Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Equinox Therapeutic And Consulting Services Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients’ personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with Alberta and Canadian privacy laws.

We comply with:

• Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of Alberta
• Health Information Act (HIA) of Alberta
• Canadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics
• College of Alberta Psychologists Standards of Practice

Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Name, date of birth, contact information
• Emergency contact details
• Insurance and billing information

Health Information

• Medical and mental health history
• Current symptoms and diagnoses
• Treatment plans and clinical notes
• Information from other healthcare providers (with your consent)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Treatment: Deliver psychological services and coordinate your care
• Process Payment: Bill for services and manage financial records
• Healthcare Operations: Improve quality of care, training, and regulatory compliance

When We Share Your Information

We maintain strict confidentiality. Information is only shared:

With Your Written Consent

We will not share your information with third parties without your consent, except as described below or required by law.

For Treatment Coordination

With your consent, we may share information with other healthcare providers involved in your care.

As Required or Permitted by Law

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Suspected child abuse or neglect (Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act)
• Abuse of vulnerable adults (Protection for Persons in Care Act)
• Risk of serious harm to you or others
• Public health reporting requirements
• College of Alberta Psychologists inquiries

Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your records – Request copies within 30 days
• Request corrections – Ask us to correct inaccurate information
• Know who we’ve shared with – Request an accounting of disclosures
• Request limits – Ask us to restrict how we use or share information
• Confidential communications – Choose how we contact you
• Withdraw consent – Revoke authorization at any time (with some exceptions)
• File a complaint – Contact us or the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta

A reasonable fee may be charged for copying records.

Security Measures

We protect your information through:

• Secure storage with restricted access
• Encrypted electronic systems with Canadian-based servers
• Password protection and multi-factor authentication
• Regular security audits
• Secure disposal of records

All data is stored on servers located in Canada to comply with Canadian data sovereignty requirements.

Record Retention

We maintain records as required by Alberta law and professional standards:

• Adult clients: Minimum 10 years from last service
• Minor clients: Until age 28 (age 18 + 10 years)

You will be notified before records are destroyed and may request copies.

Virtual Services & Telehealth

For virtual psychology sessions:

• We use secure, encrypted platforms
• You’re responsible for ensuring a private location during sessions
• Use secure internet connections (avoid public Wi-Fi)
• Sessions are not recorded without explicit written consent

Informed consent for telehealth services will be obtained before beginning virtual treatment.

Information About Minors

Alberta recognizes “mature minors” who may consent to their own healthcare. For adolescent clients:

• We assess the young person’s capacity to consent to treatment
• Confidentiality boundaries are discussed with both the minor and parents/guardians
• Mature minors may have control over their records
• We may limit parental access when in the best interest of the minor

Confidentiality may be breached if there is risk of harm, as outlined above.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. We will notify current clients of significant changes and may ask for acknowledgment.

This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.