Email & SMS Privacy Policy

About This Policy
This Email & SMS Privacy Policy describes how Dr. Eva Benmeleh, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist (“we,” “us,” or “Dr. Eva”) collects, uses, and protects information related to email and SMS (text message) communications with subscribers, prospective clients, and existing clinical clients. This policy supplements our general Privacy Policy and applies specifically to email and SMS communications. Clinical client communication is additionally governed by HIPAA, the Notice of Privacy Practices, and the Service Agreements signed by each clinical client.

1. Types of Communications

Email Communications

We send email communications, including:

• Marketing emails (newsletters, content updates, promotional content) to subscribers who have opted in
• Communications to existing clients via HIPAA-compliant email per their Service Agreement
• Transactional emails (order confirmations, receipts, shipping notifications)
• Administrative communications (account updates, policy changes)

2. SMS Communications

We send SMS (text message) communications, including:

• Marketing messages (content updates, promotional information) to subscribers who have explicitly opted in
• Administrative messages to existing clinical clients (appointment confirmations and reminders only)
• Transactional messages (order confirmations, shipping notifications)

SMS is not used for clinical communication. Therapy content, between-session questions, and matters related to ongoing therapy occur through HIPAA-compliant email per the client’s Service Agreement, not via SMS.

3. How We Collect Consent

We obtain express written consent before sending marketing SMS or email communications. Consent is collected through: • Web forms on drevabenmeleh.com with a separate, optional, non-pre-selected checkbox for SMS opt-in

• Email opt-in forms with clear consent language
• Direct text-message keyword opt-in
• Written or verbal consent during in-person or phone interactions
• We maintain records of when, how, and what each subscriber consented to. Consent for SMS is separate from consent for email, and consent for marketing communications is separate from consent for transactional or clinical communications.

4. Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on the type of communication:

• Marketing SMS: Up to 10 messages per month
• Marketing emails: Up to 4 emails per week (typically less)
• Appointment reminders: As scheduled per the client’s appointments
• Transactional communications: As needed, based on transactions

5. Message and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply to SMS messages, depending on the subscriber’s mobile carrier and plan. Subscribers are responsible for any charges from their carrier related to receiving SMS messages from us. We do not charge for SMS messages.

6. How to Opt Out
SMS Opt-Out 

To stop receiving SMS messages at any time, reply STOP to any message we send. You will receive a confirmation that you have been unsubscribed. After unsubscribing, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. Note: Opting out of marketing SMS does not opt you out of administrative or transactional SMS related to existing services (such as appointment reminders for clinical clients). To opt out of all SMS communications, contact us directly at hello@drevabenmeleh.com.

7. Email Opt Out

To stop receiving marketing emails, click the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email. Transactional emails (related to orders, services, or clinical engagements) cannot be unsubscribed from while you are actively engaged with our services.

8. How to Get Help

For help with SMS messages, reply HELP to any message or contact us at hello@drevabenmeleh.com. We will respond within 48 hours during business days.

9. Contact Information

For email and SMS communications, we collect and store:

• Name (when provided)
• Email address
• Phone number (for SMS subscribers)
• Records of consent (when, how, and what was consented to)
• Communication preferences and opt-out records

10. How We Use Your Information

We use your email and SMS contact information only for the purposes you’ve consented to:

• Sending the type of communications you opted in to receive
• Responding to your inquiries
• Providing services you’ve purchased
• Complying with legal obligations

11. Information Sharing

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your email address or phone number to third parties for their marketing purposes. Your contact information is shared only with:

• Service providers we use to send email and SMS, such as our email marketing platform and SMS service provider, who are bound by their own privacy and security obligations
• Mobile carriers as necessary to deliver SMS messages
• Legal authorities when required by law or in response to a valid legal process,

12. Mobile Carrier Disclaimers

Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered SMS messages. We cannot guarantee message delivery on any specific timeline. Delivery may be affected by carrier issues, network coverage, mobile device settings, or other factors beyond our control.

13. Clinical Communications Distinction

If you are an existing client of Dr. Eva Benmeleh, please note:

• Psychotherapeutic communication occurs through HIPAA-compliant email per your Service Agreement, not through SMS
• SMS messages from us are limited to appointment confirmations and reminders
• Do not send clinical content, questions, or concerns via SMS
• Your health information is governed by HIPAA and the separate Notice of Privacy Practices, not solely by this Email & SMS Privacy Policy

14. Emergencies

SMS and email are not monitored for emergencies. Do not use these channels to report a mental health crisis or emergency situation. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

• Call 911
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988

15. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect email addresses or phone numbers from individuals under 18. If we become aware that we have collected information from an individual under 18 without parental consent, we will delete that information.

16. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect the information we collect from loss, theft, misuse, and unauthorized access. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

17. Data Retention

We retain email and SMS contact information for as long as you are subscribed to our communications, plus a reasonable period thereafter to maintain records of consent and compliance. Client communications are retained per HIPAA requirements (at least 7 years after the last appointment), as outlined in the Notice of Privacy Practices.

18. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Opt out of marketing email and SMS at any time
• Request information about what data we have about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Withdraw consent at any time for marketing communications

19. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Email & SMS Privacy Policy at any time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this document. Continued use of our communications after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Questions about this Email & SMS Privacy Policy can be directed to: Dr. Eva Benmeleh, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, FL License #8656
Email: hello@drevabenmeleh.com