PRIVACY POLICY

Commitment to Privacy

As a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, I am committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal health information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) Standards of Practice.

This policy explains how your information is collected, used, stored, and shared.

Collection of Personal Health Information

I collect personal health information directly from you or from someone you have authorized. This may include:

• Your name, date of birth, contact information, and emergency contact.

• Health history and relevant medical or psychological information.

• Details you share during therapy sessions that relate to your care.

• Billing and payment information.

Use of Personal Health Information

Your information is used only to:

• Provide psychotherapy services.

• Maintain accurate clinical records.

• Communicate with you regarding appointments and services.

• Process billing and payments.

• Meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Confidentiality & Limits

Everything you share in therapy is confidential, except in situations where disclosure is legally or ethically required, including:

• If there is reason to believe you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or others.

• If there are reasonable grounds to suspect abuse or neglect of a child.

• If records are required by court order or legal authority.

• If required by law under PHIPA or other legislation.

Storage and Security of Records

• Records are stored securely in password-protected devices.

• Only the therapist has access to your clinical records.

• Records are retained for at least 10 years after the last date of contact (or 10 years past a client’s 18th birthday if they were a minor at the time of treatment), as required by CRPO standards.

• After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

Electronic Communication

Please note that email, text messaging, and other electronic communication may not be fully secure. These methods should be used only for scheduling or general inquiries. Sensitive or clinical matters are best discussed directly in session.

Your Rights Under PHIPA

You have the right to:

• Access your clinical record (with some exceptions as outlined in PHIPA).

• Request corrections to your personal health information.

• Withdraw consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your information (subject to legal and professional limits).

• Ask questions or raise concerns about how your information is handled.

Informed Consent

Before beginning therapy, all clients are required to review and sign an Informed Consent Form. This document explains:

• The nature of psychotherapy and what to expect.

• Your rights and responsibilities as a client.

• My responsibilities as your therapist.

• Confidentiality and privacy matters in full detail, including the limits of confidentiality as required by law and professional standards.

By signing the informed consent, you acknowledge that you understand these points and agree to proceed with therapy.