Privacy Policy
Effective date: 10/23/2026
-
Introduction
Emerald Care Behavioral Health (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect individually identifiable health information (protected health information or PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable New Hampshire laws. By using www.emeraldcarebehavioralhealth.com and our services, you agree to the terms described here.
-
Scope
This policy applies to PHI created or received by Emerald Care Behavioral Health in the course of providing behavioral health services, including medication management for addiction and/or mental health, and to information collected through our website.
-
What information we collect
- PHI: information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of health care to you, or payment for health care.
- Non-PHI: information collected for site functionality (e.g., cookies, IP addresses) and general contact information when you request information.
-
How we use PHI
We may use PHI for:
- Treatment: to provide, coordinate, and manage your care (including sharing with other providers involved in your care).
- Payment: to obtain payment for services (including claims to insurance and communications with payers).
- Health care operations: quality assessment, credentialing, training, compliance, and business operations necessary to provide services.
-
When we may disclose PHI
We may disclose PHI when:
- You authorize the disclosure in writing.
- Required for treatment, payment, or health care operations as described above.
- Required by law (e.g., court orders, mandatory reporting of abuse, or public health reporting).
- For public health activities, law enforcement, or national security reasons when required by law.
- In the event of a sale or transfer of business assets involving PHI, subject to your rights and required protections.
-
Uses and disclosures that require authorization
Uses or disclosures of psychotherapy notes, most uses of PHI for marketing, and disclosures that constitute a sale of PHI will be made only with your written authorization except as otherwise permitted by law.
-
Patient rights
You have the right to:
- Inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI (subject to limited exceptions).
- Request amendment of your PHI that you believe is incorrect or incomplete.
- Request an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI.
- Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of PHI (we are not required to agree but will comply when required by law).
- Request confidential communications (for example, alternative contact methods or locations).
- Receive a paper copy of this Privacy Policy.
To exercise any of these rights, contact our Privacy Officer (contact information below). We will respond within the timeframes required by HIPAA and New Hampshire law.
-
Security and safeguards
We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI, including:
- Access controls and authentication for electronic systems.
- Encryption where feasible for electronic PHI.
- Secure physical storage for paper records.
- Training and policies for workforce members regarding privacy and security. While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. If you have concerns about electronic communication, please notify us to discuss alternatives.
-
Website and electronic communications
- The website may use cookies and collect usage data for site functionality and analytics. This information is generally non-identifiable and not treated as PHI unless combined with PHI you provide.
- Do not use the website, email, or contact forms to transmit highly sensitive PHI unless encrypted or otherwise instructed.
- We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services linked from our site.
-
Breach notification
If we discover a breach of unsecured PHI, we will follow HIPAA breach notification requirements, including notifying affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and, when required, media as appropriate, in accordance with required timeframes.
-
Business associates
We may share PHI with third-party service providers (business associates) who perform functions on our behalf (e.g., billing, IT, analytics). We require business associates to protect PHI through written agreements that meet HIPAA standards.
-
Minors and parental access
State law may affect parental access to a minor’s PHI. We will follow applicable New Hampshire law and HIPAA when responding to requests for access to minors’ records.
-
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may modify this Privacy Policy. Material changes will be posted on the website with an updated effective date. Non-material changes may be implemented without prior notice as permitted by law.
-
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Emerald Care Behavioral Health’s Privacy Officer using the contact information below or with the HHS Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
-
Contact information
Privacy Officer
Emerald Care Behavioral Health
814 Elm St STE 313
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: (603) 321-0084
Email: privacy@emeraldcarebehavioralhealth.comFor legal or compliance questions about this policy, you may also contact:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
Website: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa
Phone: 1-800-368-1019 -
Additional disclosures required by New Hampshire law
We comply with New Hampshire laws regarding confidentiality of behavioral health and substance-use disorder records, including restrictions on disclosure and enhanced protections where applicable. Certain disclosures may require additional authorizations or court orders under state law.
Data Sharing and SMS Privacy
EmeraldCare Behavioral Health respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide through our website and contact forms.
Mobile Opt-in, SMS Consent, and phone numbers collected for SMS communication purposes will not be shared with any third party and affiliates for marketing purposes.
Information collected through our SMS consent process, including mobile phone numbers and consent preferences, is used to facilitate authorized customer care communications. We do not share SMS consent information with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
Providing your telephone number through our website does not automatically constitute consent to receive SMS messages. Consent must be provided voluntarily through the designated SMS opt-in checkbox on applicable forms.
SMS consent is optional. You may submit a contact form and provide your telephone number without agreeing to receive SMS communications. Declining SMS consent does not prevent you from contacting EmeraldCare Behavioral Health through our website.
SMS Terms & Conditions
The following SMS Terms & Conditions describe how EmeraldCare Behavioral Health communicates with individuals who voluntarily consent to receive text messages.
1. SMS Consent Communication
Information (Phone Numbers) obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
SMS consent is collected separately from general contact information and is used only for the purposes described in these SMS Terms & Conditions.
2. Types of SMS Communications
If consent has been given to receive text messages from EmeraldCare Behavioral Health, messages may be received related to the following:
- Customer Care
Customer care text messages may include responses to inquiries, assistance with requested information, and other customer care communications initiated or authorized by the individual.
3. Message Frequency
Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication and the number of customer care interactions. The number of SMS messages you receive will depend on your individual inquiries and communication needs.
4. Potential Fees for SMS Messaging
Standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if messages are sent domestically or internationally.
5. Opt-In Method
You may opt in to receive SMS messages from EmeraldCare Behavioral Health in the following way:
- By submitting an online form and voluntarily selecting the SMS consent checkbox.
By selecting the SMS consent checkbox, you agree to receive customer care text messages from EmeraldCare Behavioral Health at the mobile phone number provided.
The SMS consent checkbox is optional and is not pre-selected. You may provide your phone number and submit a contact form without consenting to receive SMS messages.
6. Opt-Out Method
You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying “STOP” to any SMS message received.
Alternatively, you may contact EmeraldCare Behavioral Health directly at (603) 321-0084 or through our Contact Us page to request removal from the SMS messaging list.
7. Help
For any issues or assistance with SMS communications, reply with the keyword “HELP” to any SMS message received.
Alternatively, assistance can be obtained directly from EmeraldCare Behavioral Health by visiting our website:
https://emeraldcarebehavioralhealth.com/
Additional Options: If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you may leave the SMS consent checkbox on website forms unchecked. SMS consent is not required to submit a form or request information.
8. Standard Messaging Disclosures
- Message and data rates may apply.
- Opt out at any time by texting “STOP.”
- For assistance, text “HELP” or visit our Privacy Policy and SMS Terms & Conditions.
- Message frequency may vary.
SMS Consent Disclosure for Website Contact Forms
When submitting a website contact form that collects a telephone number, visitors may voluntarily choose whether to consent to receive SMS communications from EmeraldCare Behavioral Health.
The following disclosure is presented with the optional SMS consent checkbox:
By checking this box, I consent to receive text messages related to customer care from EmeraldCare Behavioral Health. You can reply “STOP” at any time to opt out. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text HELP for assistance. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy and SMS Terms and Conditions.
The SMS consent checkbox is not pre-checked and is not required to submit a contact form. Individuals who choose not to receive SMS messages may leave the checkbox unchecked while still providing their phone number for other appropriate contact purposes.