Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Introduction
Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. This Privacy and Confidentiality Policy outlines how we handle, store, and protect your personal information, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including clinical confidentiality standards and the requirements for 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) messaging.
Collection and Use of Information
We collect and use your personal information solely for the purposes of providing you with professional clinical counselling services. This information may include:
- Name, contact details, and demographic information.
- Clinical notes and records relevant to your care.
- Communication history, including messages sent via SMS (10DLC-compliant) systems.
Your information will not be used for purposes outside of your care without your explicit consent, except as required by law.
Confidentiality
As a Clinical Counsellor, I am legally and ethically required to maintain the confidentiality of client information and clinical content. However, confidentiality may be breached under the following circumstances:
a. Risk of Serious Imminent Harm to Self: If I determine there is a substantial risk of serious imminent harm being inflicted by you on yourself.
b. Risk of Serious Imminent Harm to Others: If I determine there is a substantial risk of serious imminent harm being inflicted by you on another individual.
c. Protection of Minors or Vulnerable Adults: If I determine there is a need to protect an identifiable minor or vulnerable adult, consistent with applicable laws.
d. Legal Requirements: If I am compelled to disclose information in accordance with any lawful requirement, such as a court subpoena.
Additionally, I may consult with other professionals to ensure the highest standard of care. In such cases, I will take every precaution to keep your identity confidential or obtain your written consent for disclosure.
Communication and 10DLC Requirements
To comply with 10DLC messaging regulations, we ensure that all text message communications:
- Are transmitted through approved, secure messaging platforms.
- Contain clear and accurate sender identification.
- Are only used for purposes directly related to your care or appointment scheduling.
- Will not be shared with or sold too anyone for any purpose including third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
We take all reasonable precautions to safeguard the confidentiality of text message communications. However, please be aware that text messaging is not entirely secure, and there is a risk that third parties could access these communications. For highly sensitive matters, alternative methods of communication (e.g., phone or in-person meetings) are recommended.
Email Communications
While we may use email to communicate with you for scheduling or other administrative purposes, please note that email is not entirely secure and there is a risk that third parties could intercept or access email communications. For this reason, email should not be used for sharing sensitive or confidential information. If you have concerns about email security, please let us know so we can arrange for alternative communication methods.
Data Storage and Protection
We store client records and communications in secure, encrypted systems that meet or exceed industry standards for data protection. Access to these systems is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: You may request access to your records at any time, subject to applicable laws.
- Correction: You may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw consent for the collection or use of your information, except where such withdrawal would impede the provision of care or is otherwise restricted by law.
- Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our office or the relevant regulatory body.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy and Confidentiality Policy at any time. Any changes will be communicated to you and will take effect immediately upon posting to our website.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us at:
Katie McCloskey, RCC
604-540-3993
[email protected]