Privacy Policy

Welcome to Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC (“BMHC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). Your privacy matters to us. This Privacy Policy explains how information may be collected, used, stored, and protected when you visit our website or communicate with our practice.

This policy applies only to information collected through our website and online communications. It does not replace informed consent, HIPAA notices, or other clinical documentation provided to clients receiving services.

 

Information We May Collect

When you visit our website or contact us, we may collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Information submitted through contact forms

• Scheduling or consultation requests

• General website usage information through cookies or analytics tools

• IP address and browser/device information

Please avoid sending sensitive clinical or emergency information through website contact forms or standard email.

 

How Information Is Used

Information collected through the website may be used to:

• Respond to inquiries or consultation requests

• Communicate about services or scheduling

• Improve website functionality and user experience

• Maintain website security

• Comply with legal or ethical obligations

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

 

HIPAA and Confidentiality

Submitting information through this website does not automatically establish a therapist-client relationship.

If you become a client of BMHC, your protected health information is governed by applicable privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as our separate Notice of Privacy Practices and informed consent documents.

While we take reasonable measures to protect communications, standard email and website submissions may not be fully secure. Electronic communication carries inherent risks.

 

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or analytics services to better understand how visitors use the site. These tools may collect non-identifying information such as:

• Pages visited

• Time spent on the site

• Referral sources

• Browser type and device information

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.

 

Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or platforms, including scheduling systems, telehealth services, payment processors, social media platforms, or insurance-related services. BMHC is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any outside platforms you choose to use.

 

Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical precautions to protect information submitted through our website. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

 

Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through the website.

 

Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including requesting access to or correction of information you have submitted.

To make a privacy-related request, please contact us directly.

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SMS Privacy Policy

Overview

This SMS Privacy Policy explains how Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC collects, uses, and protects information when you choose to receive text message communications from our practice. This policy applies specifically to SMS communications and should be read alongside our general Privacy Policy.

 

SMS Communication Services

Our SMS communication services are intended solely for administrative and customer care purposes related to mental health services. Text messaging may be used to:

•       Send links to intake forms and appointment-related paperwork

•       Provide updates regarding appointment requests or scheduling

•       Send appointment reminders and confirmations

•       Share administrative or care coordination information

 

Please note that standard SMS/text messaging is not considered a fully secure form of communication. While the platforms we use maintain HIPAA-compliant business practices and safeguards, we request that clients do not send protected health information (PHI) through text messaging. Sensitive or clinical information will be communicated through secure, HIPAA-compliant systems whenever appropriate.

 

Consent to Receive Messages

You may consent to receive SMS communications from Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC through:

•       Checking an SMS consent box on our website forms

•       Providing verbal consent during a phone interaction

•       Providing written authorization during intake or administrative processes

•       Initiating text communication with our office

By providing consent, you acknowledge that:

•       Message and data rates may apply

•       You are the authorized user of the mobile number provided

•       Consent to receive text messages is not required to obtain services

 

Information We Collect

When participating in our SMS communication services, we may collect:

•       Mobile phone number

•       Name and communication preferences

•       Appointment and scheduling information

•       Administrative communication records

•       Message delivery and response information

 

How We Use Information

Information collected through SMS communications is used only for legitimate business and care coordination purposes, including:

•       Appointment scheduling and reminders

•       Administrative communication related to services

•       Client support and care coordination

•       Operational and compliance purposes

We do not sell, rent, or share mobile information with third parties for marketing purposes.

 

Data Storage and Security

SMS-related information may be stored within HIPAA-compliant systems used by our practice, including:

•       Phone.com for SMS communication services

•       TheraNest for practice management and recordkeeping

 

Security measures include:

•       Limited access to authorized personnel only

•       HIPAA-compliant administrative safeguards

•       Secure systems and account protections

•       Ongoing monitoring and compliance practices

 

Data Retention

Information related to SMS communications may be retained as required for operational, legal, regulatory, or healthcare recordkeeping purposes. Requests for deletion will be reviewed in accordance with applicable laws and professional record retention requirements.

 

Message Frequency and Content

Message frequency varies depending on appointment activity and care coordination needs.

SMS messages from our practice are limited to administrative and scheduling-related communications. Messages will not include sensitive clinical information or detailed protected health information.

 

Opt-Out and Support

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by:

•       Replying STOP to any message

•       Contacting our office directly

•       Emailing us through our listed contact information

•       You may receive a final confirmation message after opting out.

•       Wireless carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

 

Your Rights

You may request to:

•       Review information we maintain related to SMS communications

•       Update or correct inaccurate information

•       Request deletion of information where legally permissible

•       Withdraw consent for SMS communications at any time

 

Compliance

Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC complies with applicable federal and state laws governing professional communications and privacy practices.

 

Our staff are trained regarding appropriate use of electronic communication, privacy limitations of SMS messaging, and HIPAA-related requirements.

Third-Party Providers

We utilize third-party communication platforms, including Phone.com, to facilitate SMS messaging services. These providers maintain industry-standard security and compliance practices designed to support healthcare-related communications.

 

Policy Updates

This SMS Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Updated versions will be posted on our website with the revised effective date. Continued use of SMS communications after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

 

Effective January 1, 2026.

Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC

Contact Information

Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
Email: info@mhcounselors.com
Phone: 347-343-3000

 

Changes to This Policy

BMHC may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Effective January 1, 2026.

Beachside Mental Health Counseling, PLLC