Renewed Stories Counseling
Last Updated: March 28, 2025
Welcome to Renewed Stories Counseling. We’re committed to providing accessible mental health services while maintaining clear expectations about how our website and services function. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of our website (renewedstories.com), related services, and therapeutic relationship.
Please read these Terms carefully. By accessing or using our website, scheduling appointments, or engaging in therapy services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our website or services.
1. About Our Services
1.1 Website Information
Our website provides information about our therapy services, therapists, and mental health resources. While we strive for accuracy, the content on our website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
1.2 Therapy Services
Renewed Stories Counseling provides mental health services including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and specialized services. Our therapists are licensed professionals committed to ethical practice in accordance with their professional standards and state regulations.
1.3 Not Emergency Services
Our website and standard appointment offerings are not emergency services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. Our website includes emergency resource information, but should not be relied upon in crisis situations.
2. Website Use
2.1 Website Access
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and use our website for personal, non-commercial purposes related to exploring or receiving our services.
2.2 Prohibited Use
You agree not to:
- Use our website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
- Interfere with or disrupt the security or functionality of our website
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or content
- Use automated means to access or collect data from our website
- Impersonate another person or misrepresent your affiliation with us
- Upload or transmit any viruses, malware, or other malicious code
2.3 Intellectual Property
All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, audio, video, and software, is owned by or licensed to Renewed Stories Counseling and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of our content without our explicit permission.
3. User Accounts and Scheduling
3.1 Account Creation
To schedule appointments or access certain features, you may need to create an account or provide personal information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
3.2 Appointment Scheduling
When scheduling appointments through our website, through SimplePractice, or by phone:
- You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information
- You understand that securing an appointment time requires confirmation from our office
- You agree to our cancellation and rescheduling policies (detailed below)
3.3 Client Portal
We may provide access to a secure client portal for managing appointments, accessing forms, and communicating with your therapist. Use of the client portal is subject to both these Terms and any additional terms specific to the portal service.
4. Privacy and Data Practices
4.1 Privacy Policy
Our collection and use of your information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in our Privacy Policy.
4.2 HIPAA Compliance
As healthcare providers, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Protected health information collected through our therapy services is handled according to our Notice of Privacy Practices, which you will receive prior to beginning therapy.
4.3 Third-Party Tools and Services
Our website uses third-party tools and services, including:
WordPress: Our website is built on WordPress, a content management system. WordPress may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. WordPress’s privacy practices can be found at wordpress.org/about/privacy.
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF): We use ACF to organize content on our website. ACF itself does not collect personal information from visitors.
Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics collects information such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and time spent on the website. This information is used in an anonymized form. You can learn more about Google’s privacy practices at policies.google.com/privacy.
WS Forms: We use WS Forms to create and manage forms on our website. Information submitted through these forms is processed according to our Privacy Policy. WS Forms’ privacy practices can be found at wsform.com/privacy-policy.
SimplePractice: We use SimplePractice for scheduling, client records, and telehealth services. SimplePractice’s privacy practices can be found at simplepractice.com/privacy.
4.4 Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.
5. Telehealth Services
5.1 Telehealth Platform
If you engage in telehealth services, you will use our designated secure telehealth platform. You are responsible for ensuring you have the necessary technology and internet connection to participate in telehealth sessions.
5.2 Telehealth Limitations
You acknowledge that telehealth has limitations compared to in-person therapy, including:
- Potential for technology failures that may disrupt sessions
- Reduced ability to read body language and non-verbal cues
- Possible privacy challenges in your environment
5.3 Telehealth Eligibility
Telehealth services may not be appropriate for all clients or situations. Our therapists reserve the right to determine whether telehealth is clinically appropriate for your needs. Telehealth services are only available to clients physically located in the state(s) where our therapists are licensed.
6. Payments, Cancellations, and Insurance
6.1 Fee Schedule
Our current fee schedule is available upon request and may be updated periodically. By scheduling services, you agree to pay the fees applicable to your service.
6.2 Payment Methods
We accept various payment methods as indicated on our website or during the scheduling process. Payment information is processed securely through our payment processors.
6.3 Cancellation Policy
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to our full fee, except in genuine emergencies. This fee is typically not covered by insurance.
6.4 Insurance Policy
Renewed Stories Counseling does not accept insurance. All services are provided on a self-pay basis. We’re happy to provide you with a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement, though we cannot guarantee your insurance will provide reimbursement. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your out-of-network benefits for mental health services.
If you plan to seek reimbursement:
- You are responsible for submitting claims to your insurance provider
- You understand that we do not communicate directly with insurance companies on your behalf
- You acknowledge that insurance companies may require certain diagnostic information on the superbill for processing reimbursement claims
7. Communications
7.1 Email and Electronic Communications
When you provide your email address or use our contact forms, you consent to receive electronic communications from us related to your account, appointments, and services. For secure communication about clinical matters, please use our designated secure messaging system rather than regular email.
7.2 Text Messages
If you opt in to text message reminders, you consent to receive appointment reminders and related communications via text message. Standard message and data rates may apply. These communications may not be secure, and you should not include sensitive health information in text messages.
7.3 Marketing Communications
With your consent, we may send marketing communications about our services, resources, and events. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in each communication or by contacting us directly.
8. Limitations and Disclaimers
8.1 No Medical Advice
Our website content, blog posts, and resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.
8.2 No Guarantees
While we strive to provide effective therapy services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes from therapy. Results vary based on many factors, including client participation and the nature of the presenting issues.
8.3 Warranty Disclaimer
OUR WEBSITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
8.4 Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, RENEWED STORIES COUNSELING AND ITS THERAPISTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:
- YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE OUR WEBSITE OR SERVICES
- ANY UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR USE OF OUR SERVERS AND/OR ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION STORED THEREIN
- ANY INTERRUPTION OR CESSATION OF TRANSMISSION TO OR FROM OUR WEBSITE
- ANY BUGS, VIRUSES, TROJAN HORSES, OR THE LIKE THAT MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO OR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE
9. Therapeutic Relationship
9.1 Professional Boundaries
Our therapists maintain professional boundaries in accordance with their ethical codes. This includes limits on social media connections, personal relationships, and other dual relationships that could impair therapeutic effectiveness.
9.2 Mandated Reporting
Our therapists are mandated reporters required by law to report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or serious threats of harm to self or others to appropriate authorities, even without client permission.
9.3 Termination of Services
We reserve the right to terminate therapy services if:
- It becomes apparent that your needs exceed our scope of practice
- There are persistent no-shows or late cancellations
- Payment obligations are not met
- Therapeutic boundaries are violated
- Continued therapy would not be clinically appropriate
Whenever possible, we will provide referrals to alternative providers if services are terminated.
10. General Provisions
10.1 Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our website or services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
10.2 Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
10.3 Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of our website or services shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved through mediation and, if necessary, arbitration in Spokane, Washington.
10.4 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.
10.5 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other agreements or policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Renewed Stories Counseling regarding your use of our website and services.
11. Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us at:
Renewed Stories Counseling
316 West Boone Avenue Suite #777
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 202-7901
office@renewedstories.com
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.