Privacy Policy
Barkley Counselling & Psychotherapy is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. Personal health information is collected, used, disclosed, stored, and protected only as necessary to provide social work and psychotherapy services, manage appointments and billing, maintain clinical records, meet legal and professional obligations, and support continuity of care.
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Personal health information is handled in accordance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, and the professional standards of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to help protect information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, loss, or theft.
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Confidentiality is central to therapy; however, it is not absolute. Information may be disclosed without consent where required or permitted by law, including situations involving serious risk of harm, child protection concerns, court orders, regulatory obligations, or other legal and professional duties. The limits of confidentiality will be reviewed as part of informed consent before services begin.
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You may ask questions about privacy practices, request access to your clinical record, request a correction where appropriate, or raise concerns about how your personal health information is handled. Privacy questions or concerns may be directed to Kimberly Paterson, MSW, RSW. If a concern cannot be resolved directly, you may contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
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If you have accessibility needs related to communication, scheduling, documentation, or participation in services, you are encouraged to discuss them so reasonable steps can be explored to support access to care.
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Kimberly Paterson MSW RSWÂ
OCSWSSW# 815377Â
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Barkley Counselling & Psychotherapy does not provide emergency or crisis response services. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis in Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.