Arete Behavioral Solutions

Notice of Privacy Practices

Arete Behavioral Solutions (“Arete”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our clients’ health information. This notice explains how your information may be used and disclosed, your rights under the law, and our responsibilities to safeguard that information.
Please review this notice carefully. If you have any questions, contact our Privacy Office at: [email protected]

WEBSITE & TEXT MESSAGING PRIVACY (ADDITIONAL NOTICE)
This section applies to information collected through our website, contact forms, and text messaging and is separate from (and in addition to) our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for protected health information (PHI).

Information We Collect Through Our Website
When you submit information through our website, forms, or scheduling tools, we may collect:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Mobile phone number
  • City/Service area information
  • Information you choose to provide about your child and service needs
  • Insurance information you voluntarily provide for verification purposes

How We Use This Information
We use this information to:

  • Respond to your inquiry
  • Verify insurance benefits (when requested)
  • Schedule consultations/appointments
  • Provide service-related communications
  • Provide customer support

Text Messaging (SMS) Communications
If you provide your mobile phone number and consent to receive texts, Arete Behavioral Solutions may send SMS messages related to:

  • Appointment confirmations and reminders
  • Intake updates and form reminders
  • Insurance verification updates
  • Service-related support communications

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.
You may reply STOP at any time to opt out of receiving SMS messages.
You may reply HELP for assistance.

Mobile Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS consent with third parties for their marketing purposes.

Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information collected through our website. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Contact Us
For questions about this website and SMS privacy notice, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 713.898.3611

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and improve our services. You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some website functionality may be limited.

Our Legal Responsibilities

We are required by law to protect your protected health information (PHI) and to notify you promptly if any breach compromises its privacy or security. We do not share your information beyond what is outlined in this notice unless you provide written authorization, which you may revoke at any time.

Your Rights Regarding Your Dependent’s Health Information

  • Access Records: You may request an electronic or paper copy of your dependent’s clinical record. We will provide it within 30 days and may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.
  • Request Corrections: You may ask us to correct information you believe is incorrect or incomplete. We may deny your request but will respond in writing within 60 days.
  • Request Confidential Communications: You may request that we contact you in specific ways. We will honor all reasonable requests.
  • Request Restrictions: You may request that we not use or disclose your dependent’s information for treatment, payment, or operations. We are not required to agree, but will honor requests related to out-of-pocket payments unless legally obligated otherwise.
  • Request an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of certain disclosures made over the past six years, excluding those for treatment, payment, or operations. The first request each year is free.
  • Request a Copy of This Notice: You may request a paper copy at any time or download it from our website.
  • Appoint a Legal Representative: A legal guardian or person with medical power of attorney may exercise your privacy rights on your behalf.
  • File a Complaint: Contact our Privacy Office or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services without fear of retaliation.

Your Privacy Choices

You may choose how we share your dependent’s health information in certain situations, such as involving family members or in shared custody scenarios. We will obtain written permission for any marketing, fundraising, or sale of PHI.

How We Use and Share Your Dependent’s Information

  • Treatment: We may share information with healthcare providers involved in your dependent’s care.
  • Payment: We may use and disclose information to bill insurance or other payers.
  • Operations: We use information internally to improve service quality and contact you as needed.
  • Other Legal Disclosures: We may share information for public health, legal, or research purposes, as required by law and with necessary safeguards.

Use of Information in Research

Arete may support or conduct research. Information may be:

  • Reviewed for study eligibility
  • Used without direct identifiers
  • Accessed under IRB approval in legally permitted cases

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to update this notice. Changes apply to all health information we maintain. Updated notices will be posted in our office and at www.AreteSolutions.org.

Privacy Office Contact Information

Arete Behavioral Solutions
ATTN: Compliance Department
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.AreteSolutions.org
Direct Contact: [email protected]