Privacy Policy

Owner & Clinical Lead: Natasha Elliott, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

I Help Therapy is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all personal and personal health information entrusted to us. We adhere to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in Ontario, as well as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), to ensure responsible handling of your sensitive information.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to deliver high-quality psychotherapy services. This may include:

  • Full name, address, phone number, and email
  • Date of birth and gender identity
  • Health history and presenting mental health concerns
  • Session notes and clinical documentation
  • Emergency contact information
  • Insurance and billing details (if applicable)
  • Communication history (email, messaging, intake forms)
  • IP address or browser data (for online service usage)

3. How Information is Collected

Information is collected through:

  • Online intake forms and assessments
  • Direct communication (phone, email, secure messaging)
  • Clinical sessions (in person or virtual)
  • Use of scheduling or telehealth platforms (e.g., Jane, Owl, or other secure tools)
  • Website usage analytics (with consent)

4. Use of Information

We use your information strictly to:

  • Provide psychotherapy or counseling services
  • Create and maintain accurate clinical records
  • Communicate appointment reminders or updates
  • Coordinate care or referrals (with your consent)
  • Process payments and insurance claims
  • Fulfill regulatory, legal, or professional obligations

5. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a foundational principle in our work. All information shared in the course of therapy is kept strictly confidential. Your records are stored securely, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Information will not be disclosed to anyone without your written consent, except in the following circumstances as required or permitted by law:

  • If there is an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others
  • If there is suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
  • If required by a court order or legal subpoena
  • If there is a legal obligation to report professional misconduct by another regulated health professional

Outside of these exceptions, no third party will be granted access to your information without your informed and voluntary consent.

6. Consent

By engaging in services at I Help Therapy, you provide informed consent to collect, use, and store your personal and health information for the purposes outlined in this policy. You may withdraw or modify your consent at any time, subject to legal and professional limitations.

7. Storage and Protection of Information

We take the following measures to protect your personal and health information:

  • Use of PHIPA-compliant electronic health record systems
  • Encryption and password protection on all devices
  • Regular system backups and data access restrictions
  • Secure storage of any physical documentation (if used)
  • Use of encrypted video conferencing platforms for remote sessions

8. Third-Party Service Providers

We may use third-party services for scheduling, secure messaging, payment processing, or video conferencing. These providers are contractually obligated to comply with privacy standards under PHIPA and PIPEDA.

9. Retention of Records

Client records are retained for at least 10 years after the date of the last contact. For clients under the age of 18, records are retained for 10 years after the client turns 18. This is in accordance with the standards of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

10. Client Rights

As a client, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal health information upon request
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Withdraw consent for collection or use (subject to legal limits)
  • Ask how your information has been shared

To make such a request, please contact us at admin@ihelptherapy.ca.

11. Website and Digital Privacy

Our website may collect anonymous data such as IP addresses and browser types for functionality and analytics. Cookies may be used to improve user experience. You can adjust your browser settings to manage cookies. We do not use this data to personally identify visitors.

No clinical or sensitive information is stored on the website itself.

12. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or service delivery. The most recent version will always be available on our website. We encourage you to review it periodically.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to request access to your information, please contact:

I Help Therapy
Attn: Natasha Elliott, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Email: admin@ihelptherapy.ca
Phone: (437) 265-2221
Location: Virtual

If you feel your privacy rights have not been upheld, you may also contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at http://www.ipc.on.ca.