Privacy Policy – Parsons Therapy

This document outlines Parsons Therapy’s privacy practices regarding the collection, use, disclosure, storage, and protection of your personal health information (PHI), in compliance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

1. Who We Are

Parsons Therapy is a multidisciplinary clinic providing psychological, social work, therapeutic, and related healthcare services. Our team includes regulated health professionals and administrative staff. We may work with consultants or service providers who may have limited, supervised access to personal health information.

2. What is Personal Health Information (PHI)?

PHI includes identifiable information about you and your healthcare. Examples:

Name, contact information, birth date
Health history, diagnoses, medications
Session notes, assessments, and treatment plans
Insurance or billing details

3. Collection and Use of PHI

Parsons Therapy collects PHI to:

Assess your healthcare needs
Provide treatment and related services
Communicate with you about care and appointments
Invoice or coordinate with third-party payers (with your consent)

You may also be asked to complete questionnaires to support your care.

4. Consent

We will obtain your knowledgeable consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your PHI, except where otherwise permitted or required by law. You may withdraw consent at any time unless legal or contractual restrictions apply.

5. Disclosure Without Consent

PHI may be disclosed without your consent in the following circumstances, as required by law:

Risk of Serious Harm: If there is reason to believe you are at risk of serious harm to yourself or others.
Child Protection: If there is reasonable suspicion a child under 16 is in need of protection.
Vulnerable Adult Abuse: If a resident of a long-term care home is at risk of harm or neglect.
Sexual Abuse by a Professional: If another regulated health professional is suspected of sexual abuse.
Legal Process: If required by court order, warrant, or subpoena.
Regulatory or Funding Audits: Files may be reviewed by regulatory bodies or insurers.
Missing Persons: If requested by police through lawful authority.

6. Email Communication

Parsons Therapy may use email for:

Appointment confirmations and reminders
Administrative matters (e.g., invoices)
General communication if phone contact is not possible

Email Risk

Not secure or encrypted
Can be misaddressed, intercepted, or altered
May become part of your clinical file if content is clinically relevant

You may opt out of email communication at any time. Email is not used for discussing sensitive health or clinical matters.

7. Virtual and Telephone-Based Services

We provide services via phone and video (e.g., JaneApp), compliant with Canadian privacy laws.

Key Conditions:

Virtual sessions are not recorded without mutual consent
Confidentiality policies apply as with in-person care
You must be in a private, secure location
Public Wi-Fi should be avoided
Services may shift to in-person if clinically appropriate
Consent may be withdrawn at any time

For clients under 18, parental/guardian consent is required for virtual care.

8. Access and Correction of Records

You have the right to:

Access your clinical records
Request corrections to factual information
Request copies (administrative fees may apply)

Requests will be addressed within 30 days. If access is denied, you will receive written explanation.

9. Record Retention and Secure Destruction

Your clinical record is securely maintained for:

10 years after last contact for adults
10 years after turning 18 for minors

Records are stored using PHIPA-compliant systems with encryption and access control. After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

If your clinician leaves Parsons Therapy, your record will either remain with them or securely transferred. A copy may be retained at the clinic.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access your health information
Request corrections
Withdraw consent for non-essential use/disclosure
Decline virtual or email services
File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

11. Contact Information

Parsons Therapy

-8 Mill Street, Stirling, Ontario

-info@parsonstherapy.ca
-613-329-8594
-www.parsonstherapy.ca

You may also contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario:

1-800-387-0073
www.ipc.on.ca

12. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in laws or clinical practices. The latest version will be posted on our website.