Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

I collect personal health information necessary for providing psychotherapy services. This includes your name, contact information, relevant medical history, presenting concerns, and information shared during therapy sessions. Information is collected directly from you or with your consent. I may also collect information from other healthcare providers with your authorization to ensure coordinated care.

How We Use Your Information

Your personal health information is used to: provide professional psychotherapy services; maintain clinical records; assess and monitor your therapeutic progress; communicate with other healthcare providers when authorized; comply with legal and professional obligations; and improve service delivery. Your information is never used for marketing purposes or disclosed to third parties without your consent, except as required by law.

PHIPA Compliance

This privacy policy complies with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004 and applicable federal privacy legislation including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), I am bound by professional standards governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information. PHIPA establishes rules relating to confidentiality and privacy of personal health information in Ontario. PHIPA requires that personal health information be kept confidential and secure, and that individuals have the right to access and correct their personal health information.

Data Security

I take reasonable measures to protect your personal health information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. All electronic records are stored on secure, encrypted platforms. Virtual therapy sessions are conducted through secure, PHIPA-compliant video platforms. Physical records are stored in locked cabinets, and physical session notes are shredded. I regularly review and update security measures to protect your information. Despite these precautions, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

Under PHIPA, you have the right to: access your personal health information held by me; request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information; withdraw consent for collection, use, or disclosure of information (with some limitations); be informed of any unauthorized disclosure of your information; and file a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. These rights are subject to limited exceptions as outlined in PHIPA.

Consent

I will obtain your express consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal health information, except where permitted or required by law. Consent may be provided in writing, verbally, or through conduct, and may be withdrawn at any time subject to reasonable notice and legal limitations. Informed consent includes understanding the purpose of collection, use, and disclosure, the consequences of providing or refusing consent, and any alternatives available.

Privacy Inquiries

For questions about this privacy policy, your personal health information, or to exercise your rights under PHIPA, please contact me at therapywithhart@gmail.com or 226-542-4302. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may also contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at 1-800-263-2843 or visit their website at ipc.on.ca.

Last updated: May 2026