mental-health-services-minnesota

For Hope & Healing

Insurance Accepted Mental Health Treatment Programs Done By Passionate Professionals

Steps For Change TEXT and EMAIL Consent

At Steps For Change (SFC), we take seriously our responsibility to keep information about treatment confidential, in accordance with HIPAA policies and procedures. This means that we must ask your permission to communicate with you or your adolescent by means of email and text. This communication could include Protected Health Information (PHI), such as when a guardian/parent might email their youth’s therapist and ask them for an update on treatment progress. Additionally, SFC uses e-mail and text message to communicate with you about scheduling appointments, assistance in completing assignments, conducting teletherapy, completing paperwork, etc.  

When we communicate via email, our emails are encrypted but once you receive them, it’s up to you to keep the information confidential.  At the present time, there is no way to encrypt a text message. Just as with email, once you receive a text from us, it’s up to you to keep that information private.

Steps For Change SMS Disclosure Policy

Messaging Topic/Usage:

By consenting to receive text messages from SFC, you agree to receive SMS notifications related to billing account updates, scheduling appointments, session reminders, transportation and direct communication with your therapist.

Message and Data Rates:

Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier’s plan. Please consult your carrier for details.

Opt-Out/Opt-In and Support Information:

You may opt out of receiving future messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. To resume receiving messages after opting out, reply START. If you need assistance reply SUPPORT. 

Message Frequency:

Message frequency varies based on your treatment schedule and account activity. You may receive approximately 5–15 messages per month, including appointment reminders, billing updates, and therapist communications, though this may differ depending on your needs.

Collect: 

  • Referral and Intake Process: Information is gathered directly from you, your legal guardian (if applicable), referring agencies (e.g., probation officers, courts), or healthcare providers during intake and the referral process.
  • SMS Program Enrollment: Your mobile number and consent are collected when you opt in to receive SMS notifications, typically during intake.
  • Ongoing Services: Additional information may be collected during therapy sessions, group therapy, or assessments.


How We Protect Your Information:

We implement robust safeguards to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and security of your information

  • Physical Safeguards: Client records are maintained in a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based electronic record-keeping system, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • Technical Safeguards: Electronic data, including SMS program information, is stored in HIPAA-compliant systems with encryption, firewalls, and access controls.
  • Administrative Safeguards: Staff are trained on HIPAA and privacy policies. Access to your information is limited to personnel directly involved in your care or administration (e.g., therapists, billing staff).
  • Data Minimization: We collect and retain only the information necessary for your treatment and compliance obligations.
  • Breach Response: In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected clients and authorities as required by law and take immediate steps to mitigate harm.


Sharing Your Information:

We do not sell your information or share it for marketing purposes. 

Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions:
Your privacy is our priority. Please review our Privacy Practice and Policies at stepsforchange.us/privacy-policy

By providing your mobile number and consenting to receiving text messages, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this SMS Disclosure Policy.

How Steps For Change is Implementing Basic Infection Prevention Measures Regarding COVID-19

Steps For Change (SFC) is using the information provided by credible sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Red Cross, to guide our approach to the virus. Currently, SFC’s offices remain closed to clients/families, guests, and non-essential personnel. SFC is still accepting new referrals and teletherapy appointments are being offered through Zoom to new and pre-existing clients. Our goal is to continue to provide good customer service to all our visitors and ensure all staff are employing best practices.

For more information please refer to the Steps For Change Preparedness Plan: SFC Covid-19 Preparedness Plan Effective 6.15.2020

When entering into a Steps For Change location, please abide by the following Safety Precautions: COVID19 Safety Precaution Policies 6.15.20 (COVID19 Safety Precaution Policies – Spanish 6.15.20)