Privacy policy.
Effective Date: January 1 2025
At Inward Counselling, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and other applicable privacy laws in Ontario, Canada.
1. Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information only as necessary to provide counselling and related services. This information may include:
Name, address, phone number, and email address
Date of birth
Health and medical history relevant to counselling
Session notes and treatment plans
Payment and billing information (if applicable)
Any other information voluntarily provided by the client
2. Use of Personal Information
We use personal information for the following purposes:
To provide counselling and mental health services
To assess and develop treatment plans
To communicate with clients regarding appointments and services
To process payments and invoices
To meet regulatory and legal obligations
3. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties. Personal information may only be disclosed under the following circumstances:
With the client's explicit consent
When required by law (e.g., court orders, mandatory reporting)
When there is a risk of harm to the client or others, as per professional ethical guidelines
To comply with regulatory requirements for health professionals
4. Security of Personal Information
We take appropriate measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include:
Secure electronic records with encryption and password protection
Confidential handling of paper records
Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only
5. Client Rights
Clients have the right to:
Access their personal information
Request corrections to their records
Withdraw consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of their information (subject to legal and ethical limitations)
File a complaint if they believe their privacy rights have been violated
Requests regarding personal information can be made by contacting us directly.
6. Retention of Records
We retain personal information for the period required by law and professional standards. Once this period has expired, records are securely disposed of.
7. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact us.
8. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or our practices. Any updates will be posted on our website, and the effective date will be revised accordingly.
By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.