Policies
Cancellation Policy
Please provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule with shorter notice than 24 hours, you will be required to pay the full cost of the missed appointment. If a client typically pays by credit card, their account will be charged for a no-show or late cancellation, and a receipt will be issued to them at their next appointment.
Privacy Policy
In accordance with the laws, professional standards, and ethical codes, any personal health information you share remains confidential. Like most counselling agencies, personal information is collected in order to serve clients.
The primary purpose for collecting personal information is to provide personal counselling. For example, I collect information about a client’s mental health history, including their family history and physical condition in order to help me assess what their mental health needs are, to advise them of their options and then to provide the counselling care they choose to have.
Confidentiality Policy
Under some circumstances, all professionals are legally and ethically bound and free to disclose certain specific and relevant information to appropriate individuals or agencies. Your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent, with the exception of the specific situations outlined below.
(1) I have your written permission or a signed release of information form.
(2) If there is reason to believe that you are in danger of harming yourself or others.
(3) You indicate there is reasonable cause to believe that a child, dependent adult, or a vulnerable elderly person has been abused; or a crime may be or has been committed.
(4) A court orders me to disclose confidential information about you.
For adults, personal health information must be retained for a period of 10 years after last contact.
For children, it is 10 years after they turn 18 years of age. Any personal health information that is stored electronically is protected by appropriate security measures (e.g., PHIPA-compliant software).
After 10 years, your personal information is destroyed in a secure manner that protects your privacy.