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SMS Privacy Policy

Overview

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This SMS Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, and protection of your personal information when you opt-in to receive text messages from Mission Behavioral Health. This policy applies specifically to our SMS communication services and supplements our general Privacy Policy.

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SMS Program Description

Our SMS program is designed to provide customer care and administrative support to individuals seeking mental health services. We use text messaging to:

  • Send links to intake paperwork and appointment applications

  • Provide information about next steps in the appointment process

  • Send appointment scheduling reminders and confirmations

  • Share administrative information related to your care coordination

Important: Our SMS communications are NOT secure and should not be used for protected health information (PHI). Any sensitive medical information will be communicated through secure, HIPAA-compliant channels.

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Consent and Opt-In

How We Obtain Consent

You may consent to receive SMS communications from us through:

  1. Online Consent: Checking the text box on our appointment request form on our website

  2. Portal Consent: Selecting the "OK to send text messages" on the client information form

  3. Written Consent: Providing written authorization during in-person interactions

 

What Your Consent Means

By providing consent, you:

  • Acknowledge that SMS communications are not secure

  • Understand that standard message and data rates may apply

  • Agree to receive administrative messages related to appointment scheduling and care coordination

  • Confirm that you are the authorized user of the mobile phone number provided

 

Information We Collect

When you opt-in to our SMS program, we may collect:

  • Your mobile phone number

  • Your name and contact preferences

  • Appointment scheduling information

  • Administrative notes related to your care coordination

  • Message delivery and response data

 

How We Use Your Information

We use your mobile phone number and related information solely for:

  • Sending appointment-related communications

  • Providing links to intake forms and paperwork

  • Sending appointment reminders and confirmations

  • Administrative coordination of your mental health services

  • Ensuring compliance with our customer care protocols

 

Data Storage and Security

Storage Systems

Your SMS data is stored in the following HIPAA-compliant systems:

  • Aircall: Our primary SMS platform for message delivery

  • Monday.com: Our administrative coordination system

  • TherapyNotes: Our practice management system

Security Measures

  • All storage systems maintain HIPAA compliance standards

  • Access is limited to authorized administrative staff

  • No integrations between systems that could compromise data security

  • Regular security audits and compliance monitoring

 

Data Retention

  • Phone numbers are retained for as long as legally permitted and necessary for business purposes

  • SMS message logs are maintained according to healthcare record retention requirements

  • You may request deletion of your information subject to legal and regulatory requirements

 

Message Frequency and Content

Frequency

  • Message frequency varies based on your appointment scheduling needs

  • Typically 1-3 messages per appointment scheduling cycle

  • No promotional or marketing messages

Content Guidelines

  • Messages contain only administrative information

  • No protected health information (PHI) is transmitted via SMS

  • All messages include clear identification of our practice

  • Templates are pre-approved to ensure compliance

 

Your Rights and Choices

Opt-Out Instructions

You can stop receiving SMS messages at any time by:

  • Replying "STOP" to any message

  • Calling our office at (619) 255-1652

  • Emailing us at admin@drzaragoza.com

 

Help and Support

For assistance with SMS services, reply "HELP" to any message or contact us using the information above.

Data Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request information about data we collect

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of your SMS data (subject to legal requirements)

  • Opt-out of SMS communications at any time

Compliance and Regulatory Information

HIPAA Compliance

  • SMS communications are not considered secure under HIPAA

  • No PHI is transmitted via SMS

  • All sensitive medical information is communicated through secure, encrypted channels

  • Staff are trained on HIPAA requirements and SMS limitations

Telecommunications Compliance

  • We comply with all applicable federal and state regulations regarding SMS communications

  • We maintain proper registration with telecommunications authorities

  • We follow industry best practices for SMS marketing and customer communications

California ]Regulations

As a practice licensed in California \ we comply with all applicable state privacy laws and regulations.

Third-Party Service Providers

We use AirCall as our SMS service provider. Aircall:

  • Maintains HIPAA compliance standards

  • Provides secure message delivery

  • Does not share your information with unauthorized third parties

  • Follows industry-standard data protection practices

Contact Information

For questions about this SMS Privacy Policy or our text messaging practices:

Mission Behavioral Health
591 Camino de La Reina
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 255-1652
Email: admin@alohapsych.com

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