Privacy Policy

Bear’s Pathway Counseling Privacy Policy

Bear’s Pathway Counseling is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of our clients. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and safeguard your Personal Health Information (PHI) and personal data, including data processed through our communication partner, Telzio.

What Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide counseling services and manage our business. This includes:

  • Identity Data: Full name, date of birth.
  • Contact Data: Phone number, email address, mailing address.
  • Health Information (PHI): Mental health history, treatment notes, diagnosis, and treatment plans.
  • Log Data: Call records, voicemail, and SMS messages (encrypted via Telzio).

How We Use Telzio (HIPAA Compliance)

We use Telzio for voice, messaging, and video conferencing. Telzio provides a HIPAA-compliant platform and acts as our Business Associate.

  • All communication via Telzio is encrypted in transit and at rest.
  • We have entered into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with Telzio, ensuring they are legally bound to protect your data.
  • We do not use Telzio to record therapy sessions without your explicit, written consent.

Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your health records for a minimum of 7 years, as required by law.

  • Telzio Data: We use Telzio’s data retention tools to automatically delete or archive voicemails, call logs, and messages according to our clinical documentation policy.
  • After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

How We Use and Share Information

Your information is never sold or rented to third parties. We share information only in the following ways:

  • Treatment: To provide services to you.
  • Payment: For billing purposes.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting of abuse, court orders, or “duty to warn” situations regarding threats of harm).

Your Rights

  • Access/Obtain a copy of your medical records.
  • Request an amendment to your records if you believe they are incorrect.
  • Request restrictions on how we use your information.
  • Receive confidential communications (e.g., asking us to call you at a different number).

Security

We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure, including using encrypted platforms and secure, password-protected systems.

10DLC SMS Regulatory Compliance

  • Data privacy: “Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.”
  • Opt-out: “If you wish to be removed from receiving future communications from Bear’s Pathway Counseling , you can opt out by texting STOP.”

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Clinical Director:

Kathy Carter
Email: kathy@bearspathwaycounseling.com
Phone: (936) 213-5440