Privacy Policy
Lakes Center for Youth and Families (LC4YF)
Effective Date: 9/5/2025
Lakes Center for Youth and Families (“LC4YF,” “we,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal and health information in connection with our mental health and family support services. We comply with federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to:
Request a copy of your health record
Request corrections to your health record
Receive a list of certain disclosures we’ve made
Request restrictions on how we use or share your information
Request confidential communications (e.g., by phone, email, or mail)
File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us (see below).
How We Use and Share Your Information
We may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI) for the following reasons:
1. Treatment
To provide mental health services and coordinate care.
2. Payment
To bill for services and communicate with insurers or third-party payers.
3. Healthcare Operations
For administrative tasks like quality improvement, staff training, and compliance.
4. Legal Requirements
We may share your information when required by law, including:
Court orders or subpoenas
Mandated reporting of abuse or neglect
Threats of harm to self or others
5. With Your Authorization
Any other use or disclosure requires your written consent. You can revoke this at any time.
SMS Text Messaging and Consent
LC4YF may use SMS text messaging for limited, non-clinical purposes, such as:
Scheduling or confirming appointments
Sending appointment reminders
Providing logistical updates (e.g., office closures, provider absences)
We do not use text messaging for:
Therapy or clinical conversations
Sharing confidential or sensitive health information
Emergency or crisis communication
Consent to SMS Messaging
We collect consent for text messaging in two ways:
Verbally during intake when you provide your phone number and agree to receive texts.
Through online forms on our website, where you may provide your number voluntarily.
By giving us your phone number through these methods, you consent to receive SMS text messages from LC4YF. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply.
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
For help, reply HELP or contact us directly at [insert number/email].
Text messages are not secure or encrypted and should not be used for sensitive communication.
No Sharing of Phone Numbers
We do not share, sell, or transfer mobile phone numbers or SMS opt-in consent to third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. SMS opt-in data and consent are used only by LC4YF for communication related to our services.
How We Protect Your Information
We use physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information, including:
Secure electronic health record systems
Staff training on confidentiality and HIPAA
Policies that limit access to only what is necessary
However, no communication method is 100% secure. We take reasonable steps to minimize risks
Services for Clients Under Age 18
LC4YF follows all applicable laws related to minor consent and mental health services. Depending on the situation, youth may be able to consent to services without parental involvement. We will explain confidentiality and communication practices during the intake process.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The most current version will be posted here on our website. If changes significantly affect your rights, we will notify current clients directly.
Contact Us
For questions about this policy, your privacy rights, or to file a complaint, please contact:
Lakes Center for Youth and Families
📍 200 4th St SW, PO Box 970, Forest Lake, MN 55025
📞 (651) 464-3685
📧Receptionist@LC4YF.org
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for exercising your privacy rights.