Welcome to our website. By accessing, browsing, or using this site, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please discontinue use of the website.

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1. General Information (Not a Substitute for Professional Advice)

The content presented on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is intended to replace professional mental-health evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.  Engaging with this website does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

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2. No Therapist–Client Relationship

Viewing this website, contacting us through the site, or accessing resources does not create a therapeutic relationship.  A therapeutic relationship is established only after all of the following occur:

• An initial consultation (when applicable),

• Formal acceptance into services,

• Completion of required intake paperwork, and

• A signed informed consent agreement.

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3. Not for Crisis or Emergency Use

This website should not be used for crisis or emergency situations. If you are experiencing a mental-health emergency:

• Call 911, 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or your local crisis hotline

• Go to your nearest emergency room

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4. Intellectual Property

All content, logos, graphics, text, videos, downloadable materials, and other components of this website are the intellectual property of the practice unless otherwise stated.  You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, or use content without written permission.

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5. User Responsibilities

By using this site, you agree:

• To use the website only for lawful purposes,

• Not to attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website,

• Not to engage in activities that could harm the website’s functionality or security,

• Not to submit false, misleading, or harmful information through contact forms or other site features.

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6. External Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites. We do not control these sites. We are not responsible for the accuracy, privacy practices, or content of any external websites.

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7. Privacy and Data Use

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Details about how personal information is collected, used, and safeguarded are outlined in the sections below and in our full Privacy Policy.  Submitting information through this website (e.g., contact forms) does not guarantee confidentiality equivalent to client-provider communications protected under HIPAA.

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8.  Messaging Terms & Conditions

By using messaging features on this website—including contact forms, email links, scheduling widgets, SMS/text opt-ins, or chat functions—you agree to the following:

 

A. Non-Secure Communication:  Messages sent through this website, email, SMS/text, or third-party widgets may not be encrypted or fully secure. Do not submit sensitive clinical details, diagnostic information, or emergency concerns through these channels.

 

B. HIPAA-Aligned Secure Messaging:  Established clients should use the designated HIPAA-secure client portal (e.g., SimplePractice) for:

• Clinical questions

• Personal health information

• Sharing documents

• Messaging related to care

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Messages sent outside these secure systems may not meet HIPAA security standards.

 

C. SMS/Text Messaging Terms: 

 

SMS/Text is an option for clients if you opt in to receive SMS/text messages.  This can be done through the intake forms and in the secure client portal (Simple Practice).  SMS is not encrypted or secure.

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• It should not be used for clinical or urgent communication

• Message/data rates may apply

• Opt-out: You may opt out by replying “STOP” or updating your communication preferences in the client portal

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Clients may use SMS for last-minute scheduling changes (when email is not an option or convenience), or to navigate technical difficulties prior to or during a session.  Even when a client opts-in to SMS/Text messaging, Bright Mind Counseling will not initiate SMS/text messaging.  However, Bright Mind Counseling will respond to SMS/text messages from clients. Clients may also receive session reminders via text (through the Simple Practice third-party electronic health record) if they opt-in to these options.  Simple Practice’s policies apply in this regard. 

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D. Third-Party Messaging Platforms

The website may use tools such as Simple Practice, Wix, Google Workspace, Squarespace, or embedded scheduling widgets.

By submitting messages through these platforms, you acknowledge:

• They operate under their own privacy policies

• The practice does not control their security systems

• Use of these tools does not create a therapist–client relationship

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E. No Urgent or Clinical Messaging

Messaging features are not monitored continuously and must not be used for:​

• Emergencies

• Crisis situations

• Time-sensitive clinical issues

• Reporting safety concerns

 

Clients must follow emergency procedures outlined in the informed consent.

 

9.  Website Data Collection

By using this website, you consent to the collection and use of certain information as described below.

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A. Information Collected Automatically

The website may automatically collect:

• IP address

• Browser type and device details

• Pages visited and time spent

• Cookies and tracking data

• General usage and analytics data

This data helps improve site performance, security, and user experience.  

 

B. Information You Voluntarily Provide

When you complete forms or send a message, we may collect:

• Name, email address, phone number

• Contact preferences

• Message content

• Any information voluntarily included by you

 

C. Third-Party Data Processing

Data submitted through tools such as SimplePractice, Wix, Squarespace, Google Workspace, or embedded forms may be processed according to those platforms’ privacy policies. The practice does not control how these vendors secure or store data.

 

D. How Data May Be Used

Information collected may be used to:

• Respond to inquiries

• Provide requested information

• Schedule consultations

• Improve website functionality

• Meet legal or regulatory obligations

We do not sell or share your personal information with unrelated third-party marketers.

 

E. Cookies and Tracking

The website may use cookies or similar tools for:

• Basic site functionality

• Analytics and performance

• Security

• User experience improvements

Users may disable cookies through browser settings, although some features may not function properly.
 

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the practice and its providers shall not be liable for any damages arising from:

• Use or inability to use the website

• Reliance on information provided on the site

• Errors, omissions, delays, or interruptions in use or access of the website

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11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the practice, its owners, employees, and contractors from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, including legal fees, arising out of your use of this website.

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12. Changes to Terms

We may update or modify these Terms at any time. Changes become effective once posted on this page.  Continued use of the site indicates acceptance of revised Terms.

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13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the state in which the practice operates. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of that state.

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14. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact:

Bright Mind Counseling

11 E Superior St, Suite 526, Duluth, MN, 55802

hello@brightmindcounseling.com

218-409-8948

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By continuing to use this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.