SMS Privacy Policy

At Mended Counseling and Trauma Services, LLC, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. This SMS Privacy Policy explains how we use text messaging (SMS) to communicate with clients and how your information is handled.

1. Purpose of SMS Communication
By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to SMS communications, you consent to receive text messages from Mended Counseling and Trauma Services, LLC for purposes including, but not limited to:

  • Appointment reminders and scheduling updates

  • General practice notifications (e.g., office closures, billing reminders)

  • Limited care coordination communications

2. Risks of SMS Communication
While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, SMS messaging is not a fully secure or encrypted method of communication. There is a risk that:

  • Messages may be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals

  • Information could be viewed by others with access to your phone

For this reason, we will avoid including detailed or sensitive clinical information in text messages whenever possible.

3. Client Responsibility
You are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that your mobile device is secure and accessible only to you

  • Not sharing your phone with others who may view your messages

  • Not using SMS for urgent or emergency communications

4. Opt-In and Opt-Out
You may opt in to SMS communications by providing your mobile number and consent through our intake process or other written authorization.

You may opt out at any time by:

  • Replying “STOP” to any message

  • Contacting our office directly at [Phone Number]

After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS communications, except for messages confirming your opt-out request.

5. Message Frequency and Fees
Message frequency may vary based on your engagement with our services. Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier plan.

6. Use of Information / No Sale or Sharing of Data
Mended Counseling and Trauma Services, LLC does not sell, rent, or share your personal information, including your mobile phone number, with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. Your information is used solely for purposes related to your care and communication with our practice.

We may share limited information with third-party service providers (such as SMS platforms) strictly for the purpose of facilitating communication. These providers are required to maintain appropriate safeguards and are not permitted to use your information for their own marketing purposes.

7. Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance
Mended Counseling and Trauma Services, LLC complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, SMS communication may not meet HIPAA security standards, and by opting in, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

8. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this SMS Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on our website and/or made available upon request.

9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Mended Counseling and Trauma Services, LLC
(859) 365-0184
info@mendedcounseling.net