privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 11, 2023

Who we are

Harnessing Change Psychotherapy (HCP) is focused on bringing quality therapeutic services to Ontarians through the use of telephone and video sessions. We believe that every individual has the potential to be successful in their ever-changing environment.

We follow the requirements set by PHIPA and PIDA for the storage of personal information. We comply with the client’s rights of confidentiality and treatment set by CRPO.

Comments and Contact Information

When visitors use our contact page the information is encrypted and safely travels from the site to our mailbox.

Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)

We are not responsible for your online activity including uploading images or sending comments. We will remove comments or images that we judge to be inappropriate for our site.

When you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website.

Embedded content from other websites

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.

These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

Conflicts of Interests

A conflict of interest is when a therapist becomes aware of any arrangement or relationship where a reasonable person could conclude that the exercise of their professional expertise or judgment may be compromised by, or be influenced inappropriately by, an arrangement or relationship. A conflict-of-interest may be actual, potential or perceived.

Not all conflicts-of-interest are of equal concern. Some situations may be very serious and must be avoided entirely. There are other situations where a conflict-of-interest may develop, but is unavoidable, or not in the best interest of the client to avoid. These situations must be managed carefully.When a therapist becomes aware of a conflict of interest, they will be expected to stop practicing therapy within that context until it is resolved. A resolution may include making those who are required to know of the conflict aware that there is one; may lead to the permanent termination of a client-therapist relationship; and may lead to an investigation by the CRPO.

Gift Card Policy
The gift cards are a set number of sessions for an agreed-upon fee. We refer to this type of purchase as a ‘block purchase’. A gift card is an alternative way for someone to purchase therapy sessions than paying after each visit. The purchaser would not need to be a client in our system. 
 
Payment
It is a one-time fee just like purchasing a Tim Hortons Gift Card. E-transfer or credit card payments are accepted. If a credit card is used, upon request, we can delete the card from our records.
 
Fee
The fee would depend on how many individual therapy sessions are being purchased. Until further notice, a single therapy session is 150$ for 60 minutes. 10 minutes at the end of the session is reserved for administrative tasks and feedback.
 
Information Needed
Unlike a Tim Hortons Card, we will need the first and last name of the intended gift receiver to start an account for them and record that they have a block set of sessions available to them.
If you provide us with their email address we can send them a welcome email to make their accessing their account easy.
 
Services Included with Purchase
An individual can expect the same services that would be rendered if they were to pay for sessions as per usual. For specifics on our services refer to our services page or contact us for a consultation. Only individual therapy is available for block purchase at this time.
 
Possible Events and Resolution:
  • If the rate of an individual therapy session was to increase, an adjustment would be made to the client’s account to allow the client to continue using their gift card and receive the same amount of sessions that were purchased.
  •  If a gift card was to be purchased for someone who may know a current client creating a conflict of interest. In this case, we would inform the gift card user of the conflict as soon as it became known to us. We would then stop therapy. If applicable, we would then offer a change of therapist or a refund to the card purchaser. Otherwise, all parties involved would need to sign a consent to allow the gift receiver to continue treatment with this therapist. 
  • If a client would like to have their gift card reimbursed. Like a Tim Horton’s Card, gift cards are final. There will not be any reimbursement.  This is made clear upon the purchase of the card.
  • Years later, a client’s therapist is working in a different capacity and a client would like to use their gift card. First, when a therapist changes their focus, they would do what they can to contact (emails, phone) cardholders. The cardholders would be informed of future changes and given time to use their card. If the cardholder cannot find time to continue with therapy, they would be offered to continue with a different therapist in the company. If changing their therapist is not a suitable option and they were given a reasonable amount of time to use their card, this will be considered an informed decision and will result in no refunds.
 
Receiving Gifts Policy

We do not accept gifts from clients due to the possibility that this may influence the relationship formed between therapist and client. The best way to show appreciation is to refer our services.

Late Cancellation Policy

We ask our clients to give us 24 hours of notice when an appointment needs to be canceled or rescheduled. Otherwise, it can be difficult for another client to book that time slot.

We tend to be flexible and understanding when there are circumstances that unavoidably create the need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. However, if this becomes a habit, the therapist will likely charge part of the total fee depending on how many sessions were missed. The most we would charge is 50%.

Confidentiality Agreement

Introduction and Limits to Confidentiality

The purpose of this Informed Consent for Telehealth psychotherapy is to inform you, the client, about the process of online psychotherapy services, the psychotherapist and the potential risks and benefits of therapy. 

This consent is an addendum to the Confidentiality Agreement and limits to confidentiality form you, the client, are required to sign before your session.

Limits to Confidentiality

Normally, we would only disclose personal health information with your consent or that of your authorized representative. However, in law, there are a limited number of circumstances where disclosure of personal health information is required without consent. Notable limits to confidentiality include:

  1. If there is reasonable ground to believe that disclosing personal information could reduce or eliminate a person’s risk of bodily harm (physical or psychological harm) including suicide or homicide. If necessary, it may be your practitioner’s professional and legal duty to warn the intended victim to contact relevant authorities, such as the police, or to inform a physician who is involved in the care of the client.

  2. Under the Child and Family Services Act, 1990, identifying information may be shared with appropriate authorities if there is a reasonable ground to believe that a child is in need of protection due to physical harm, neglect, or sexual abuse by a person that has access to the child.

  3. If a practitioner is court-ordered to hand over my files for legal proceedings (e.g. if a practitioner is subpoenaed).

  4. In order to facilitate an investigation or inspection if authorized by a warrant or by any provincial or federal law (e.g. a criminal investigation against our staff or a client)

  5. If you are injured, incapacitated or ill and unable to give consent personally, your practitioner may need to contact a relative, friend, or potential substitute decision-maker on your behalf.

  6. Your practitioner may need to share some of your information with a college for the purpose of administration or enforcement of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (e.g. if a complaint has been made against a practitioner, assessment of Harnessing Change Psychotherapy as part of the Quality Assurance Program; mandatory reporting where you are a regulated health professional and your practitioner has reasonable ground to believe that you have sexually abused a patient/client).

 

Potential Gains and Risks to Therapy

The risks of therapy are limited.

  1. You will be asked to examine your thoughts and feelings which may be uncomfortable or painful at times.

  2. If is it part of our plan, you will be encouraged to make behaviour changes which can be difficult for you or others who expect differently from you.

The benefits of therapy entirely depend on your commitment and application of what you learn.

  1. Therapy can assist you in being more present in the moment’s experiences and accepting those experiences.

  2. It can widen your range of available behaviour and can help you become more flexible in your self-concept (what you think of yourself).

  3. It could also help you commit to behaviours that will lead you to a meaningful life and more easily notice what is important in your life.

  4. As a product/consequence of the work in therapy, you may notice a reduction in symptoms (ex. anxiety, depression, stress, anger) or an increase in self-evaluation (ex. greater self-esteem, improved compassion and, patience).

  5. You may also notice a positive change in your ability to relate with others.

Your Rights as a Client

  • Changes to Treatment. If you have any questions or concerns during therapy, you are more than welcome to ask your practitioner to discuss them. If you feel that you are not responding well to the treatment plan, you are encouraged to tell your practitioner so it may be adjusted to your needs.

  • Termination of Therapy. If you choose to end therapy, your practitioner will understand and can help you get in contact with another therapist if that is what you need.

  • Record Viewing and Alteration. You are welcome to see the records on your case with a written request. Any reasonable changes suggested can be made by crossing it out and initialing it. Records will not be shared with anyone other than the client unless there is written and signed permission to do so by the client (please review exceptions to confidentiality).

  • Personal Treatment. You have the right to demand privacy, safety, and consideration. If you feel that your practitioner was disrespectful, you have the right to tell them so they can examine their behaviour and follow through with the appropriate outcome.

  • Personal Recourse. If you think that you were mistreated in any way, you have the right to have your case investigated. You are encouraged to talk to your practitioner about it to hopefully resolve any miscommunication or misunderstanding. Most of the time conflicts can be resolved with an honest discussion and acceptance of personal responsibility. You can also contact CRPO for further assistance with your complaint. Who can Give Consent

The Health Care Consent Act (1977) states that anyone who wishes to participate in therapy and is over the age of 16 years old can give consent for themselves unless there are reasonable grounds to think they may not be capable. Those younger than 16 years old must be considered to be mature youth and therefore capable of making their own decisions or a guardian must consent on their behalf.

To consent the individual must meet certain conditions:

  1. You must be of a sound mind (not influenced by substances) and not coerced (no one is forcing your decision).

  2. A guardian must provide evidence of their relationship and what authority they have over the decisions made on the behalf of the client. Parents of youth only need to provide evidence of the relationship.

Payment for Services

By signing this form you understand that you can revoke your consent at any time by providing a written request to end services and you agree:

  • To pay the advertised fee after a session (120$ for 50 minutes; 140$ for 80 minutes) or the sliding scale fee.

  • To provide proof of income to qualify for the sliding scale discount (income below 30,000$ will receive a 25% discount on current rates).

  • To pay for the services rendered by either e-transfer  or by credit card.

  • To pay on time. If your account is not paid in full, no other appointments will be booked until your account is settled.

Reimbursement

No reimbursement will be provided for services rendered or for gift cards purchased.

Telemental Health Consent: Maintenance of client confidentiality through technology

  • The practitioner will take extraordinary care and consideration to prevent unnecessary disclosure.

  • Although the internet provides the appearance of anonymity and privacy in psychotherapy, privacy is more of an issue online than in person.

  • The client is responsible for understanding the potential risks of confidentiality being breached through unencrypted email, lack of password protection, or leaving information on a public access computer in a library or internet café.

  • The client is responsible for securing their own computer hardware, internet access points, chat software, emails.

Potential risks of breaching confidentiality

  • Messages could fail to be received if they are sent to the wrong address or if they are just not noticed by the practitioner.

  • Confidentiality could be breached in transit by hackers or internet service providers or at either end by others with access to the client’s account or computer.

  • Clients accessing the internet from public locations such as a library, computer lab, or café should consider the visibility of their screen to people around them. Position yourself to avoid others seeing your screen.

  • Using cell phones can be risky in that signals are scrambled but rarely encrypted.

Jane

Harnessing Change Psychotherapy uses Jane for scheduling appointments, storing client files, and videoconferencing. We also make use of a cell phone for texting and phone calls. For full details on Jane’s privacy policy: [https://jane.app/legal/privacy-policy]

  • Encrypted video calls. The content of the video is never recorded or stored anywhere without your permission.

  • Storage system for your personal health information.

  • Facilitates booking appointments and sharing files

  • Clients have the option to pay for therapy through Jane via Stripe (PCI-compliant).

  • Jane complies with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and all equivalent personal health information protection legislation in Canada.

As a client of Harnessing Change Psychotherapy, you agree to the use of Jane and/or email your therapist to schedule appointments, message, share files, and participate in video calls.

Telemental Health Consent: Maintenance of client confidentiality through cell phone and emails

Phone

  • We do not store your name on our cell phone and therefore we will only respond to texts via email or through Jane during our regular working hours. Responses outside of our working hours are not guaranteed.

  • We reserve texting as a means of communicating with clients regarding the arrangement of appointments and technical difficulties.

  • We are not an emergency service. Texts and calls that express a crisis will always be directed to call 911.

  • If we have a phone appointment, please be aware that unless we are both on landline phones, the conversation is not considered confidential.

Emails

  • Emails through our webpage are entirely confidential.

  • Know that, depending on the content of an email, you may need to wait for an appointment for a full response.

Telemental Health Consent: The responsibility of the client

The therapist will make every effort to maintain your confidentiality, however, you also have a responsibility to maintain your confidentiality and the therapist’s confidentiality

Understand that it is your responsibility to:

  • Know who has access to your computer and electronic information such as passwords.

  • Know if your computer is safe or has been compromised by programs such as key-logger.

  • Be sure that you have fully logged off and exited psychotherapy-related emails and programs.

  • Know that the therapist has a right to their privacy.

  • Know that you must receive permission from your therapist to record your sessions, share their communications with you, or take their picture.

In continuing forward with this form you agree that:

  • If you were to receive personal health information that was not meant for you to see, you will destroy it right away and send a notice to HCP informing them of the mistake. You will not share what you have read or seen with anyone other than your therapist.
Session Etiquette

  • You will find a quiet and protected space.

  • During virtual sessions, the screen will not be visible to others and no one will be able to hear the conversation (unless an arrangement was made with the therapist prior to the session).

  • You will remove (unless it was previously discussed with your therapist) all distractions including but not limited to: phone messaging, texting, calling others, surfing the internet, or emailing.

  • If there is a loss of connection, please call HCP at 705-761-0248. Our therapist will wait for 20 minutes, afterwards, you can assume that the session will be considered canceled. Fees will be adjusted for how much time was spent in the session.

Communication

The client should be aware that misunderstandings are possible with telephone, text-based modalities such as email, and real-time internet chat, since non-verbal cues are relatively lacking. Even with video chat software, misunderstandings may occur since bandwidth is always limited and images lack detail.

Psychotherapists are observers of human behaviour and gather much information from body language, vocal inflection, eye contact and other non-verbal cues. If you have never engaged in online psychotherapy before, have patience with the process and clarify information if you think your practitioner has not understood you well. Be patient if your practitioner asks periodically for clarification as well.

Since asynchronous communication is “not in real-time”, the turnaround time for responding to emails will “lag” a response. Be aware of different time zones as well. The psychotherapist will make every effort to respond to email/booking requests within a 12-24 hour period. Work with your psychotherapist to identify local resources if you have concerns about the timeliness of responses.

Consultation

As responsible Psychotherapists, we take our duty to receive consultation seriously. The information that your therapist will share with their supervisor is kept in confidence and goes no further. The purpose of supervision is to overlook the therapist’s work with clients. In order to provide you with quality services, your therapist would need to share some personal health information with their supervisor. Their supervisor is bound by the same confidentiality duties that we are. For more information about your therapist-supervisor relationship please contact your therapist.

Gains and Risks to Telemental Health

Technology-Assisted Psychotherapy is:

  1. Convenient. You can participate in a meeting from the comfort of your home.

  2. You Can Express Yourself In Many Ways – Text, Audio, Video and More

  3. You Can Start Therapy Right Away

  4. It Can Be Confidential (please see the limits to confidentiality)

  5. It’s Good for People with Social Anxiety

  6. Can support individuals in remote regions or with physical limitations

Psychotherapy & Safe Guards

  1. The distance between psychotherapist and client, and issues related to timeliness.

  2. These risks of concerns for privacy and confidentiality were mentioned above.

Harnessing Change Psychotherapy has selected a chat and video-conferencing account that is encrypted with a PHIPA compliant secure platform to allow for the highest possible security and confidentiality of the content of your sessions. Your personal information is encrypted and stored in a secure manner.

The client is responsible for creating and using additional safeguards when the computer used to access services may be accessed by others such as creating passwords to use the computer, keeping their Email and chat ID’s and passwords secret, and maintaining the security of their wireless internet access points (where applicable). Please discuss any such concerns with your practitioner or Jane Support during your first session so as to develop ways to limit risks.

Alternatives to Technology-Assisted Psychotherapy

Termination & Referrals

Online psychotherapy may not be appropriate for many types of clients including those who have numerous concerns over the risks of internet psychotherapy, clients with active suicidal/homicidal thoughts, clients who are experiencing active manic/psychotic symptoms, or clients who are minors. An alternative to receiving mental health services online would be receiving mental health services face to face with another company.

If at any point during psychotherapy a practitioner assesses that they are not effective in helping you reach your therapeutic goals, they are obliged to discuss this with you which may lead to the termination of treatment. In such a case, they would give you a number of referrals that may be of help to you.

You have the right to terminate therapy at any time. Please feel free to request a referral any time you think a different psychotherapy relationship would be more practical or beneficial for you. If you choose to do so, your practitioner will offer to provide you with names of other qualified professionals whose services you might prefer.

Proxies

The psychotherapist online provides treatment via technology to clients who are legally in a position to consent for themselves to receive mental health services. Clients who are not in such positions include children under the age of consent (age 12 in most cases) or clients who have a legally appointed guardian.

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