Privacy Policy

CONTACTING US

I am often not immediately available by telephone. Though I am usually in my office between 9AM and 5PM, I probably will not answer the phone when I am with a patient. When I am unavailable, my telephone is answered by voicemail, that I monitor frequently. I will make every effort to return your call on the same day that you make it, with the exception of weekends and holidays. If you are difficult to reach, please inform me of some times when you are available. If you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for me to return your call, contact your family physician or the nearest emergency room and ask for the psychologist or psychiatrist on call. If I will be unavailable for an extended time, I will provide you with the name of a colleague to contact if necessary.

Electronic Communication

In order to maintain clarity regarding our use of electronic modes of communication during your treatment, I have prepared the following policy. This is because the use of carious types of electronic communications is common in our society, and many individuals believe this is the preferred method of communication with others, whether their relationships are social or professional. Many of these common modes of communication, however, put your privacy at risk and can be inconsistent with the law and with the standards of my profession. Consequently, this policy has been prepared to assure the security and confidentiality of your treatment and to assure that it is consistent with ethics and the law.

If you have any questions about this policy, please feel free to discuss with me.

Email Communications. I use email communication and text messaging only with your permission and only for administrative purposes unless we have made another agreement. That means that email exchanges and text messages with my office should be limited to things like setting and changing appointments, billing matters and other related issues. Please do not email me about clinical matters because email is not a secure way to contact me. If you need to discuss a clinical matter with me, please feel free to call me so we can discuss it on the phone or wait so we can discuss it during your therapy session. The telephone or face-to-face context simply is much more secure as a mode of communication.

Text Messaging. Because text messaging is an unsecure and impersonal mode of communication, I do not text message, nor do I respond to text messages from anyone in treatment with me. So, please do not text message me unless we have made other arrangements.

Sharing of Personal Information:
We do not share, sell, or disclose your personal information or mobile opt-in data to third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law. Your information is kept confidential and used solely for the purposes you have agreed to. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with third parties. Text messaging opt-in data is not being shared with third parties.
 
Opting Out of Text Messages:
You have the right to opt out of receiving text messages from Pivot Psychological Services at any time. To opt-out, you can reply "STOP" to any text message you receive from us.
 
Consent and Opt-In:
By providing your phone number and opting in to receive text messages, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy. We ensure that your consent is obtained explicitly and throughout.