Your Privacy (Personal Health Information Protection Act PHIPA, Act 2004) & Confidentiality Policy At New Beginnings Counselling:
At New Beginnings Counselling, your privacy is our priority. We comply with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal health information. In certain circumstances, Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) may also apply.
How We Protect Your Information:
- Secure Records: Your electronic record is password-protected and accessible only to your therapist.
- Confidentiality: Information about you, your partner, and/or your family will not be shared with any third party without your informed, written consent.
- Limited Exceptions By law and ethical guidelines, there are rare situations where confidentiality cannot be maintained. Information may be disclosed without your consent in the following circumstances:
- Clinical Consultation: To ensure the highest quality of care, your therapist may consult with an external clinical consultant. Identifying information is minimized whenever possible.
- Risk of Harm: If there is reason to believe you may harm yourself or others, your therapist is required to take steps to ensure safety.
- Child Protection: If there is suspicion that a child under the age of 18 is being abused, neglected, or otherwise at risk, therapists are legally required to report this to the appropriate authorities.
- Court Order or Legal Requirement: If records are subpoenaed or required by law, therapists may be obligated to release relevant information.
Our Commitment We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and trustworthy space for you. Protecting your personal information and ensuring your confidentiality remain at the core of our counselling services.
Disclaimer This policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified professional.