Effective Date: January 1, 2025  |  Last Updated: April 2025

​

Authentic Healing and Counseling ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or contact us for counseling services. Please read this policy carefully. If you disagree with its terms, please discontinue use of our site.

​

This policy applies to information collected through our website at authentichealingandcounseling.com, our contact forms, and any related communications including SMS text messages.

1. Information We Collec

Personal Information You Provide

When you contact us, book a consultation, or submit our contact form, we may collect:

• Full name

• Phone number (including mobile number for SMS communications)

• Email address

• Insurance provider information

• General reason for seeking services

• Preferred therapist or provider

• Preferred contact method and appointment type

Information Collected Automatically

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

• Browser type and version

• Pages visited and time spent on each page

• Referring website or source

• IP address and general geographic location

• Device type and operating system

This information is collected through cookies and analytics tools such as Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors use our site and to improve our services.

Sensitive Health Information

As a counseling practice, we understand that any information you share with us may be sensitive in nature. We treat all information you provide with the highest level of care and confidentiality consistent with applicable law, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) where applicable. Any Protected Health Information (PHI) collected through formal intake processes is governed by our separate Notice of Privacy Practices provided at the start of your care.

 

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries and schedule consultations or appointments

• To communicate with you about your care, including appointment reminders and follow-ups

• To send SMS text messages if you have opted in (see Section 4)

• To process insurance information and billing where applicable

• To improve our website and services based on aggregate usage data

• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations

• To send occasional service-related communications

We will not use your information for any purpose beyond what is described in this policy without first obtaining your consent.

 

3. Cokies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies, which are small text files stored on your device, to enhance your browsing experience. We may use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly.

• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand visitor behavior using tools like Google Analytics. Data collected is aggregated and anonymized.

• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for future visits.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you may use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

 

4. SMS Text Message Communications

Opt-In and Consent

We offer SMS text message communications to individuals who voluntarily opt in through our contact form. By checking the SMS consent box and submitting the form, you agree to receive text messages from Authentic Healing and Counseling.

Types of Messages

SMS messages may include:

• Appointment reminders and confirmations

• Scheduling updates or changes

• Follow-up communications related to your services

• Responses to your inquiries

• Occasional informational messages about our services

Message Frequency and Rates

Message frequency varies based on your interactions with us. Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.

How to Opt Out

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any message. You will receive a single confirmation message and no further SMS messages will be sent. You may also opt out by contacting us directly at info@authentichealingandcounseling.com or calling (281) 501-0109.

Support

For help with SMS communications, reply HELP to any message or contact us at info@authentichealingandcounseling.com or (281) 501-0109.

No Sharing of SMS Opt-In Data — IMPORTANT

Your mobile phone number and SMS opt-in consent information will NOT be sold, rented, shared, transferred, or otherwise disclosed to any third party, affiliate, or partner for marketing or any other purposes. This information is used solely to deliver the SMS communications you have requested from Authentic Healing and Counseling.

 

5. How We Share Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you (e.g., scheduling platforms, billing processors), provided they agree to keep your information confidential.

• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or governmental authority, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights or the safety of others.

• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

• With Your Consent: We may share your information with other parties if you give us explicit permission to do so.

We do not share your information with third parties for advertising, marketing, or any commercial purpose without your explicit consent.

 

6. Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect it from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure, encrypted transmission of data via HTTPS

• Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

• Regular review of our data collection and storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. If you believe your information has been compromised, please contact us immediately.

 

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

• Correction: You may request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to applicable legal obligations.

• Opt-Out of SMS: Reply STOP to any SMS message or contact us to be removed from our messaging list.

• Opt-Out of Email: Follow the unsubscribe link in any email or contact us directly.

• Cookie Control: Adjust your browser settings to limit or disable cookie use.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

Email: info@authentichealingandcounseling.com

Phone: (281) 501-0109

Address: 7660 Woodway Dr, Suite 385, Houston, TX 77063

We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

 

8. HIPAA and Health Information

As a mental health counseling practice, some of the information you share with us may qualify as Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA. Our formal Notice of Privacy Practices, provided to all clients at the start of their care, governs the use and disclosure of PHI in the context of your treatment. This Privacy Policy governs general website and communications data.

If you have questions about how your health information is handled in the context of your treatment, please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices or contact us directly.

 

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and SMS communications are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete that information.

 

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

 

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make changes, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

 

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Authentic Healing and Counseling

7660 Woodway Dr, Suite 385

Houston, TX 77063

Phone: (281) 501-0109

Email: info@authentichealingandcounseling.com

Website: www.authentichealingandcounseling.com

 

© 2025 Authentic Healing and Counseling. All Rights Reserved.