Client Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

At Empowered to Thrive Counselling Services, we are deeply committed to protecting your privacy, dignity, and trust. Your personal health information, your story, and your journey matter — and so does your right to confidentiality. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information, in accordance with the standards of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004) .

1. Confidentiality & Informed Consent

Your privacy is central to the therapeutic relationship. In line with CRPO and OCSWSSW regulations:

Confidentiality: Everything you share in counselling sessions remains confidential, unless you provide informed, written consent for disclosure.
Informed Consent: Before beginning services, you will be provided with clear information about your rights, the limits of confidentiality, and how your information is collected, stored, and shared. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide written consent before counselling begins.
Client Rights: You may withdraw or modify your consent at any time. Your decision will always be respected.

2. Limits to Confidentiality

While we honour your privacy, there are rare situations where we are legally and ethically required to share information without your consent. These include:

If there is reason to believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others.
If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or older adult.
If your records are required by court order or subpoena.
If disclosure is otherwise required by law.

Whenever possible, we will discuss these circumstances with you before any information is shared.

3. Collection, Use & Disclosure of Personal Health Information

Collection: We collect only the information necessary to provide safe, effective, and culturally responsive counselling. This may include your contact details, health history, mental health concerns, and relevant personal information.
Use: Your information is used solely for the purposes of assessment, treatment planning, and the delivery of counselling services.
Disclosure: We will not share your information with any third party without your express consent, except as outlined under the limits to confidentiality. If you choose to involve family members, other health providers, or community supports in your care, your written consent will be obtained first.

4. Express Consent

Your express consent (written or verbal) is required before releasing your information to anyone outside of Empowered to Thrive.
You have the right to specify what information can be shared, with whom, and for how long.
You may withdraw consent at any time.

5. Privacy & Security Practices

PHIPA (2004) & HIPAA Compliance: We comply fully with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004).
Secure Records: All client records are stored securely, whether electronic or paper, and are only accessible to authorized professionals directly involved in your care.
Retention & Disposal: Records are retained in accordance with CRPO and OCSWSSW regulations, and securely destroyed once the retention period ends.

6. Your Rights as a Client

As a client, you have the right to:

Access your personal health information and request corrections if needed.
Be informed of how your information is used and shared.
Ask questions and receive clear, respectful answers about this policy at any time.

Our Commitment

At Empowered to Thrive, we believe that trust is the foundation of healing. We are honoured to walk alongside you in your wellness journey, and we hold your privacy with the utmost care and respect.

If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please reach out to us directly. We are here to ensure that you feel safe, respected, and empowered at every step.