Privacy Policy

VULCAN PSYCHOLOGY SHORT MESSAGING SYSTEM (SMS)/ TEXT PRIVACY POLICY with SMS TERMS and CONDITIONS.

Introduction. Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group provide Psychological and Speech/Language evaluations, interventions and therapy services. The purpose of the privacy policy is to protect any sensitive and confidential information shared by clients via SMS/Text messages. This policy ensures that personal data shared via SMS/Text messages is handled with care and complies with legal and ethical standards. Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group assert that personal information related to SMS/Text messages will not be shared, sold, rented, or disclosed to any third party for marketing purposes. At Vulcan Psychology and Speech, your privacy is critically important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you opt into our SMS messaging program. Your privacy is our priority. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that all SMS communications between clients and psychologists remain confidential. SMS consent is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Types of Information Collected. When you opt-in to receive SMS messages from us, we collect the following information: When you communicate with Vulcan Psychology via SMS, we may collect the following information: (1) Your name and contact information (phone number), (2) Appointment details (date, time, and confirmation status) and (3) Any information you choose to share with your psychologist via text. We do not collect unnecessary personal data.

Who We Share Your Information With. Vulcan Psychology does not share, sell, or distribute your personal information to any third parties. Your SMS consent is strictly used for client-doctor communication. Specifically: (1) SMS consent is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes; (2) we do not provide your phone number to advertisers, data brokers, or any outside organizations and (3) only authorized staff members (psychologists and administrative personnel) have access to your SMS communications, and only for necessary healthcare purposes. SMS consent is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

How Information is Collected. Data is collected in various ways including verbally, during a conversation, by submitting an online form, by filling out a paper form or via intake information either written or online. Vulcan Psychology and Vulcan Speech Group do not collect or store your data or information without informed consent obtained either in writing or verbally at or preceding your intake session. Collected data pertinent to SMS includes contact information provided by you to your provider. Any data or information shared by you to your provider via SMS will be retained or deleted at your provider's discretion. Purpose of Data Collection. The purpose of collecting data via SMS messaging for Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group is to make communication easier and more convenient for clients, ensuring they never miss an appointment or important reminder. It helps the professional stay updated on a client’s progress, allowing for quick check-ins and feedback that can guide future sessions. SMS also offers a way for clients to reach out or share thoughts in between sessions, making it feel like there’s support available whenever they need it. Additionally, it keeps everything organized, from scheduling to sharing helpful resources, so clients feel well-informed and supported. Your information will only be used for the purpose specified at the time of opt-in and will not be used to send unrelated messages or in any other way.

Data Security Measures. Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group keeps client information safe when using SMS, by using a secure, encrypted messaging platform to protect messages from being accessed by anyone who shouldn’t see them. They will not share any sensitive details over text. Any data collected via SMS is stored securely, with access limited to only the people who need it, ensuring confidentiality. The psychologist also avoids sending highly sensitive information through SMS, to further reduce risk. We take strict measures to protect your personal information, including: Secure storage of SMS communications; Limited access to authorized personnel only, and Compliance with healthcare privacy laws and best practices. Data Sharing. Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group will not share, sell, rent, disclose or distribute information with any third-party groups for any purpose, including marketing. We will not use data for Cross-selling, Upselling, Unsolicited SMS Campaigns or any such event. User Rights. These rights noted below are critical to maintaining ethical standards and legal compliance, ensuring clients feel safe and respected when sharing their information via SMS. Users have the right to privacy and protection of personal information. Users have the right to consent to opt-in to text messages. Users have the right to withdraw consent for receiving SMS messages at any time. Users have the right to data security and transparency of how information is being used.

Contact Information. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to update your SMS preferences, you can contact your therapist directly or contact us at: Email: info@vulcanpsychology.comPhone: 205-377-4642 Address: 3840 Ridgeway Drive Homewood, AL 35209By communicating with Vulcan Psychology via SMS, you acknowledge

and agree to this Privacy Policy.

SMS TERMS and CONDITIONS

By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you agree to receive SMS messages from Vulcan Psychology Group. This includes SMS messages for appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, post-visit instructions, lab notifications, and billing notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. See privacy policy at https://www.vulcanpsychology.com. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.

SMS Consent Communication:
Information (Phone numbers) obtained are as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Types of SMS Communications:
If you have consented to receive text messages from Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group, you may receive messages related to the following (provide specific examples):

Appointment reminders
Follow-up messages
Billing inquiries

Example: "Hello, this is a friendly reminder of your upcoming appointment with Dr. [Name] at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. Reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging at any time."

Message Frequency:
Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 1-2 SMS messages per week related to your appointments or account status.

Example: “Message frequency may vary. You may receive up to 2 SMS messages per week regarding your appointments or account status. Reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging at any time."

Potential Fees for SMS Messaging:
Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

Opt-In Method:
You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from Vulcan Psychology Group and Vulcan Speech Group in the following ways:

Verbally, during a conversation
By submitting an online form
By filling out a paper form
Intake information either written or online

Opt-Out Method:
You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply "STOP" to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

Help:
If you are experiencing any issues, you can reply with the keyword HELP. Or, you can get help directly from us at www.vulcanpsychology.com. Additional options: If SMS messages are not desired, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms or to verbally consent.

Standard Messaging Disclosures:

Message and data rates may apply.
You can opt out at any time by texting "STOP."
For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions pages at www.vulcanpsychology.com.
Message frequency and rates may vary.