policy.
Clinical Practice Systems
SimplePractice provides separate administrative and clinical systems used in connection with psychological services, including clinical intake paperwork, treatment documentation, and designated clinical communications.
These systems are separate from our public WordPress Website.
Clinical information is handled according to applicable professional confidentiality obligations, Connecticut law, and the procedures governing psychological services.
Information Sharing and Third-Party Responsibilities
Some service providers process information on our behalf to perform specific business or technical functions. Other providers operate independent websites where visitors choose to submit information directly.
We distinguish between those arrangements when determining how information is collected, used, and disclosed.
Where applicable law requires particular confidentiality, security, or contractual protections for information processed by service providers, those requirements apply to the relevant arrangements.
We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of independent third-party services before providing personal information.
7. External Websites and Links
Our Website contains links to independently operated websites and services, including Mailchimp, Mentaya, Google Reviews, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Psychology Today, and other resources.
We also provide access to Mentaya’s insurance benefits calculator through a feature embedded directly on our Website.
Third-party services may have their own privacy policies and terms governing information collected through their websites or embedded features.
When you follow an external link, you leave our Website and may become subject to the privacy policies and terms of the outside provider.
Breakthrough Counseling does not control the privacy practices, content, security, or availability of independently operated websites.
We encourage you to review their policies before submitting personal information.
8. Email Subscriptions and Educational Resources
Our Website may offer educational resources and opportunities to subscribe to our email list.
When you select a Mailchimp signup link, you are directed to a Mailchimp-hosted page.
Information you voluntarily provide through that page is maintained through Mailchimp.
If you subscribe, we may send educational articles, resources, and practice-related updates.
You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by selecting the unsubscribe link included in those communications.
Unsubscribing from marketing emails does not necessarily affect communications connected with existing psychological services.
9. Mentaya and Insurance Information
Our Website provides a link to Mentaya’s Benefits Calculator to help prospective clients explore potential out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
When you select the link, you are directed to Mentaya’s website. The calculator is operated by Mentaya, and information you provide there is handled according to
Breakthrough Counseling does not guarantee insurance coverage, reimbursement eligibility, or the accuracy of estimates provided by Mentaya.
10. Blog Comments and Public Communications
Some blog articles may allow visitors to submit comments.
Comments may be reviewed, approved, edited, declined, or removed before or after publication, as appropriate.
Approved comments may be publicly visible, together with identifying information displayed by the comment system.
The comment system may also process technical information for administration and spam prevention.
Please do not include confidential clinical information, private information about another person, or other sensitive personal details in blog comments.
Submitting a comment does not establish a psychologist-client relationship.
We reserve the right to remove spam, harassment, threatening content, inappropriate disclosures, or other material that violates our Website policies.
11. Sensitive Personal Information and Consumer Health Data
Breakthrough Counseling recognizes that inquiries about psychological services may involve sensitive personal information, including information concerning mental health, relationships, or other private circumstances.
Although our public Website does not collect inquiries through a contact form, individuals may voluntarily provide sensitive information when communicating with us by telephone, text, or email.
Certain information may qualify as sensitive personal data or consumer health data under the Connecticut Data Privacy Act, depending on the nature of the information, the circumstances in which it is collected, and applicable statutory definitions and exemptions.
Where the Connecticut Data Privacy Act applies, it may impose specific requirements concerning the collection, processing, consent, disclosure, retention, and protection of sensitive personal information and consumer health data.
These requirements may also affect the use of service providers that process protected categories of information.
We seek to limit the collection of personal information to what is reasonably appropriate for the purpose of the communication or service requested.
Information voluntarily provided in connection with an inquiry is used to respond to that inquiry and address appropriate next steps. It is not collected for sale or unrelated behavioral advertising.
Breakthrough Counseling does not sell consumer health data.
We do not treat agreement to this Privacy Policy, use of our Website, or acceptance of analytics cookies as blanket consent to collect, use, or disclose sensitive health information for unrelated purposes.
Where applicable law requires specific consent or authorization, the appropriate legal requirements govern that processing.
Information that qualifies for protection under Connecticut’s laws governing confidential psychological communications and records remains subject to those protections.
If you have questions about how sensitive information is handled or wish to exercise applicable privacy rights, you may contact kristin@thebreakthroughcounselor.com.
12. Disclosure of Personal Information
Breakthrough Counseling does not sell personal information received through direct inquiries to the practice.
We may disclose or make information available under limited circumstances, including:
- To service providers performing functions associated with our Website or practice operations
- With appropriate consent or authorization
- When disclosure is required or otherwise permitted by applicable law
- To address website security incidents or unlawful activity
- To comply with valid legal obligations or processes
Disclosures involving confidential psychological communications or treatment records are subject to the applicable legal requirements governing that information.
Nothing in this Privacy Policy authorizes a disclosure prohibited by law.
13. Information Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.
These precautions include restricting access to business communications and using established technology and service providers.
The nature of the safeguards used may differ depending on the information involved and whether it relates to general Website operations or professional psychological services.
No website, email system, or electronic transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
If a security incident occurs, we will evaluate any applicable obligations concerning investigation, mitigation, notification, and other required action.
14. Information Retention and Disposal
Breakthrough Counseling retains information for periods appropriate to its purpose, the type of information involved, and applicable legal and professional requirements.
Retention practices differ depending on how information is collected and where it is maintained.
Telephone, Text, and Email Communications: Communications received through our business communication services may be retained as needed to respond to inquiries, document appropriate business communications, resolve questions, or comply with applicable obligations.
Website Analytics and Technical Information: Information collected through Google Analytics, website hosting, and related technical services is subject to the settings and retention practices associated with those services. Retention may depend on the type of information collected and the applicable service configuration.
Email Subscriptions: Information provided through Mailchimp is maintained for purposes associated with delivering requested resources, administering subscriptions, and maintaining appropriate subscription records. You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time. Unsubscribing does not necessarily result in immediate deletion of every record maintained for legal or administrative purposes.
Blog Comments: Comments and associated information may be retained for website administration, moderation, security, and recordkeeping purposes. Published comments may remain visible until removed or otherwise managed.
Clinical Information: Psychological treatment records and related clinical information are maintained separately from the public Website and are subject to applicable Connecticut recordkeeping and confidentiality requirements.
We periodically evaluate whether information remains necessary for the purposes for which it is maintained.
When information is no longer required, it may be deleted, securely disposed of, or otherwise protected according to applicable law and the capabilities of the relevant systems.
Requests for deletion or other privacy rights may be submitted using the contact information provided in this policy. Certain information may need to be retained because of legal, professional, security, or other permissible obligations.
15. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on applicable law and the type of information involved, you may have rights to:
- Confirm whether your personal information is being processed
- Request access to personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion, subject to applicable exceptions
- Obtain a copy of certain information
- Withdraw consent where withdrawal rights apply
- Exercise applicable rights concerning certain data uses or disclosures
- Appeal qualifying decisions regarding privacy requests
You may submit privacy-related requests by contacting: kristin@thebreakthroughcounselor.com
Please describe your request sufficiently for us to understand and evaluate it. We may need to verify your identity before providing access to information or taking certain actions.
Where the Connecticut Data Privacy Act applies, we will respond to qualifying consumer requests without undue delay, generally within 45 days, subject to extensions and exceptions permitted by law.
If a request is denied and a statutory appeal right applies, you may submit an appeal by replying to our decision or emailing the address above with “Privacy Request Appeal” in the subject line.
Where the Connecticut Data Privacy Act applies, qualifying appeals will be answered in writing within 60 days. If an appeal is denied, information about contacting the Connecticut Attorney General will be provided as required by law.
We will not unlawfully discriminate against individuals for exercising applicable privacy rights.
Requests involving psychological treatment records may be subject to different procedures and requirements.
16. Children’s Privacy
Our public Website is intended primarily for adults seeking information about psychological services, relationships, and mental health.
We do not knowingly solicit personal information from children under the age of 13 through our public Website.
If we learn that personal information has been collected from a child in circumstances requiring additional legal protections, we will evaluate the situation and take appropriate action.
Parents and guardians may contact us with questions or concerns.
17. Privacy of Psychological Services
Breakthrough Counseling maintains separate systems for its public website and its clinical psychology practice.
Our website provides general information about psychological services, educational resources, and ways to contact the practice. It is not intended for submitting clinical records or sensitive treatment information.
We manage clinical intake paperwork, treatment records, and communications through secure systems, including SimplePractice, to protect confidential client information.
Information related to psychological services is handled in accordance with applicable Connecticut confidentiality laws and professional standards.
This Website Privacy Policy explains how information is collected and used through our public website. Our clinical privacy policy is a separate document provided to clients as part of their intake paperwork. It explains how personal and clinical information is handled during psychological treatment, including applicable confidentiality protections and privacy practices.
You can review that document here: Breakthrough Counseling’s Clinical Privacy Policy (Provided to Clients During Intake)
18. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our Website, services, technology, information practices, or legal requirements.
The revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated date.
Where applicable law requires additional notice or consent concerning material changes, we will address those requirements.
Terms of Use
1. Ownership and Agreement to Terms
The Website is owned and operated by Breakthrough Counseling, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company.
By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge these Terms of Use. Your use of the Website is subject to these terms to the extent permitted by applicable law.
If you disagree with these terms, please discontinue use of the Website.
These provisions govern Website use and general educational content. Professional psychological services are subject to separate informed consent and practice agreements.
2. Ownership of Website Content
Unless otherwise indicated, the original content appearing on this Website is owned by Breakthrough Counseling, LLC or is used with appropriate permission.
This includes articles, written materials, graphics, photographs, videos, educational resources, journals, guides, worksheets, logos, and other original creative materials.
Website content is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
All rights not expressly granted are reserved.
3. Permitted Use of Content
You may access, read, download, and print educational materials made available for personal, noncommercial use.
You may privately share an individual resource with a spouse, partner, family member, or friend for personal educational purposes, provided that applicable attribution and copyright notices are preserved.
Except where permitted by law or authorized in writing, you may not:
- Reproduce or republish substantial portions of original Website content
- Sell or commercially distribute our materials
- Present our materials as your own
- Modify and redistribute our original resources
- Incorporate protected content into commercial products or services
- Republish original materials on another website without permission
Therapists, coaches, businesses, and other organizations must obtain appropriate permission before using our protected materials in their professional or commercial offerings, except where applicable law permits such use.
You may share links to publicly available Website pages.
Nothing in these terms restricts lawful fair use or other statutory exceptions.
4. Prohibited Activities
You may not use the Website for unlawful, fraudulent, abusive, or otherwise prohibited purposes.
Prohibited activities include:
- Attempting unauthorized access to Website systems
- Disrupting Website operations or security
- Introducing malware or harmful code
- Harassing, threatening, or impersonating another person
- Submitting fraudulent or misleading material
- Violating the privacy or intellectual property rights of others
- Engaging in unlawful activities through the Website
We reserve the right to take appropriate steps to protect the Website, its visitors, and our lawful interests.
5. Accuracy of Website Information
We make reasonable efforts to ensure that Website information is accurate and useful.
However, information concerning psychological services, mental health, relationships, insurance, and other topics may change.
We cannot guarantee that every item of content is complete, current, error-free, or suitable for a visitor’s particular circumstances.
We may revise, remove, or update Website information without prior notice.
6. External Links and Services
The Website may contain links to independently operated websites and services.
We do not control the operation, security, content, privacy policies, or availability of those websites.
The inclusion of a link does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the third party or all its products, services, or statements.
Visitors should review the terms and policies of outside providers before using their services.
7. Website Availability
We make reasonable efforts to maintain the operation of the Website.
Access may occasionally be interrupted by maintenance, technical difficulties, service-provider disruptions, or circumstances beyond our control.
We do not guarantee uninterrupted availability.
8. Disclaimer of Warranties
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Website and its general informational content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.
We do not guarantee continuous availability, error-free operation, or suitability of general Website information for every individual’s particular circumstances.
These provisions concern Website operation and educational content. They do not alter professional standards of care or responsibilities associated with psychological services.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Breakthrough Counseling, LLC disclaims liability for losses arising solely from Website interruptions, technical failures, or the independent acts or omissions of third-party websites and services.
Visitors are responsible for exercising appropriate judgment when relying on general educational information and for seeking individualized professional guidance when needed.
Nothing in these Terms of Use excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited, including applicable professional obligations.
10. Protection of Rights and Remedies
We reserve the right to protect our intellectual property, Website operations, and other lawful interests through remedies available under applicable law.
Unauthorized use of protected content or interference with Website systems may result in appropriate corrective measures or legal action.
11. Governing Law
These Terms of Use shall be interpreted in accordance with applicable Connecticut and United States law, subject to controlling legal and jurisdictional requirements.
Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive privacy rights, consumer protections, professional obligations, or other rights that cannot legally be waived.
12. Severability
If a court determines that any part of these Terms of Use is invalid or cannot be enforced, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
13. Changes to Terms of Use
We may revise these Terms of Use to reflect changes in the Website, our practices, or applicable legal requirements.
Updated terms will be posted on this page with a revised date.
Any legal effect of continued Website use following a revision is subject to applicable law.
Professional Disclaimer
1. Educational Information, Not Individualized Psychological Advice
Information provided on this Website is intended for general educational and informational purposes.
Articles, videos, journals, guides, worksheets, and other resources may discuss psychological concerns, relationships, communication, anxiety, grief, and life transitions.
Website content does not constitute an individualized psychological diagnosis, assessment, treatment plan, or recommendation for a particular person or couple.
General educational information is not a substitute for individualized professional evaluation and care.
2. Establishing a Psychologist-Client Relationship
Visiting this Website, reading its content, downloading a resource, subscribing to an email list, or contacting Breakthrough Counseling does not automatically establish a psychologist-client relationship.
Communicating by telephone, text, or email does not, by itself, establish an ongoing professional treatment relationship.
Participating in a complimentary introductory call also does not automatically establish a psychologist-client relationship.
A clinical relationship begins when Dr. Barnhart and the prospective client or clients mutually agree to work together, and the applicable professional intake and informed consent requirements have been satisfied.
Nothing in this section eliminates confidentiality or other legal protections that may apply to particular communications under Connecticut law.
3. Confidentiality of Psychological Communications
Breakthrough Counseling recognizes that inquiries about psychological services may involve sensitive personal information.
Communications and records qualifying for confidentiality protections under Connecticut law are handled in accordance with those requirements, including applicable rules governing disclosure and consent.
Whether particular information is legally protected depends on the nature and circumstances of the communication and applicable law.
We encourage prospective clients to keep initial telephone, text, and email inquiries brief.
Individuals receiving psychological services receive additional information about confidentiality, records, communication procedures, and professional responsibilities.
4. Online Psychological Services and Geographic Availability
Breakthrough Counseling provides online couples therapy, premarital counseling, and individual therapy.
Dr. Kristin Barnhart is licensed as a psychologist in Connecticut and authorized to provide interjurisdictional telepsychology through PSYPACT, subject to applicable requirements.
Psychological services may be available to eligible clients physically located in Connecticut or participating PSYPACT jurisdictions where Dr. Barnhart is legally authorized to practice.
Availability depends on applicable licensing requirements, professional regulations, and clinical appropriateness.
The fact that this Website is accessible from a particular state or country does not mean psychological services are available in that location.
Breakthrough Counseling does not provide psychological services where Dr. Barnhart lacks the necessary legal authorization.
5. Individual Results and Treatment Outcomes
Psychological treatment is a collaborative process influenced by individual circumstances, treatment goals, participation, and other factors.
No particular treatment outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Descriptions of therapeutic approaches or potential benefits should not be interpreted as guarantees of results.
These statements do not alter applicable professional standards of care.
6. Emergencies and Crisis Situations
This Website, our business telephone number, voicemail, text messaging, and email are not emergency response services.men
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are in the United States and experiencing a mental health crisis, you may call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Do not rely on email, voicemail, text messages, or other Website-related communications for emergency assistance.
7. Independent Resources
The Website may include links to outside organizations, educational materials, and other services.
These resources are provided for general information and convenience.
Their inclusion does not constitute individualized psychological advice or a guarantee of their accuracy, availability, or suitability for a particular person.
Contact Information
Questions concerning this Legal page, our privacy practices, or use of the Website may be directed to:
Breakthrough Counseling, LLC
Dr. Kristin Barnhart, Licensed Psychologist
PO Box 449
Niantic, CT 06357
Email: kristin@thebreakthroughcounselor.com
Website: https://thebreakthroughcounselor.com
Last updated: November 2, 2026