Effective Date: 11/19/2024

Essential Connections (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and disclose your information and your rights regarding your data.

1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:

1.1 Personal Information:
Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details.
Demographic information such as age, gender, and preferences (if voluntarily provided).
Payment information for services rendered (processed securely through third-party providers).

1.2 Non-Personal Information:
Device information such as IP address, browser type, operating system, and browsing behavior.
Cookies and analytics data to improve website performance.
1.3 Industry-Specific Information:

Behavioral health data or personal assessments submitted through forms or during consultations.
Protected Health Information (PHI) as applicable under HIPAA (if relevant to services provided).

2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:

To provide and personalize our services, including coaching and behavioral health support.
To communicate with you regarding appointments, updates, or promotional offers.
To comply with legal obligations, such as data retention and health regulations.
To ensure compliance with telecommunications guidelines for text messaging (A2P).

3. Text and Email Communication (A2P Compliance)
To provide timely and efficient communication, we may send SMS and email notifications.

3.1 Consent for Communication:
By providing your phone number and/or email address, you consent to receive messages related to:

Appointment reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups.
Service updates and promotional campaigns.

3.2 Opt-Out Options:
You may opt out of marketing messages at any time by replying “STOP” to text messages or clicking “unsubscribe” in email communications. Standard message and data rates may apply.

3.3 Compliance with Messaging Standards:
We adhere to Application-to-Person (A2P) guidelines to ensure secure, responsible, and consent-based communication practices, including:

Securing your consent before sending promotional or service-related messages.
Providing clear opt-in/opt-out mechanisms.
Maintaining transparency regarding data usage for messaging purposes.

4. How We Protect Your Information
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

Encryption for sensitive data like payment and health information.
Access controls and secure servers to prevent unauthorized access.
Regular reviews and updates of our data security practices.

5. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your data with:

Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with website functionality, appointment scheduling, or communication tools.
Legal Requirements: Authorities if required to comply with applicable laws or regulations.

6. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: Request access to the data we hold about you.
Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion: Request the deletion of your data (subject to legal and regulatory requirements).
Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications as outlined above.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your website experience. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings.

8. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as necessary. Updates will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date.”

10. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Essential Connections
1015 W Graham Rd Richmond, VA 23220
info@essconnections.com
804-716-5487