Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 27, 2025

Welcome to Best Life Counseling TX PLLC (“Best Life Counseling TX,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting the personal information you share. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices and your rights.

By using our website, you consent to our collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. We may update this policy from time to time without notice. Your continued use of the website signifies your acceptance of any changes.

1. Information We Collect

a. Personal Information

When you engage with our services, we may collect personally identifiable information, such as:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Billing information

  • Information submitted through contact forms or intake questionnaires

  • Any other information you voluntarily provide

b. Protected Health Information (PHI)

We take confidentiality and privacy seriously. However, our general website is not intended to transmit or store Protected Health Information (“PHI”). PHI should only be shared through secure, HIPAA-compliant systems (such as client portals or telehealth platforms). Do not use the public website to transmit PHI.

If you do transmit PHI through non-secure means (such as a contact form), you understand that such transmission may not be HIPAA-compliant. Best Life Counseling TX has no affirmative duty to monitor for PHI provided through the website. If we become aware of PHI being transmitted improperly, we may revoke your access to the website.

c. Technical Information

Our website’s server and management system routinely collect technical information about the origin and navigation of visitors, which may include:

  • IP address and browser type

  • Operating system, processor type, device specifications

  • Page views, navigation patterns, and referring sites

This information is not linked to personally identifiable information and is used for website management and analytics.

d. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember preferences and improve site functionality. Cookies may also be used to collect anonymized information about how visitors use our site.

  • You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though doing so may impair certain features of the website.

  • For more information about cookies, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

  • To provide and improve counseling and related services

  • To communicate regarding appointments, billing, or inquiries

  • For administrative purposes and recordkeeping

  • To analyze website performance and improve functionality

  • To comply with legal obligations

  • For limited marketing purposes (with your consent, where required)

  • To create anonymized, aggregate data for internal business analysis and planning

We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

3. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We may share your information under the following circumstances:

  • With third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website or providing services (e.g., payment processors, scheduling software, IT support)

  • When required by law (e.g., mandated reporting, subpoenas, or to protect health and safety)

  • In the event of a business transfer such as a merger, acquisition, or reorganization

All third-party vendors we use are required to maintain appropriate data protection measures.

4. Data Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including:

  • Encryption for data transmission and storage where applicable

  • HIPAA-compliant client portals and telehealth platforms

  • Regular security audits and updates

  • Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

While we strive to use industry-standard protections, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmitted via the internet.

5. Your Rights

Depending on applicable law, you may have rights including:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold.

  • Correction: Request correction of inaccuracies in your data.

  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal recordkeeping requirements.

  • Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format.

  • Opt-Out: Decline promotional communications (you may opt out at any time).

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the information listed below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

6. Social Media and Online Activity

Best Life Counseling TX may maintain a presence on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Please note:

  • Content shared on social media should never include personal identifying information or PHI.

  • Social media postings do not constitute medical or mental health advice.

  • We may monitor, remove, or restrict content at our discretion.

  • By posting on our social media, you grant us a license to display and use your content as permitted by platform rules.

7. Children’s Privacy

This website is not directed toward children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18. If we become aware of such information, we will delete it.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. Please review their privacy policies before submitting any personal data.

9. “Do Not Track”

Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals. Third parties may collect personal information regarding your online activities over time and across different websites when you visit our site.

10. International Use & GDPR

Our services are directed to individuals located in the United States. Best Life Counseling TX does not maintain operations in the European Union and does not actively market services to EU residents. As such, our website is not subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or practice. Updates will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the website following updates indicates acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data protection practices, please contact us:

Best Life Counseling TX PLLC

📧 elaine.stricklin@bestlifecounselingtx.com
📞682-252-3830

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.