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SMS Messaging Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

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Effective Date: July 14, 2025
Company Name: RL Counseling Group
Website: https://www.rlcounselinggroup.com
Privacy Policy URL: https://www.rlcounselinggroup.com/privacy-policy
Contact Email: ameyer@rlcounselinggroup.com

 

1. Overview

At RL Counseling Group, we are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your information. This SMS Messaging Privacy Policy and Terms outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information in connection with our SMS services. It also provides the terms and conditions associated with opting in to receive text message communications from us.

As a healthcare provider, we also comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure the confidentiality of your health information.

 

2. What Personal Information We Collect

When you opt in to receive SMS messages, we may collect:

  • Your name

  • Mobile phone number

  • Communication preferences and consent status

  • Appointment details (if applicable)

  • Message interaction data (e.g., delivery or read status)

We do not collect unnecessary information through SMS.

 

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Send appointment reminders or confirmations

  • Notify you of rescheduled sessions or office closures

  • Provide administrative or account-related notifications

  • Send limited promotional or educational content (if opted in)

  • Respond to support requests or service inquiries

We do not use SMS for diagnosis or treatment-related communication unless explicitly authorized by you.

 

4. HIPAA Compliance and PHI Use

As a healthcare facility, RL Counseling Group complies with HIPAA. While we limit the inclusion of Protected Health Information (PHI) in text messages, you acknowledge:

SMS is not a secure or encrypted method of communication. By opting in, you understand and accept the risk that some limited PHI may be transmitted via SMS.

You may opt out or request secure alternatives at any time.

 

5. Who We Share Information With

We do not share your mobile number or SMS consent with third parties or affiliates for marketing.

SMS consent is not shared with third parties.

We may use SMS delivery vendors (e.g., RingCentral) solely to facilitate message transmission. These providers are required to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable data protection standards.

 

6. SMS Terms & Conditions

By opting into SMS messages from RL Counseling Group, you agree to the following terms:

  • Message Types You May Receive:
    Appointment reminders, account updates, scheduling changes, administrative notices, and occasional service-related announcements.

  • Message Frequency:
    Messaging frequency may vary depending on your service usage and preferences.

  • Message & Data Rates:
    Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan.

  • Opt-Out Instructions:
    Text STOP at any time to stop receiving messages.

  • Help or Support:
    Text HELP for assistance or visit https://www.rlcounselinggroup.com.

 

7. Your Choices and Opting Out

You may opt out of SMS messaging by replying:

  • STOP – to cancel all future text communications

  • HELP – to receive support or contact instructions

Opting out will not affect your access to care or other forms of communication.

 

8. Data Security and Retention

We implement safeguards to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure. SMS message content is not encrypted; please avoid including sensitive details in your replies.

We retain your phone number and communication preferences as long as required to provide services or comply with legal obligations.

 

9. Accessibility and Website Placement

We ensure that this policy is easy to find:

“By checking this box, you agree to receive SMS messages from R&L Counseling Group. Message and data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.”

 

10. HIPAA Complaints or Questions

For HIPAA-related concerns, please contact us.

 

11. Policy Updates

We may revise this policy at any time. Updates will be reflected with a new effective date and made available on our website. Continued participation in SMS communications constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

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