EMERGE Privacy Policy

EMERGE is a nonprofit mental health clinic dedicated to providing quality, affordable counseling services while ensuring the privacy and security of client information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and legally share personal information to maintain transparency and safeguard client confidentiality.

We collect the following types of personal information:

• First and Last Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Mailing address

• Physical address (if different than mailing address)

• Date of birth

• Social security number

• Emergency contact information

• Demographic information (such as age, gender, ethnicity, if voluntarily provided)

• Insurance details (if applicable) and/or annual household income (applicable to use of sliding scale)

• Payment and billing information

• Health history and treatment-related information

We gather client data through:

• New client intake forms

• Direct communication via phone, email, or in person

• HIPAA compliant electronic medical record system

• Email and SMS communications

• Secure payment processing systems

We collect personal information to:

• Provide mental health counseling and related services

• Schedule and manage appointments

• Process payments and billing (including applicable insurance claims)

• Communicate important updates, including appointment reminders, balance reminders, and policy changes

• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations

To protect personal data, we implement:

• HIPAA compliant electronic medical record system

• Encryption of sensitive data

• Regular audits and security updates

• Restricted access to sensitive data based on role-based authorization

• Regular security audits and compliance reviews

• Staff training on privacy and data protection policies

We do not sell or share client data with third parties, except:

• In cases of imminent harm, where disclosure is necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety

• When required by law or court order

• With client consent for referrals or collaboration with healthcare providers

• To process insurance claims or payments

Clients have the right to:

• Access, update, or request corrections to their personal data

• Request a copy of their records (fees will be charged in accordance with SC Code Section 44-115-80 and Federal Rule 45 C.F. R. §164.524)

• Withdraw consent for data collection (where applicable)

• Request deletion of their personal data, subject to legal obligations

For privacy-related concerns or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

EMERGE Family Therapy Center & Teaching Clinic

138 Dillon Drive

Spartanburg, SC 29307

864-583-1010

If you provide your phone number for SMS communications:

You consent to receiving text messages regarding appointments, service updates, payment reminders, and important notifications. Your phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. You may opt-out at any time by replying "STOP" to any message or contacting your therapist directly.

Effective Date: 01/01/2021

This policy is subject to periodic updates. Any changes will be posted on our website and communicated to our clients directly as needed.