Terms of Service
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Emergency Disclaimer
Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness does not provide emergency services. If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. For mental health crises, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Do not use this website or messaging systems for emergencies.
1. Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using the website, services, or telehealth platform provided by Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness ("we," "us," "our," or "Practice"), you ("patient," "user," or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use our services.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas and applicable federal law, including HIPAA.
2. Nature of Services
A. Telehealth Psychiatric Services
Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, therapy, and related mental health services exclusively via secure audio-visual telehealth technology, as authorized under Texas and federal telehealth law.
B. Telehealth Disclosure and Informed Consent
By using our services, you acknowledge and consent to the following:
- You understand that telehealth services involve the delivery of healthcare using electronic communications, which may include video, audio, or secure messaging
- There are potential risks to telehealth, including technology failures, interruptions, or limitations in the ability to conduct a complete physical examination
- You have the right to withdraw consent to telehealth services at any time without affecting your right to future care
- You may be required to be physically located in a state where your provider is licensed at the time of service
- Your provider's credentials and licensure information will be made available to you upon request
- Alternative in-person services may be available if telehealth is clinically unsuitable
C. In-Person Care
Telehealth services may be available depending on your needs and appointment arrangements. Confirm whether an in-person evaluation or referral is appropriate with the practice and your provider.
D. Scope of Practice
Our providers are board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Our services are limited to conditions within our clinical scope. We do not provide primary care, specialty surgical services, or services outside the scope of psychiatric mental health practice.
3. Eligibility and Patient Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years of age, or have a parent or legal guardian who consents on your behalf as permitted by Texas law
- You must be physically located in a state where your provider is licensed at the time of each appointment
- You must have access to a device with internet connectivity, audio, and video capabilities for telehealth visits
- You must provide accurate, complete, and current information about your health history, medications, and identity
- You agree not to use our services if you are in a location where they are not legally permitted
4. Appointment, Cancellation, and No-Show Policy
- Scheduling: Appointments must be scheduled through our booking system or by contacting our office directly
- Cancellations: We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Late cancellations may be subject to a fee
- No-Shows: Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without notice may result in a no-show fee and may affect future appointment availability
- Late Arrivals: Arriving more than 10 minutes late may result in rescheduling at the provider's discretion
- Technical Difficulties: If you experience technical issues preventing your appointment, please contact us immediately at (469) 249-3300
5. Fees, Payment, and Insurance
A. Insurance
We accept certain major insurance plans. It is your responsibility to verify your insurance benefits and coverage prior to your appointment. You are responsible for any copayments, deductibles, or non-covered services.
B. Insurance Parity
Under Texas and federal law, insurance coverage for telehealth services must be provided on the same basis as in-person services for the same service codes.
C. Self-Pay
Self-pay rates are available. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
D. Billing Disputes
Any billing disputes must be submitted in writing within 60 days of the date of service. Please contact us at care@heartlandpsychwellness.com.
6. Prescribing Practices
Prescribing decisions are made solely at the clinical discretion of your provider. We comply with all applicable Texas and federal laws governing controlled substance prescribing. We do not prescribe controlled substances solely based on an online questionnaire or without a clinically appropriate evaluation.
7. Confidentiality and Mental Health Privacy
Your mental health records are protected under Texas law and HIPAA. You have the right to confidential care. We will not disclose your records without your written authorization except as specifically required or permitted by law. Please review our Privacy Policy for full details.
8. Limitations of Telehealth
You acknowledge that telehealth has inherent limitations compared to in-person care, including but not limited to:
- Inability to perform physical examinations
- Potential technology failures or connectivity issues
- Limitations in assessing certain clinical presentations remotely
Your provider will exercise reasonable clinical judgment to determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your care at each visit. If telehealth is determined to be clinically inappropriate, we will assist with an appropriate referral.
9. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability
Our services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by Texas law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud.
In no event shall Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services beyond the amount paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
10. Mandatory Reporting Obligations
Our providers are mandated reporters under Texas law and are required to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. We are also required to take action to protect identifiable third parties from serious and imminent harm, as permitted by law.
11. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved first through good-faith negotiation, then through binding arbitration in Kaufman County, Texas, unless you are asserting a claim that may be brought in small claims court.
You waive any right to a jury trial and any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.
12. Termination of Services
We reserve the right to discontinue care with appropriate notice and referral resources in circumstances including but not limited to: non-payment, abusive or threatening conduct toward staff, repeated no-shows, or misrepresentation of your identity or health information. We will always provide a minimum of 30 days of continued care or an appropriate referral to avoid patient abandonment.
13. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will notify established patients of material changes via email or through our patient portal.
14. SMS / Text Messaging Terms
By providing your mobile phone number through our website chat widget and checking the opt-in consent box, you agree to receive customer care SMS/text messages from Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness PLLC related to your inquiry or service request.
- Program: Customer care and appointment-related communications
- Message frequency: Varies based on your support interactions
- Rates: Message and data rates may apply
- To opt out: Reply STOP at any time — you will receive one confirmation message and no further texts
- For help: Reply HELP or contact us at care@heartlandpsychwellness.com or (469) 249-3300
- Carriers: Supported on all major US carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
SMS opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
15. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact us:
Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness
Email: care@heartlandpsychwellness.com
Phone: (469) 249-3300
These Terms of Service are provided for informational purposes. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. Heartland Psychiatry and Wellness recommends consulting a licensed healthcare attorney for guidance specific to your practice circumstances.