Text Messaging Policy

Terms of Use for Client Text Messaging

Effective Date: September 22nd, 2025

1. Overview
   These Terms of Use govern your participation in and use of The Balanced Practice’s text messaging communication services. By consenting to receive text messages from us, you agree to the terms outlined below.
2. Purpose of Text Messaging
   The Balanced Practice uses text messaging strictly for operational and customer service purposes. Text messages may be used to:

• Respond to missed calls
• Confirm or reschedule appointments
• Answer administrative questions

We do not use text messaging for any crisis support, therapy or treatment updates. We also do not use text messaging for promotional or marketing purposes.

3. Consent to Receive Messages
   By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS messages from The Balanced Practice, from (613) 695-0306 regarding account notifications and customer care. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by replying STOP to any text message. You may also reply HELP for assistance.

4. Message Frequency
   Message frequency will vary based on your interaction with our clinic. You will only receive messages relevant to your care, scheduling, or communication requests.
5. No Emergency Communication
   Text messaging should not be used for emergencies or crisis situations. If you are in crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
6. Privacy and Data Use
   We are committed to protecting your privacy. Mobile numbers and message content will:

• Only be used for client support and business-related purposes
• Not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional use
• Not be sold, rented, or disclosed to external organizations

We use Grasshopper, a secure third-party phone and text communication platform, to facilitate our phone and SMS messaging system. Grasshopper is required to maintain appropriate data privacy and security standards. Mobile opt-in and consent are never shared with anyone for any purpose. Any information sharing that may be mentioned elsewhere in our policies excludes mobile opt-in data.

7. Texting Sign-Up Instructions & Disclosures
   Clients must initiate communication with us by sending a text message to our main clinic number: (613) 695-0306. By sending us a message, you acknowledge and accept these Terms of Use.

• We will never initiate text communication without prior consent.
• Instructions for signing up and disclosures about our text message use are posted on our website.
• These include message types (e.g., scheduling, admin support), approximate frequency, standard message & data rate disclosures, and how to opt out or get help.
• Mobile opt-in information is never shared with third parties.
• Our website includes links to this Terms of Use document and our full Privacy Policy for your review at any time.

8. Data Security
   While we take steps to protect your information, please note that text messaging is not a secure form of communication. We recommend avoiding sharing sensitive personal health information through text. If needed, we will direct you to a secure communication platform.
9. Opting Out
   You may opt out of receiving text messages from us at any time by replying STOP to any message. If you opt out, you may still receive email or phone communications as required for your care.
10. Contact Information
    For questions, to update your communication preferences, or to report issues with text messaging, please contact:
    The Balanced Practice
    info@thebalancedpractice.com
    (613) 695-0306
11. Updates to These Terms
    We may revise these Terms of Use occasionally. Updates will be shared on our website or directly through communication with clients.

By providing your phone number and opting into SMS communication, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Use.

Privacy Policy for Text Messaging

Effective Date: September 22nd, 2025

1. Introduction
   At The Balanced Practice, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect client information when communicating via text messaging.
2. Purpose of Text Messaging
   Text messaging is used as a supplementary communication tool to enhance client care, including but not limited to:

• Appointment reminders
• Scheduling changes
• General administrative communication
• Limited follow-up support as appropriate

Text messaging is not a substitute for therapy, crisis support, or confidential discussions regarding treatment.

3. Consent & Opt-In
   Clients must provide explicit consent before receiving text messages from The Balanced Practice. Consent may be obtained through written agreement, electronic opt-in, or verbal confirmation documented in client records. Clients may opt out at any time by notifying our team.
4. Information We Collect & How We Use It
   When clients communicate via text messaging, we may collect and store the following:

• Phone number
• Text message content
• Date and time of messages

We collect your phone number solely to send SMS notifications. Your data will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. The information collected is used only for communication related to The Balanced Practice’s services and administrative purposes.

5. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services
   We do not share consumer data with third parties for marketing purposes. Mobile information will only be used by The Balanced Practice and its service providers for operational purposes. We do not transfer consumer data to external organizations, except as required by law or necessary for service delivery. Third-party providers facilitating our text messaging services must adhere to strict privacy and security standards.

Data Sharing

• Customer data is not shared with third parties for promotional or marketing purposes.
• Mobile opt-in and consent are never shared with anyone for any purpose. Any information sharing that may be mentioned elsewhere in this policy excludes mobile opt-in data.

6. Messaging Terms and Conditions
   By providing your phone number and agreeing to receive texts, you consent to receive text messages from The Balanced Practice, from (613) 695-0306 regarding account notifications and customer care. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time or HELP for assistance. You can also contact us at (613) 695-0306 or info@thebalancedpractice.com. Mobile opt-in information is never shared with third parties.
7. Data Security & Storage
   We take reasonable steps to protect client information. However, text messaging is not a fully secure communication method. To mitigate risks:

• Text messages are used for limited, non-confidential communication
• We do not request or share sensitive client data over text
• We recommend clients avoid sharing personal health details via text

All text messages are stored in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our internal data retention policies. Measures are in place to prevent unauthorized sharing of user data and protect it from unauthorized access.

8. Consumer Rights & Opt-Out Policy
   Clients have the right to:

• Request to stop receiving text messages at any time
• Inquire about how their text communication data is stored
• Report concerns about privacy or misuse of text communication

To opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time, reply with STOP to any message you receive from us.

9. Changes to This Policy
   We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Clients will be informed of significant changes through our website or direct communication.

10. Contact Information
    For questions about this policy or concerns regarding privacy, please contact: 

Natalia Silva

info@thebalancedpractice.com or (613) 695-0306.

By opting into text messaging, clients acknowledge they have read and understood this Privacy Policy.