Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Essential Connections Counseling, LLC ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Information you provide in contact forms or messages
• Health information and clinical data (for therapy clients)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Pages you visit and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Device information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your inquiries and schedule appointments
• Provide counseling services
• Send you appointment reminders and service-related communications
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Maintain client records as required by law

4. A2P Messaging Compliance

4.1 Text Messaging Services

By providing your phone number and consenting to receive text messages, you agree to receive transactional messages related to the services you requested, including:

• Appointment confirmations and reminders
• Responses to your inquiries
• Service-related notifications

4.2 Message Frequency & Costs

Message frequency may vary based on your interactions with our services. Message and data rates may apply. You are responsible for any charges incurred from your mobile carrier.

4.3 Opting Out

You may opt-out of text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. For help, reply HELP. After opting out, you will receive a one-time confirmation message. You may continue to receive messages for a short period while we process your request.

4.4 A2P 10DLC Compliance

We comply with Application-to-Person (A2P) 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) regulations. Our text messaging system is registered and authorized for business-to-consumer communications.

5. HIPAA Compliance

For clients receiving counseling services, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and maintain strict confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) as required by law.

6. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information:

• With your explicit consent
• As required by law or legal process
• With service providers who assist in our operations (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• To protect the safety and rights of ourselves or others

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Obtain a copy of your clinical records (for therapy clients)

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date."

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: