PRIVACY POLICY
Paediatric Mental Health Care (PMHC)

Last updated May 7, 2026

 

1. Purpose of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how this practice collects, uses, discloses, protects, and retains Personal Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and applicable Canadian privacy laws.

We operate exclusively within Canada and do not transfer personal information outside the country.

2. What Personal Health Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide counselling, psychotherapy, and assessment services, including:

  • Name, date of birth, contact information
  • Mental health history and presenting concerns
  • Session notes and treatment plans
  • Billing information (if applicable)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Referring provider information

3. How We Use Your Information

Your PHI is used for:

  • Providing counselling and psychotherapy
  • Treatment planning
  • Communication with you
  • Scheduling and administration
  • Billing (if applicable)
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Preventing or managing serious risk of harm

We do not use your information for marketing.

4. Consent to Collect, Use, and Disclose Information

By receiving counselling, psychotherapy, and assessment services, you provide implied consent for:

  • Collection of PHI
  • Use of PHI for treatment
  • Sharing information with other providers involved in your care (only when necessary)

You may withdraw or limit consent at any time, except where disclosure is required by law.

5. When We May Disclose Information Without Consent

PHIPA allows or requires disclosure without consent in specific situations, including:

  • Risk of serious harm to you or others
  • Child protection concerns
  • Court orders or legal requirements
  • Regulatory college investigations
  • Insurance audits or lawful investigations

Only the minimum necessary information is disclosed.

6. How Your Information Is Stored and Protected

We use administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, including:

  • Encrypted digital records
  • Password protected systems
  • Secure telehealth platforms
  • Locked storage for physical files
  • Limited access for authorized personnel

7. Record Retention and Destruction

In accordance with PHIPA and professional college standards:

  • Adult records are retained for 10 years after the last contact
  • Minor records are retained for 10 years after the client turns 18
  • Records are securely destroyed when the retention period ends

8. Your Rights Under PHIPA

You have the right to:

  • Access your records
  • Request corrections
  • Request a copy of your file
  • Restrict how your information is shared (“lockbox”)

Requests must be made in writing.

9. Privacy Breaches

If a privacy breach occurs:

  • We will take immediate steps to contain it
  • We will notify you as required by PHIPA
  • We will notify the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) when required
  • We will document the breach and corrective actions

10. Electronic Communication

Electronic communication (email, SMS, telehealth) involves privacy risks. By communicating electronically, you acknowledge these risks.

We use secure systems whenever possible.

11. Website Privacy

If you use our website:

  • Contact forms may collect your name, email, and messages
  • Analytics tools may collect non‑identifying data
  • Cookies may be used to improve functionality
  • No PHI is stored in website cookies.

 

12. Third Party Service Providers

We may use Canadian based or PHIPA compliant service providers for:

  • Practice management
  • Telehealth
  • Payment processing
  • Secure email or cloud storage

All providers must meet Canadian privacy standards.

13. Contact Information

For questions or concerns, contact:

Paediatric Mental Health Care
Email: info@pmhc.ca
Phone: 226-448-7553

219 Oxford St., West, Suite 204A,
London, Ontario
N6H 2B8