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Terms & ConditionsSMS Text Messaging
These terms govern your participation in the SMS text messaging program offered by Northwest Psychiatry LLC. By opting in to receive text messages, you agree to the terms described below.
Effective date: June 30, 2026 · Northwest Psychiatry LLC
Program & Brand Name
Brand Name: Northwest Psychiatry LLC
Program Name: Northwest Psychiatry SMS Notifications
These Terms and Conditions apply specifically to the SMS text messaging program operated by Northwest Psychiatry LLC, a telepsychiatry practice serving Maine residents, with expansion to Washington State planned for 2027. The practice is led by Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC.
Program Description
The Northwest Psychiatry SMS Notifications program sends transactional text messages to clients of Northwest Psychiatry LLC. Messages include:
- ›Portal sign-in verification codes (one-time passwords for secure login)
- ›Appointment reminders and scheduling confirmations
- ›Practice notifications and administrative alerts
No Protected Health Information, clinical data, or diagnostic information is transmitted via SMS. All clinical communications are handled through the secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal. SMS messages are limited to short administrative and verification notifications.
Message Flow & Consent Paths
This section describes every opt-in path end-to-end so that consent collection can be publicly verified. The client portal opt-in flow is behind a secure login at northwestpsychiatry.org/portal. A description of the consent UI is provided below for public verification.
Opt-In Path 1 — Client Portal Settings (Digital)
URL: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/portal → Settings → Privacy → SMS Text Message Consent card.
The patient signs in to the client portal, navigates to Settings → Privacy, and finds the “SMS Text Message Consent” card. The card displays a toggle switch defaulting to off (opt-out). The patient must actively toggle it to opt in. Below the toggle, the following disclosures are displayed:
- ›Brand name: Northwest Psychiatry LLC
- ›"Message and data rates may apply."
- ›"Message frequency varies (approximately 4–8 messages per month)."
- ›Link to these Terms & Conditions: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/terms
- ›Link to Privacy Policy: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/privacy
- ›Opt-out instructions: Reply STOP to any message, or toggle off in Settings
Upon opting in, a confirmation text message is sent containing the brand name, the statement “message and data rates may apply,” help contact information, and opt-out instructions (reply STOP).
Opt-In Path 2 — Portal Onboarding Wizard (Digital)
URL: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/portal → New account onboarding → Step 6 (SMS Consent).
New portal accounts created on or after July 1, 2026, are presented with a required consent step during the onboarding wizard (step 6 of 7). The patient is shown a ConsentCard with two required choices: opt in or opt out. The card includes the same disclosures listed above (brand name, rates, frequency, terms link, privacy link, opt-out instructions). The choice is not pre-checked — the patient must actively select opt-in or opt-out to proceed. A dashboard reminder banner persists until a choice is recorded.
Opt-In Path 3 — OTP Delivery Preference (Digital)
URL: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/portal → Sign-in page → “Get code via text message instead”.
During the portal sign-in flow, the patient may select “Get code via text message instead” and enter their mobile phone number. This sets the one-time-password (OTP) delivery method to SMS for future logins. This path affects only sign-in code delivery and does not automatically opt the patient in to appointment reminders or administrative alerts — full SMS consent requires Path 1 or 2.
Opt-In Path 4 — Verbal Consent (Offline)
During a scheduled telehealth appointment, the patient tells the provider their preference. The provider records the consent in the patient’s file, noting the date, the provider who recorded it, and that the method was verbal. The provider reads the required disclosures (rates, frequency, opt-out instructions) to the patient before recording consent.
Opt-In Path 5 — Written Consent (Offline)
The patient signs a written SMS consent form provided by the practice. The form includes the brand name, the statement “message and data rates may apply,” message frequency disclosure, links to www.northwestpsychiatry.org/terms and www.northwestpsychiatry.org/privacy, and opt-out instructions. The provider records the signed consent in the patient file with the date and provider name.
Required Disclosures Present in All Digital Paths
- ›Privacy Policy link: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/privacy
- ›Terms & Conditions link: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/terms
- ›Message frequency: "approximately 4–8 messages per month"
- ›"Message and data rates may apply."
- ›Opt-out instructions: Reply STOP (or UNSUBSCRIBE, END, QUIT, HALT, CANCEL) to any message
- ›Mobile numbers are not shared with third parties (stated in Privacy Policy)
Terms & Conditions: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/terms. Privacy Policy: www.northwestpsychiatry.org/privacy (states mobile numbers are not shared with third parties).
Opt-In & Consent
Consent to receive SMS text messages from Northwest Psychiatry LLC is voluntary and can be given through any of the five methods below. All methods produce a dated, timestamped consent record stored in your patient file. You need only use one method to opt in.
Portal Settings (Digital Self-Service)
Self-serviceSign in to the client portal, navigate to Settings → Privacy, and use the SMS Text Message Consent card to toggle opt-in. This enables all default SMS notification categories (appointment reminders and confirmations). Admin alerts remain off by default. This is the recommended method for existing patients.
Onboarding Wizard (Digital)
New patientsNew portal accounts created on or after July 1, 2026, are prompted to choose opt-in or opt-out as step 6 of the portal onboarding wizard. A dashboard reminder banner will persist until a choice is recorded. This is the default method for new patients.
OTP Delivery Preference (Digital)
Sign-in codes onlyDuring portal sign-in, select “Get code via text message instead” and enter your mobile phone number. This sets your one-time-password (OTP) delivery method to SMS for future logins. Note: choosing SMS for OTP delivery does not automatically opt you in to appointment reminders or administrative alerts — use Method 1 or 2 above for full SMS consent.
Verbal Consent (During Appointment)
Provider-recordedYou may tell your provider your preference during a scheduled appointment. The provider will record your consent in your patient file, noting the date, the provider who recorded it, and that the method was verbal. This is available to current patients who prefer not to use the portal settings.
Written Consent (Signed Form)
Provider-recordedYou may sign a written SMS consent form provided by the practice. The provider will record your consent in your patient file, noting the date, the provider who recorded it, and that the method was written. This is available to current patients who prefer a paper record.
By providing your mobile phone number and consenting to SMS delivery through any of the above methods, you explicitly consent to receive text messages from Northwest Psychiatry LLC at the number you provided. You may withdraw this consent at any time (see Opt-Out Instructions below).
Opt-In Confirmation
Upon opting in, you will receive a confirmation message that includes the Northwest Psychiatry LLC brand name, a statement that message and data rates may apply, help contact information, opt-out instructions, and frequency disclosure.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on your use of the practice and client portal.
You may receive up to approximately 4–8 messages per month, depending on:
- ›Number of portal sign-in attempts (each generates one verification code)
- ›Number of scheduled appointments (one reminder per appointment)
- ›Practice-wide administrative notifications
You will not receive more messages than necessary, and no marketing or promotional messages are sent through this program.
Message & Data Rates
Message and data rates may apply.
Standard message and data rates charged by your mobile carrier may apply to each text message sent or received through this program. Northwest Psychiatry LLCdoes not charge for text messages, but your carrier’s standard rates (per message or per MB) may apply depending on your texting plan. Check with your carrier for details on your messaging plan and any applicable rates.
Notification Preferences
Once you have opted in to SMS, you can fine-tune which messages you receive and when. All preferences are managed in the client portal under Settings → Appointments and Settings → Privacy.
Appointment Reminder Slots
Five reminder time slots are available, each independently toggleable for email and SMS:
- ›3 days before the appointment
- ›24 hours before the appointment
- ›Morning of the session (07:00 ET)
- ›2 hours before the appointment
- ›1 hour before the appointment
SMS reminder toggles require prior SMS consent. If you have not opted in to SMS, the SMS toggles are disabled and only email reminders are available.
SMS Notification Categories
After opting in, you can toggle individual SMS notification types on or off:
- ›Appointment reminders — reminder texts before scheduled sessions
- ›Appointment confirmations — confirmation texts when appointments are booked or changed
- ›Admin alerts — practice-wide administrative notifications (off by default)
Login Email Notifications
You can toggle email alerts for each successful portal sign-in on or off in Settings → Security. These are sent via email (not SMS) and help you monitor account access.
All preference changes take effect immediately. A confirmation banner appears in the portal after saving. You can reset to defaults at any time.
Opt-Out Instructions (STOP / HELP)
You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time using the following methods:
STOP — Unsubscribe
Reply STOP to any text message from Northwest Psychiatry LLC to unsubscribe from all SMS messages. You may also use the keywords UNSUBSCRIBE, END, QUIT, HALT, or CANCEL.
After opting out, you will receive one final confirmation message stating that you have been unsubscribed and will receive no further messages. You will continue to have access to email notifications and the client portal.
HELP — Assistance
Reply HELP to any text message from Northwest Psychiatry LLC for support information, including how to contact customer support and how to opt out. You may also text INFO or SUPPORT.
All Withdrawal Methods
You may withdraw consent at any time using any of the following methods. All methods produce a dated, timestamped withdrawal record in your patient file.
- ›Reply STOP to any text message from the practice (also accepts UNSUBSCRIBE, END, QUIT, HALT, or CANCEL)
- ›Sign in to the client portal, navigate to Settings → Privacy, and toggle the SMS consent card to opt-out
- ›Call us at (360) 342-6445 and request removal from SMS
- ›Email us at Nicholas.Eddy@northwestpsychiatry.org to opt out
- ›Tell your provider during an appointment that you wish to withdraw SMS consent (provider will record the withdrawal in your file)
Opting out of SMS does not affect your right to receive email notifications or your access to the client portal and telehealth services.
Help & Customer Support
For questions or assistance regarding the SMS program, please contact Northwest Psychiatry LLC using any of the following:
Northwest Psychiatry LLC
Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC
Our support hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time. For after-hours emergencies or mental health crises, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Carrier Liability Disclosure
Carriers are not liable for any delayed or undelivered messages.
Northwest Psychiatry LLC and its messaging service providers are not responsible for messages that are delayed, intercepted, or not delivered due to factors beyond our control, including but not limited to: carrier network outages, mobile device issues, full message inboxes, number changes, or service plan limitations. If you do not receive an expected message, please contact us using the methods above.
Privacy Policy
Your use of the SMS program is also governed by our Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your information — including specific provisions about SMS text messaging data and consent.
As stated in our Privacy Policy, your mobile information and text messaging opt-in consent will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
Eligibility & Age
The SMS program is available to current clients and prospective clients of Northwest Psychiatry LLC who have provided a valid U.S. mobile phone number. You must be at least 18 years of age to opt in to SMS, or have consent from a parent or legal guardian if you are a minor client.
This program is available to subscribers of major U.S. wireless carriers. Compatibility depends on your carrier and mobile device.
Changes to These Terms
Northwest Psychiatry LLC reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to this page. The effective date at the top of this page will be updated accordingly. Continued use of the SMS program after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.
Material changes to message frequency, program scope, or your rights will be communicated to active SMS participants via text message or email prior to taking effect.
Contact Information
For any questions about these Terms and Conditions or the SMS program, please contact:
Northwest Psychiatry LLC
Nicholas Eddy, PMHNP-BC, Privacy & Compliance Contact
These Terms and Conditions are specific to the SMS text messaging program and do not replace our Practice Policies or Privacy Policy & HIPAA Notice.
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