As a registered Social Worker in Ontario, I have strict confidentiality laws that need to be adhered to. Details can be accessed through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers website, http://www.ocswssw.org/. You and your child’s privacy are of utmost importance, and we recognize that therapy and counselling services will be far more beneficial if you as the participant feel safe to speak freely without judgement and without concern that your story will be shared without your knowledge and consent. It is important to understand that we are required to keep records safely, but also required to let authorities know if there is risk of harm to either you or those around you.

It is the Client’s responsibility to choose a private place for online sessions without others present and devoid of distractions and ensure that they are using secure equipment and a secure location.

Exceptions to confidentiality:

Confidentiality on the part of Angela Geddes may be waived (under certain circumstances) wherein the Provider is bound by law to report to legal authorities under the following circumstances:

Angela Geddes is required by law to report when;

• The therapist assesses by law that there is a risk of harm to the Client or others;

• The therapist assesses that a child may have been harmed in the past, or that a child is at risk of harm in the present or future. In all cases, the therapist has a legal duty to report this;

• The therapist assesses that there is a risk to the country or threat of terrorism;

• The therapist is bound to report a colleague to their College for professional misconduct; and/or

• The therapist is required to defend themselves against a complaint filed with their College.

• The therapist is required by a court order (subpoena), issued by a judge, this may require the therapist to release information contained in records and/or require a therapist to testify in a court hearing.

  Sharing of Information

  If it is decided between the Client and the Provider to share information for reason of referral or consultation, a formal consent form will be completed and signed in advance by the Client. The Client has the right at any time to withhold or revoke consent. The Provider does not provide completion of forms or letters for employers or for court purposes. Advance notice is required for letters of attendance.

  Circle of Care

  According to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, information may be released to health care providers (“Circle of Care”) who are directly involved in provision of the Client’s healthcare unless the Client directs the Provider in writing not to release such information. In all other instances, written, informed consent is required for information to be released.

  Contact Information

  The Client shall ensure at all times that the Provider has current contact information. It is the Client’s responsibility to let the Provider know if there is any reason that the Provider should not leave a message when contacting the Client by phone.

  Electronic Communications

  Angela Geddes will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of electronic information sent and received, such as emails.

  However, because of the risks outlined below, the Provider cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of electronic communications and will not be liable for improper disclosure of confidential information that is not the direct result of intentional misconduct of the Provider. Thus, Clients must consent to the use of electronic communication that may include Client information. When the Client electronically accepts the Terms of Service, consent to the use of electronic communication is included and the Client agrees with the following conditions:

  • Use of electronic communications to discuss sensitive information can increase the risk of such information being disclosed to third parties.

  • Despite reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and security of electronic communication, it is not possible to completely secure the information.

  • Online services may have a legal right to inspect and keep electronic communications that pass through their system

  • Electronic communications can introduce malware into a computer system, and potentially damage or disrupt the computer, networks, and security settings.

  • Electronic communications can be forwarded, intercepted, circulated, stored or even changed without the knowledge or permission of Angela Geddes or the Client.

  • Even after the sender and recipient have deleted copies of electronic communications, back-up copies may exist on a computer system.

  • Electronic communications may be disclosed in accordance with a duty to report or a court order.

  • Videoconferencing may be open to interception due to lack of user end security and use of Wi-Fi.

  • If email or text is used as an e-communication tool, the following are additional risks: Email, text messages, and instant messages can more easily be misdirected, resulting in increased risk of being received by unintended and unknown recipients; Email, text messages, and instant messages can be easier to falsify than handwritten or signed, hard copies. It is not feasible to verify the true identity of the sender, or to ensure that only the recipient can read the message once it has been sent.

  • While Angela Geddes will attempt to review and respond in a timely fashion to the Client’s electronic communication, the Provider cannot guarantee that all electronic communications will be reviewed and responded to within any specific period of time. The Services will not be used for medical emergencies or other time-sensitive matters.

  • If the Client’s electronic communication requires or invites a response from the Provider and the Client has not received a response within a reasonable time period, it is the Client’s responsibility to follow up to determine whether the intended recipient received the electronic communication and when the recipient will respond.

  • The Client is responsible for following up on the Provider’s electronic communication and for scheduling appointments where warranted.

  • The Provider may forward electronic communications to staff and those involved in the delivery and administration of the Client’s care in the Circle of Care. The Provider might use one or more services to communicate with those involved in the Client’s care. The Provider will not forward electronic communications to third parties, including family members, without the Client’s prior written consent, except as authorized or required by law.

  • Some Services might not be used for therapeutic purposes or to communicate clinical information. Where applicable, the use of these Services will be limited to education, information and administrative purposes.

  • The Client agrees to inform the Provider in writing of any types of information the Client does not want sent via the Services, in addition to those set out above.

  • The Provider is not responsible for information loss due to technical failures associated with the Client’s software or internet service provider.

  Provider-Client Electronic Communication Agreement

  To communicate with the Provider providing the Service, the Client must:

  • Reasonably limit or avoid using an employer’s or other third party’s computer. Inform the Provider of any changes in the Client’s email address, mobile phone number or other account information necessary to communicate via the Services.

  • If the Services include email, the following applies: Include in the message’s subject line an appropriate description of the nature of the communication and the Client’s full name in the body of the message. Review all electronic communications to ensure they are clear and that all relevant information is provided before sending to the Provider. Ensure the Provider is aware that you have received an electronic communication from the Provider, such as by a reply message or allowing “read receipts” to be sent. Take precautions to preserve the confidentiality of electronic communications, such as using screen savers and safeguarding computer passwords. Withdraw consent only by email or written communication to the Provider.

  • If the Client requires immediate assistance, or if the Client’s condition appears serious or rapidly worsens, the Client should not rely on the Services. Rather, the Client should call the Client’s doctor’s office or take other measures as appropriate, such as going to the nearest Emergency Department. (See ‘Crisis and Emergencies’)