Terms and Conditions for Texting

By opting in to receive SMS messages from Align Counseling & Wellness, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

SMS Messaging Service

By providing my phone number, I consent to receive SMS text messages from Align Counseling & Wellness for appointment reminders, marketing messages, and general two-way communication about the counseling services provided. Message and Data Rates may apply.

Message Frequency

You will get more than one message from us unless you opt-out, and while messaging frequency varies, you will likely receive 1 appointment reminder approximately 24 hours prior to your appointment, should you decide to opt-in. You may also receive additional messages if you text the main line number and ask for assistance in rescheduling an appointment with our administrative assistant. Align Counseling & Wellness reserves the right to alter the frequency of messages at any time to increase or decrease the total number of messages. Align Counseling & Wellness  and carriers are not liable for delays or undelivered messages.

Message and Data Rates

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

Privacy Policy

Your information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Cancellation/Opt-Out Instructions

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message we send you. After you opt out of text messaging, you will receive one additional message confirming your request has been processed.

Help/Customer Support

Text the word HELP for support. You may also contact us directly at info@aligncw.com or (501)208-8062.

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.

Risks with Texting in Healthcare

HIPAA and Privacy Violations:

  • Lack of Security:

    Standard SMS text messages are not encrypted, making them vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access, which can lead to HIPAA violations. 

    • Text messaging services can be vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access, potentially exposing sensitive patient information. 

    • Even well-protected platforms could potentially face security breaches or data leaks. 

    • Text messages can be used to spread malware and viruses, posing a risk to both the therapist and the patient. 

  • Unclear Communication:

    Text messages can be ambiguous and lack the nuances of face-to-face communication, potentially leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. 

  • Inadequate Controls:

    Standard SMS messaging lacks the necessary controls, audit capabilities, and encryption required to ensure the secure transmission of Protected Health Information (PHI). 

  • Unintentional Disclosure:

    Therapists must be cautious when using these platforms, as even the smallest details can lead to HIPAA violations. 

  • Patient Consent:

    HIPAA allows for patients to text their physicians and counselors with unencrypted text messages ONLY IF the patient is warned of the risks of communicating via unencrypted text messaging, and if the patient gives their consent to use unencrypted texts to communicate with their physician. Both the warning and consent must be documented. 

Align Counseling & Wellness Texting Rules

Since there are several notable risks associated with texting Protected Health Information (PHI), we only use our texting capabilities to address appointment scheduling concerns (booking an appointment, rescheduling an appointment, canceling an appointment) or to let our admin assistant know that you need to speak with your therapist. You will receive automated appointment reminders and updates from SimplePractice should you decide to opt-in for those appointment reminders. Our office assistant will limit their use of text messages to communicate about appointment changes, business announcements (ie: road closures, inclimate weather issues, holiday closings, etc), and to respond to any of your requests.

If you have any personal or sensitive information that you need to communicate to your therapist or to our office, we strongly recommend using the SimplePractice messaging system, calling their business line to speak directly to them, or to email them directly using their first name followed by @aligncw.com. Our office assistant is happy to address any account concerns and can be reached at (501)208-8062 or info@aligncw.com

Emergencies

We do not have the capacity to quickly respond to emergencies as most of our therapists are booked and in session throughout the day. In the event of a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest ER, or you may call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988. Additional crisis lines are listed below:

  • The Trevor Project: 1(866)-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

    • Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young people (ages 13-24). 

  • Trans Lifeline: 1(877)565-8860

    • A 24/7 hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. 

  • SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline: 1(877)360-5428

    • Connects LGBT older people with friendly responders. 

  • LGBT National Hotline: (888)843-4564

    • Provides peer-support, community connections, and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

  • Blackline: 1(800)604-5841

    • A hotline for BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals, run by BIPOC folks. 

  • LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800)246-7743

    • A hotline for youth up to age 25.

  • Counseling Associates Crisis Line: 1(800)844-2066

    • Local mental health crisis providers that can provide mental health screenings and help with stabilization.

Effective Date: 1.1.25