Confidentiality and Privacy
The sensitive and vulnerable nature of psychotherapy is built on the understanding that the information that you share in-session is kept secure and confidential. The Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) guarantees your right to privacy and calls for counsellors to uphold the standards required by our governing bodies (CRPO/OCSWSSW). A professional relationship between a you and your counsellor would fall apart without your trust that what you share is kept secure by your counsellor, though there are legally-bound exceptions to this agreement.
The Cornerstone of Counselling
Limits of Confidentiality
The intention to uphold confidentiality and privacy will be consistent and valued throughout the work that you do with your counsellor, however there are a few circumstances where disclosure with a third-party may be necessary:
If your counsellor has reasonable grounds to suspect that disclosure can reduce the imminent risk of bodily harm (physical or psychological) to you or anyone else. This “duty to warn,” is an industry standard that is upheld by all mental health practitioners.
If your counsellor has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is in need of protection from bodily harm or neglect by the person who is charged with their care. This is an essential provision of the Child and Family Services Act, 1990.
If your counsellor receives a legal subpoena/warrant requesting information necessary for legal proceedings or to facilitate an active investigation.
If you are incapacitated, injured and/or unable to provide consent to disclose, your counsellor can reach out to a relative, friend or caregiver.
If your counsellor suspects that another healthcare practitioner has violated a principle of their practice (as mandated by their governing body) and disclosure is necessary to facilitate a complaint.
Keep in mind that our counsellors will endeavour to inform you, if practically possible, before disclosure of your private information takes place.
We are responsible for documenting and storing session notes, assessments, etc. related to the work that they do with their specific clients. This information is stored using PHIPA-compliant client management software, provided by Jane App, where information is stored on Canadian servers according to privacy laws.
Many other healthcare providers work on a “circle of care,” assumption where consent to share with one provider can be applied to other relevant providers. We will get permission from you prior to sharing your information with any other provider.
Storage and Release of Information
Will Anyone Else Know That I’m Seeing a Counsellor?
One of the crucial aspects of counselling is that your attendance remains private and what you share remains confidential. In situations where no risk is involved, your counsellor requires your permission before they share information with anyone else.
In situations where risk is involved (suicidal or homicidal ideation, etc.), your counsellor has a “duty to warn,” to ensure that no fatal harm comes to yourself or someone else. These represent some of the limits to your confidentiality mentioned above.
Otherwise, it’s you and your counsellor!