Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 08, 2023

Introduction

This Privacy Policy outlines how we (O.W.L. Counselling Services) collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with applicable laws in Ontario, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to safeguarding your personal information while providing quality psychotherapy and counselling services.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Personal Identification Information: Name, contact information, date of birth, and any other details you provide during your initial consultation or throughout your therapy.

  • Health Information: Details regarding your mental health history, current symptoms, treatment plans, and any relevant medical information.

  • Session Records: Notes and records created during your sessions, including assessments, treatment progress, and other related documentation.

2. Purpose of Collection

Your personal information is collected for the following purposes:

  • To provide you with psychotherapy and counselling services.

  • To maintain accurate and up-to-date records of your treatment.

  • To communicate with you regarding your appointments, treatment progress, and any changes to your care.

  • To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

3. Consent

We obtain your consent to collect and use your personal information, either verbally or in writing, at the time of your initial appointment. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual obligations.

4. Disclosure of Information

We will not disclose your personal information to third parties without your explicit consent, except in the following circumstances:

  • When required by law (e.g., court orders, subpoenas).

  • To protect your safety or the safety of others (e.g., if there is a risk of harm).

  • For billing and administrative purposes, with your consent.

5. Security of Information

We take appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against loss, theft, and unauthorized access. This includes physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards. All records are stored securely, and access is limited to authorized personnel only.

6. Retention of Information

Your personal information will be retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. When your information is no longer needed, it will be securely destroyed or anonymized.

7. Accessing Your Information

You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate. Requests should be made in writing and will be processed in accordance with applicable laws.

8. Contracted Professionals and O.W.L. Counselling Professionals

Without limiting or affecting any other part of this Privacy Policy, by receiving services through O.W.L. Counselling Services, you agree that: 1) O.W.L. Counselling Services may use Contracted Professionals to assist in delivering services, 2) the Contracted Professionals may, themselves, be subject to other privacy legislation, such as PHIPA, and 3) the Contracted Professionals may: a) use Personal Information collected from O.W.L. Counselling Services, its employees and third party service providers for the purposes of assisting O.W.L. Counselling Services in delivering their services, and b) provide O.W.L. Counselling Services, its employees and other third-party service providers with Personal Information that the Contracted Professionals have received in the course of their duties.

By receiving partnership services, you agree that: O.W.L. Counselling Service Health Professionals may, a) use Personal Information collected/received from our partners, O.W.L. Counselling Services, its employees and third-service providers for the purposes of assisting O.W.L. Counselling Service Health Professionals in the delivery of the partnering services, and b) provide our partners, O.W.L. Counselling Services and other third-party service providers with Personal Information that O.W.L. Counselling Service Health Professionals have received from you in the course of their provisions of services. O.W.L. Counselling Services requires Contracted Professionals and O.W.L. Counselling Service Health Professionals to enter into written agreement(s) with us under which they agree to abide by applicable law (including PHIPA, as applicable), this Privacy Policy and other related policies and procedures.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes and encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact the Chief Privacy Officer by phone: 705-477-4069 or by email: info@owlcounsellingservices.ca

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described herein. If you disagree, please do not share your personal information with us.