Text Message (“SMS”)
Opt-In Process / Privacy Policy 

San Francisco Counseling Collective (“SFCC”) offers patients the option to receive non-confidential text messages related to their care. This is by Opt-In Only—Clients may choose to opt in during one of the following interactions:

1.     In person at the clinic’s physical location

2.     By phone when calling the clinic

3.     By email directly with a clinician, or

4.     By texting a clinician directly—SFCC’s receipt of text messages is deemed an opt-in to receive texts.

By providing a phone number and agreeing to receive texts, the client consents to receive non-confidential text messages from San Francisco Counseling Collective regarding their care. Consent is not a condition of treatment. Message frequency varies based on communication needs. Message and data rates may apply. Patients can reply STOP to unsubscribe at any. No mobile opt-in information will be shared with third parties. This privacy policy and terms and conditions are available at https://www.sfcounselors.com/smspolicy

Message Types

Messages we send are:

1.     Schedule confirmations, or

2.     Responses to client texts.

We NEVER use texting for sales, marketing, or other purposes.

Text/SMS messages come in two forms at SFCC:

1.     You can communicate with your clinician directly by text to a number provided to you by the clinician.

2.     You can communicate with your clinician by sending a text to 415-569-6304 or 215-233-1800.  These messages come into a common inbox and are distributed by clinic staff.

Clients may withdraw consent at any time by replying STOP to any message, which will immediately unsubscribe them.

Privacy Policy for Messaging

San Francisco Counseling Collective values patient privacy and maintains strict safeguards around all communication preferences.

1. Information Collection

We collect client phone numbers and message content solely for the purpose of providing personal counseling-related updates and will not share your information with third parties except as required by law.  We do not use any of your information for any type of marketing purposes.

2. Use of Information 

Phone numbers are used exclusively to send non-confidential text messages related to patient care, such as scheduling, reminders, or general communication.  Message frequency varies depending on communication needs.

3. Consent and Choice

Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of treatment.  Patients can withdraw consent at any time by replying STOP to any text message.

4. Data Sharing

San Francisco Counseling Collective does not sell, rent, or share patient mobile opt-in information with any third parties.  We do not transfer or share your data with any external organizations (other than those with a BAA on file with us to comply with HIPAA requirements) under any circumstances, even with your consent.

5. Costs

Message and data rates may apply, depending on the patient’s mobile carrier plan.

6. Security

Messages are non-confidential. Patients should not share sensitive personal health information via text.  Secure and confidential communication will continue through encrypted email and/or secure messaging via our portal.  We have strict internal policies and technical safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access or sharing of your information.

8. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Clinical Director at bart.shulman@sfcounselors.com or (415) 569-6304.

7. Policy Availability

Patients can review the full privacy policy and terms and conditions at: https://www.sfcounselors.com/smspolicy