Privacy Policy & Communications Practices

Overview

Summit Ridge Counseling ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of clients, prospective clients, and visitors to this website. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information, and how we handle confidentiality across clinical care, website use, and SMS and email communications.

If you are a current client, please also refer to the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices you received at the start of services, which governs protected health information (PHI).

Information we collect

We collect information you provide directly — through contact forms, scheduling, or intake paperwork — and limited technical data collected automatically through normal website use (browser type, device type, pages viewed, approximate location).

Clinical and intake information

When you become a client, we collect the information needed to provide safe, appropriate care: identifying details, insurance information, medical and mental health history, clinical notes, and records relevant to treatment. This information is protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA.

Website information

When you use this website or contact us through a form, we may collect your name, email, phone number, and any details you choose to share in your message.

How we use your information

We use your information to provide clinical services, respond to inquiries, process payments, fulfill orders, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and improve the website. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

HIPAA & confidentiality

Clinical services are provided under HIPAA. We will not disclose your protected health information without your written authorization except as permitted or required by law — for example, mandatory reporting (child or elder abuse, imminent risk of harm), valid court orders, or consultation with other providers with proper releases in place.

SMS & email communications policy

Email and text messaging are not secure channels of communication. They may be intercepted, accessed by third parties, or stored on servers outside our control. By communicating with Summit Ridge Counseling via email or SMS, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

We use SMS and email primarily for appointment reminders, scheduling logistics, administrative messages, and general responses to new inquiries. We will avoid discussing detailed clinical content over SMS or standard email whenever possible, and we ask that you do the same. For clinical content, please use the secure client portal.

SMS consent: If you provide your phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages from Summit Ridge Counseling related to scheduling and care. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. We will not share your phone number with third parties for their marketing purposes.

Email marketing: If you opt into email updates, you may receive occasional messages about practice news, resources, and updates. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email.

Cookies & tracking

This website uses standard cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and to improve user experience. We do not use tracking technologies to sell your data. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; some site features may not work as expected if you do.

Data retention

Clinical records are retained in accordance with applicable state law and professional standards (generally at least 7 years for adult clients; longer for minors). Non-clinical information (contact form submissions) is retained only as long as needed for the purposes described above.

Your rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of personal information we hold about you; opt out of marketing communications; and receive a copy of your clinical records. To make a request, contact us using the information below.

Children's privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through this website. When minors are clients, intake and consent are handled through their parent or legal guardian in accordance with applicable law.

Updates to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we'll post the updated version on this page and revise the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact us

Questions about this policy, your privacy rights, or our practices? Please reach out:

Summit Ridge Counseling
668 SE Bayberry Lane, Suite 105
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Phone: (816) 287-4040
Email: justin@summitridgecounseling.com