Privacy Policy

 
 

New Focus Counseling Center

Text Messaging Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 1, 2025

New Focus Counseling Center ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we handle text messaging communication between our clients and New Focus Counseling Center.

1. Scope of this Privacy Policy

This policy applies to all text messaging communication between New Focus Counseling Center and its clients. It governs the collection, use, and protection of information shared via text messages.

2. Opt-In and Opt-Out Policy

Opting In to Receive Messages

New Focus Counseling Center offers a convenient SMS communication service for clients to receive appointment reminders, address questions or concerns, and receive general correspondence. Clients may opt-in to receive text messages from New Focus Counseling Center by:

  • Completing an opt-in form during intake at our office.

  • Providing verbal consent when registering over the phone or in person.

  • Texting START to opt in.

By opting in, clients acknowledge that:

  • Message frequency may vary (average of 1-2 messages per month).

  • Message and data rates may apply based on their mobile carrier.

  • They can text HELP for assistance or STOP to unsubscribe at any time.

Opting Out of Messages

Clients can opt out of receiving SMS messages from New Focus Counseling Center at any time by texting STOP. Upon opting out, they will receive a final confirmation message stating:

"You have successfully unsubscribed from New Focus Counseling Center SMS alerts. No further messages will be sent. For assistance, text HELP or contact us at (903) 715-4480 or (903) 784-0651."

If clients wish to resume SMS communication, they may opt-in again by texting START.

3. Collection of Information

When clients communicate with New Focus Counseling Center via text messages, we may collect the following information:

  • Phone number.

  • Content of the messages, including any personal or sensitive information shared.

  • Date and time of text message exchanges.

4. Use of Information

The information collected through text messages may be used for:

  • Scheduling, rescheduling, or canceling appointments.

  • Sending appointment reminders.

  • Addressing administrative inquiries.

  • Sharing non-clinical information related to our services.

🚨 Text messaging is NOT intended for crisis support, emergency situations, or therapeutic communication. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or a crisis hotline immediately.

5. Confidentiality and Security

Non-Sharing Clause Regular Use case:

We do not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. New Focus Counseling Center will not sell, rent, or share the collected mobile numbers.

 

We strive to protect the confidentiality of all communications, including text messages. However, text messaging is not a fully secure form of communication, and there is a risk that information may be intercepted by unauthorized parties.

To enhance security:

  • Text messaging will only be used for administrative purposes.

  • Clients are advised not to share sensitive or confidential health information via text.

  • If private matters need to be discussed, clients should contact us via phone or during scheduled counseling sessions.

6. Your Consent

By choosing to communicate with New Focus Counseling Center via text message, clients consent to the collection and use of their information as described in this Privacy Policy.

7. Retention of Messages

Text messages may be retained for record-keeping purposes as required by law or for administrative needs. These records will be securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.

8. Third-Party Service Providers

We may use third-party service providers to facilitate text message communication. These providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of all information.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. The updated policy will be posted on our website and will indicate the effective date of the changes.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your communication preferences, please contact us at:

📍 New Focus Counseling Center
📍 3025 Lamar Avenue, Paris, Texas 75460
📞 Phone: (903) 715-4480 or (903) 784-0651
📧 Email: trey@newfocusparis.com

By utilizing our text messaging services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Last Updated: February 1, 2025