Protecting Your Private Information
Stride Psychology is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients by adhering to provincial and federal legislation concerning the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information.
Why We Collect Information
We collect information about our clients in order to provide psychological services. For example, we may obtain information about individual’s developmental history, family history, psychological and physical condition, and current functioning to help in conducting psychological assessments and facilitating counselling/coaching sessions.
How We Use and Disclose of Personal Information
No personal information is provided to a third party without your informed and written consent. Exceptions to this policy include the legal, and/or ethical obligations to:
- Inform a potential victim of violence of a client’s intention to harm
- Inform an appropriate family member, health care professional or police, if necessary, of a client’s intention to end his or her life
- Release a client’s file if there is a court order to do so
- Inform child protection agencies (e.g., Family & Children’s Services) if there is suspicion of a child being at risk or in need of protection due to neglect, or physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Report a regulated health professional who has mistreated a client to the professional regulatory body
How We Protect Personal Information
We understand the importance of protecting personal information. For that reason, we have taken the following steps:
- Paper information is either under direct personal supervision or secured in a locked cabinet in a locked, restricted area.
- Electronic information is either under direct supervision or secured in a locked area at all times.
- Passwords are used on computers.
- Paper information is transmitted through sealed, addressed envelopes or boxes by reputable companies (i.e., Canada Post).
- Electronic information is transmitted either through a direct line or is anonymized or strongly encrypted.
