Tri-Valley Counseling Center is committed to protecting your privacy, maintaining ethical standards, and complying with applicable federal and California laws. The following policies explain how we safeguard information and what clients can expect when interacting with our services.

Privacy & HIPAA Notice

TVCC respects the confidentiality of your personal and health information.

Submitting information through this website does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you become a client, your protected health information (PHI) will be governed by our separate Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA) provided during intake.

We do not sell or rent personal information.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to the full session fee. This policy helps us offer appointment times to other clients in need.

We understand emergencies occur and will address unusual circumstances with care and discretion.

 SB 1024 — Notice to Clients (California)

In accordance with California law (SB 1024) and the Board of Behavioral Sciences:

Licensed and registered clinicians must provide clients with a written Notice to Clients at the start of services.

The notice includes the clinician’s name, license/registration number, type, and expiration date.

Clients are informed how to contact the Board of Behavioral Sciences with concerns.

This notice is provided during the intake process and documented in the client record.

Good Faith Estimate

Clients who are uninsured or not using insurance have the right to receive an estimate of expected charges under the No Surprises Act. Please contact us to request your Good Faith Estimate.

ADA Accessibility

Tri-Valley Counseling Center is committed to providing accessible services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We strive to:

• Provide reasonable accommodations when requested
• Maintain accessible facilities where applicable
• Offer telehealth options when appropriate
• Ensure our website is designed with accessibility in mind

 SMS & Text Messaging Policy (RingCentral / TCR Compliance)

TVCC may use secure SMS/text messaging for limited purposes such as appointment reminders or client communication.

Consent

By providing your mobile number and opting in, you agree to receive text messages from TVCC. Message frequency varies.

We obtain express consent before sending SMS communications, consistent with carrier and CTIA guidelines.

Opt-Out

You may opt out at any time by replying:   STOP

After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us unless you re-enroll.

Important Notes

• Message and data rates may apply.
• SMS is not appropriate for emergencies.
• SMS is not fully secure; sensitive clinical information should not be sent via text.

Compliance

TVCC follows messaging requirements including:

• Documented opt-in consent
• Clear opt-out instructions
• No purchased contact lists
• Secure handling of communication preferences

Failure to follow consent rules can result in carrier blocking, which is why we maintain strict compliance procedures.

Website Data & Cookies

Our website may collect limited technical information (such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited) to improve performance and user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.

Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no internet transmission is completely secure.

Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under age 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children through the website.

Changes to These Policies

We may update these policies periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.