Terms of Service
Balanced Bites OT
Effective Date: March 1, 2026
Introduction
Welcome to Balanced Bites OT! By using our website (www.balancedbitesot.com) and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (the "Terms"). Please read these Terms carefully before using our website or services. If you do not agree to these Terms, please discontinue use immediately.
Services Provided
Balanced Bites OT is a pediatric occupational therapy practice specializing in feeding therapy and sensory integration for children starting at 12 months of age. Our website provides information about our services, scheduling options, educational content, and communication tools. We offer in-home and telehealth occupational therapy services in Orange County, California.
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old, or the parent/legal guardian of a minor client, to use our services. By using our site or booking services, you confirm that you meet this requirement and have the legal authority to consent to services on behalf of your child.
Effective Date
These Terms are effective as of March 1, 2026. We may update these Terms from time to time, and your continued use of our website or services after any such updates constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. We will post the revised Terms on this page with a new "Effective Date."
Jurisdiction/Governing Law
These Terms will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law provisions. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Orange County, California in all disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms.
Link to Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms, explains how we collect, use, and share your personal information. You can read our Privacy Policy here.
Intellectual Property
All website content, including text, graphics, logos, images, designs, educational materials, and resources, is the property of Balanced Bites OT or licensed to us. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our materials without prior written consent.
Educational resources and handouts provided to clients during therapy services are for personal use only and may not be shared publicly or used for commercial purposes.
Website Use and Rules of Conduct
You agree to use our website and services in a lawful and appropriate manner. You agree not to:
Use the site for unlawful purposes
Post or transmit any unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable content
Post or transmit any content that infringes the intellectual property rights of others
Use our website or services to harm or exploit minors
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
Interfere with or disrupt the security, performance, operation, or availability of the site
Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the site
Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity
Medical Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
Medical Disclaimer
Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this site should not replace consultation with qualified healthcare providers. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider, including your child's pediatrician, regarding medical concerns or before making decisions about your child's health or treatment.
Information shared on this website about feeding therapy, sensory integration, and child development reflects evidence-based practices but is not a substitute for individualized assessment and treatment.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Balanced Bites OT and Teresa Cao, MS, OTR/L shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from:
Your use of our website or services
Any errors or omissions in website content
Interruption or cessation of services
Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data
Third-party conduct or content on the website
The information on our website or services is provided "as is" and without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained on our website or services.
SMS Terms & Conditions
By opting into SMS communications from Balanced Bites OT, you agree to receive text messages related to:
Appointment reminders and scheduling updates
Service updates and important notifications
Client care follow-ups
Practice announcements
Messaging frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
To opt out at any time, reply STOP
For assistance, reply HELP or contact teresa@balancedbitesot.com
Your phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. See our Privacy Policy for details on how we handle your information.
Use of SimplePractice for Scheduling, Documentation, and Billing
We use SimplePractice, a third-party practice management platform, to provide secure scheduling, intake forms, clinical documentation, billing, and communication. When you provide information through SimplePractice, your data is also governed by SimplePractice's terms and privacy practices.
You can view SimplePractice's Terms of Service here: https://www.simplepractice.com/terms-of-service
You can view SimplePractice's Privacy Policy here: https://www.simplepractice.com/privacy-policy
Balanced Bites OT is not responsible for SimplePractice's independent practices or policies. By using our services, you agree to SimplePractice's terms in addition to ours.
Appointment Policies
Scheduling
Appointments are scheduled through SimplePractice or by contacting teresa@balancedbitesot.com. All appointments are subject to availability.
Cancellation Policy
Clients must provide at least 24 hours advance notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice, or missed appointments without notice, will result in forfeiture of that session from your quarterly package or a cancellation fee equivalent to the full session rate for individual appointments.
Exceptions may be made for emergencies, illness, or extenuating circumstances at the discretion of Balanced Bites OT.
Late Arrival
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to a scheduled appointment, the session may need to be shortened or rescheduled to accommodate other clients.
Third-Party Links
Our website may include links to third-party websites, including educational resources, professional organizations, and recommended products or services. We are not responsible for the content, practices, policies, or accuracy of information on third-party websites. Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk.
User Restrictions and Termination
We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our website or services for any reason, including but not limited to:
Violation of these Terms
Abusive, threatening, or disrespectful behavior toward staff
Providing false or misleading information
Any conduct we deem harmful to our practice, staff, or other clients
Confidentiality and HIPAA
As a healthcare provider, Balanced Bites OT is required to protect the confidentiality of your health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Our privacy practices are detailed in our Notice of Privacy Practices, which you will receive at your first appointment.
You acknowledge that communication via email, text message, or other electronic means may not be completely secure. While we take reasonable precautions to protect your information, we cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted electronically.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
Balanced Bites OT
Teresa Cao, MS, OTR/L
Email: teresa@balancedbitesot.com
Website: www.balancedbitesot.com
Location: Orange County, California
Acknowledgment
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.