Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for SMS Texting

Terms and Conditions 

1. Effective Date:   3/1/2025
   By opting in to receive SMS messages from Fellow Travelers Counseling, LLC (“we,” “us,” “our”), you agree to these Terms and Conditions (Terms).

2. SMS Messaging Service
   By providing my phone number, I consent to receive SMS text messages from Fellow Travelers Counseling, LLC for appointment reminders/scheduling purposes and general two-way communication as a part of the client care relationship. Message and Data Rates may apply.

3. Message Frequency
   You will get more than one message from us unless you opt-out, and while messaging frequency varies, you will likely receive messages pertaining to your account up to 2 messages a week. Fellow Travelers Counseling, LLC reserves the right to alter the frequency of messages at any time to increase or decrease the total number of messages. Fellow Travelers Counseling, LLC and carriers are not liable for delays or undelivered messages.
   
   Example: “I am confirming your appointment scheduled for Friday at 11am. If you would like to change or cancel your appointment please reply to this message or contact your provider by phone or email. Reply STOP if you do not wish to receive text messages.”

4. Message and Data Rate
   Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier’s terms.

5. Privacy Policy
   Your information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy which you can find on our website

6. Opt in
   By submitting your phone number with an online contact form, you opt in to receiving SMS.

7. Cancellation/Opt-Out Instructions
   You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP or directly notifying your provider in person, by phone, or by email that you would like to stop using SMS texting. After you opt out of text messaging, you will receive one additional message confirming your decision to opt out of SMS texting.
   You may also choose not to check the “Opt In” consent boxes when submitting a contact form. Not opting in indicates that you do not wish to receive SMS communication.

8. Help
   If you are having difficulties related to SMS, text HELP at any time or contact your provider directly.

9. Usage of Information
   Information collected (phone number) as a part of the consent process or using SMS texting will not be shared with any third party for marketing purposes.

10. Liability
    We are not responsible for any charges, errors, or delays in SMS delivery or undelivered messages caused by your carrier or third-party service providers.
    HIPAA/Privacy Concerns: Conventional text messaging is not a secure method of communication under HIPAA. Be texting with your provider, you are accepting the risk of using non-secure communication. You may always use other methods of secure communication instead of texting, which you should discuss with your provider. Texting should be used primarily for scheduling, confirming appointments, cancellations, and similar business-related concerns and not for therapeutic support. Texting is not an appropriate form of contact for emergencies or mental health crisis: you should use the resources provided on our website for immediate support or call 911.

Privacy Policy for Text Messaging Services

1. Information Collection and Use
   Using the contact form imbedded on our website, we collect and use the following information for text messaging services:
   Email addresses
   Mobile phone numbers
   Opt-in/opt-out status
   Message history
   Response data
   
2. Data Protection
   SMS is not a secure way to send Private Healthcare Information (PHI) under HIPAA. By opting in and using SMS with your provider, you consent to waive your privacy rights. You are not required to text with your provider. to further protect your privacy, use texting only for scheduling, account management, and general communication and not therapeutic support or sharing sensitive personal information. Ask your provider about more secure means of contact.
   
3. Information Sharing
   We do not sell, rent, or share any personal information collected from you with third parties except:
   As required by law
   With service providers who assist in delivering our text messaging services
   With your explicit consent
   
4. Data Retention
   Message logs are retained according to applicable regulations and business needs
   Opt-out requests are honored and recorded permanently
   
5. Security Measures
   We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:
   Encryption of data in transit and at rest on the provider end
   Access controls and authentication
   Regular security assessments
   
6. Your Rights
   You have the right to:
   Access your personal information
   Request corrections to your information
   Opt-out of messaging services
   File a complaint regarding data handling
   
7. Changes to Policy
   We reserve the right to modify these terms and privacy policy
   Material changes will be communicated via text message
   Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance
   
8. Compliance
   Our text messaging program complies with:
   The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
   The Campaign Registry (TCR) requirements
   CAN-SPAM Act
   HIPAA regulations
   State and federal privacy law
   
9. Contact Information
   For questions about these terms or our privacy practices: 971-364-8010 or email liz@fellowtravelerscounseling.com

Last Updated: 3/1/2025