Privacy Policy

Cornerstone Hope Counseling, PLLC
Welcome to Cornerstone Hope Counseling, PLLC. By accessing this website, engaging in
therapeutic services, or opting into SMS communications, you acknowledge and agree to the
Terms & Conditions and policies outlined below.
If you do not agree with these terms, please discontinue use of services and communication
platforms.

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LPC-Associate & Supervision Disclosure
Services are provided by a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the State of Texas
under the supervision of a board-approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S).
Supervision is required by Texas law and may include consultation or review of clinical
information to ensure quality of care. All supervisory discussions are conducted in accordance
with HIPAA and Texas confidentiality laws.

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Communication Practices
Protecting your privacy and maintaining clear, respectful communication are essential
components of the therapeutic relationship.

Phone Communication
The practice phone line is used for:
- Scheduling and appointment reminders
- Administrative matters
It is not monitored 24/7 and is not appropriate for emergencies.
If you are experiencing a crisis, call 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Email & Text Communication
Email and SMS messaging are used for non-clinical purposes such as:

- Scheduling or rescheduling
- Appointment reminders
- Administrative communication
Electronic communication carries inherent privacy risks. While reasonable safeguards are in
place, complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Clients are advised not to transmit
sensitive clinical information via email or text.

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Telehealth & Texas Location Requirement
Telehealth services are provided only to clients physically located in the State of Texas at the
time of service, in compliance with Texas licensure regulations.
Clients are responsible for ensuring they are in a private and secure setting during telehealth
sessions.

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Confidentiality & Legal Limits
All client information is protected under HIPAA and Texas state law.
Confidentiality may be legally broken in circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled individual
- Court orders or other lawful requirements
As a mandated reporter in Texas, reports must be made when abuse or neglect is reasonably
suspected.

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Public Encounters & Social Media
To protect client confidentiality:
- The therapist will not initiate contact if encountering clients in public.
- Friend or follow requests on personal social media accounts will not be accepted.

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Response Time

Non-urgent communications are typically returned within 24–48 business hours.
Electronic communication platforms are not continuously monitored and must not be used for
emergency situations.

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SMS/Text Messaging Terms
If you opt into SMS messaging:
- Messages may include appointment reminders and service-related information.
- Message frequency varies.
- Message and data rates may apply.
- Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of receiving therapy services.
- For assistance, reply HELP or contact the office directly at
Kmathis@cornerstone-counseling.net or 281-839-7547.
- Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
 Mobile numbers and personal information are not sold, rented, or shared for marketing
purposes.
Information is retained only as required for service delivery and in accordance with Texas record
retention laws.

Client Portal Responsibilities
Clients may be required to create a secure portal account to access telehealth services,
documents, billing information, and secure messaging.
Clients agree to:
- Provide accurate and current information
- Keep login credentials confidential
- Safeguard access to their account
Cornerstone Hope Counseling, PLLC is not responsible for unauthorized access resulting from
failure to protect login credentials.
Portal access may be restricted or discontinued in cases of misuse, unlawful activity, or upon
termination of services in accordance with Texas record retention requirements.

Appropriate Use of Services & Electronic Limitations
Services are intended solely for lawful, therapeutic purposes in accordance with Texas law and
professional counseling standards.
Any attempt to misuse, disrupt, or compromise electronic systems, including the website, client
portal, telehealth platform, or SMS services may result in suspension or termination of access.
While reasonable efforts are made to maintain secure and reliable electronic services,
interruptions or delays may occur due to circumstances beyond the practice’s control.
Availability of electronic platforms cannot be guaranteed.
Electronic communication should never be used for emergencies.

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Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act, self-pay clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate
outlining anticipated service costs. You may request this at any time.

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Policy Updates
These Terms & Conditions may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or
practice operations. Updates will be posted with an effective date.
Continued use of services constitutes acknowledgment of any revised terms.

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Contact Information
For questions regarding these policies, please contact:
Cornerstone Hope Counseling, PLLC
Kmathis@cornerstone-counseling.net
281-839-7547