Privacy Policy

PrivProtecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information is a fundamental part of psychotherapy services. This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, disclosed, stored, and protected in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and relevant provincial health privacy legislation.

1. Collection of Personal Information

Personal information is collected only as necessary for the provision of psychotherapy services and the operation of the practice. This may occur when you:

  • Contact the practice by phone, email, or online forms
  • Book or attend therapy sessions
  • Complete intake, consent, or assessment forms
  • Use the website

Personal information collected may include:

  • Name, contact information, and date of birth
  • Emergency contact information
  • Health and mental health information relevant to treatment
  • Appointment, billing, and payment information
  • Limited technical data such as IP address or browser type when using the website

2. Purpose of Collection and Use

Personal information is collected and used for purposes including:

  • Providing psychotherapy and related professional services
  • Clinical assessment, treatment planning, and record keeping
  • Communication regarding appointments and services
  • Billing and payment processing
  • Meeting legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations

Information is used only for the purposes for which it was collected, unless otherwise permitted or required by law.

3. Consent

Consent is obtained for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, except where permitted or required by law. Consent may be express or implied, depending on the circumstances, and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal or professional obligations.

4. Confidentiality and Disclosure

All personal and health information is kept confidential and will not be disclosed without consent, except:

  • When there is risk of serious harm to you or others
  • When there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
  • When required by law, subpoena, or court order
  • For regulatory or professional compliance
  • For consultation or supervision purposes, with identifying information minimized where possible.

The limits of confidentiality are discussed as part of the informed consent process.

5. Storage and Safeguards

Reasonable safeguards are in place to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, or modification. These safeguards may include:

  • Secure electronic record systems
  • Password-protected devices and encrypted platforms
  • Locked physical file storage (where applicable)

Records are retained in accordance with professional standards and legal retention requirements in Canada.

6. Electronic Communication and Teletherapy

Email, video conferencing, and online services involve some risk to confidentiality. Secure platforms are used whenever possible. By choosing to communicate electronically or engage in teletherapy, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

7. Website Use and Cookies

This website may use cookies or basic analytics tools to improve functionality and user experience. These tools collect non-identifying information only and do not collect personal health information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

8. Access and Correction

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information

Requests must be made in writing and will be addressed within a reasonable time, in accordance with applicable law.

9. Third-Party Service Providers

Third-party service providers (such as booking software, telehealth platforms, or payment processors) may be used. These providers are selected for their compliance with Canadian privacy and security standards and are only given access to information necessary to perform their services.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.